Senior Session Style Guide
My senior sessions are completely tailored to you and my goal is to make you feel amazing the whole time you are in front of my camera. I will be in close contact with you before your session to help you find the right location for your session along with the perfect clothing options and accessories.
Session Tips
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1. Be on time. When you arrive late to your session, you end up losing out on time in front of the camera. If you will be traveling from out of town, give yourself some extra time for traffic or if you happen to get lost.
2. Incorporate your own style. By choosing a wardrobe you feel good in your natural personality will shine through, resulting in beautiful and natural images . Read through my wardrobe tips before choosing an outfit but make sure that your overall look is uniquely you.
3. Add a few props. Your photos should tell a story so if you play sports or have a hobby that’s important to you, bring in a few props that we can incorporate into your photos. Dogs welcome as well.
4. Relax and enjoy. I'm here to help you look and feel great. During the editing process skin will be touched up as much or as little as you want. If you have any concerns or requests about certain skin touch ups please let me know. All images are hand edited by myself
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5. Feeling alittle nervous to be in front of the camera? It't totally ok-Bring your favorite music or better yet a friend to help get the laughs rolling!
Location
If you love the outdoors, we will take advantage of the golden hour when the light is soft and warm-this is usually after 6 pm depending on the time of year. There are countless possibilities once you step outside for locations. Choose from a beautiful garden, an open field filled with wild flowers or the waters edge.
If you prefer a more urban feel-let's take it downtown! Not only will you be able to take advantage of the natural light but you’ll have many interesting backdrops to choose from. Downtown Appleton or Green Bay is always a fun location. If there is a special location that is a-little further then Green Bay or Appleton your dreaming of lets talk about travel!
Bring a friend and some of your favorite songs if you want-lets get some fun laughter going! Pets are welcome as long as someone is along to handle them while we are shooting and of course the location we are at allows them.
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Styling
-Before you come for your session, put a few outfits together that you can bring along to your shoot. The more varieties you have the better as it gives us more options when selecting backgrounds and putting together looks for your session. Keep in mind we will be going through a variety of poses for your session including-standing, sitting and laying so make sure you can do these things in your outfits. Feel free to text me pictures of your outfits if you are unsure.
-You will need to change during your session so it helps if your outfits are already organized on hangers when you get to your shoot. Having everything ready to go will also ensure that you get more time in front of the camera.
-Your clothing should flatter your body type so you are comfortable and feel confident in what you are wearing. For example, don’t wear a tank top if you’re self-conscious of your arms.
-Earthy and neutral tones are my favorite for photos because they don’t take away from you or the background, but I also love a good bold outfit especially for down town-bright pink heels, leather jacket or whatever your craving to have some fun!
Pinterest has tons of ideas if you type in earthy tone outfits, color palettes or fun senior outfits. Of course I can send ideas as well!
-Glasses-I can reduce and sometimes eliminate glass glare. If you have tinted or thick lenses, it can affect the way your eyes look in the camera. In such a case, most optometrists are willing to loan eyeglasses without the glass for your portrait session, or some sets of glasses are easy to pop out the lenses.
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-Please avoid any shirts with logos or writing on if possible
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Cap & Gown Session
If your session is a cap and gown session...styling is easy bring your cap & gown! And lets get creative!
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For the ladies
Flowing skirts and heels make for great photos but there are a multitude of clothing and shoe combinations that work really well too. It’s all dependent on what you feel comfortable in. Try your outfits on prior to your session to ensure you like the way they look and fit and also allow you to be able to move around comfortably. Make sure you have at least one outfit that allows you to be able to sit on the ground and knee down.
Make sure that your nails look neat for your session and nail polish is not chipping and toes are neatly painted.
Jewelry and accessories can really help tie an outfit together!
Make sure that your undergarments won’t show through your outfits and that you have a strapless bra available if necessary.
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A cute pair of jeans paired with a top is a fun low key outfit to allow for some poses you may not be able to do in a dress-tie it together with some fun sneakers or heels.
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Tanning-Be cautious when tanning prior to your session! You may have a noticeable red or orange tone in your portraits if you are sunburnt or have a heavy tan.
Add layers, this can be adding a jean jacket or cardigan, a cute boho hat, belts to compliment your dress and jewelry.
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Hair & Make-up
Many of my clients often ask me whether it’s necessary to use a professional hair stylist and makeup artist and I highly recommend it but is totally not necessary. Make sure you are working with someone who has experience in doing hair and makeup so that your makeup matches the rest of your body-nobody wants two toned skin.
When you use a professional to help you with your hair and makeup, you’ll not only benefit from their skills and experience but their professional products too. A professional will also know what works best with your face shape and complexion.
Bonus, having your hair and makeup done will also be one less thing for you to worry about on the day of the shoot and makes you feel amazing!
If you would still prefer to do your own makeup, I recommend that you apply a makeup a bit heavier in order for it to show in the photos but make sure it is blended well. If possible, avoid makeup that contains SPF because it may give a shine to your skin. With that being said, you can always opt for a translucent powder to help control the shine. Also remember to keep your mascara looking smooth and not clumpy.
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Bring extra hair spray, bobby pins and a brush just incase touch ups are needed to your hair. Wear it down for the first half of your session and switch it to a playful pony tail for the last half-all great options.
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For the guys
If you have longer hair, it’s important that it stays out of your eyes during the shoot.
Try staying away from gym shoes and flip flops. Bring a pair of casual and dressier shoes along that you can interchange.
A cleanly shaven face makes for much better photos.
Avoid shirts that feature graphics
A simple button down shirt whether short or long sleeve is an easy way to add a dressier look
Add a plain coordinating shirt underneath your button down to change it up or a vest for some layers
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