With schools across the nation wrapping up their summer breaks, incoming college freshmen preparing for their first days away from home while their workforce entering counterparts adjust to adult life, a new crop of rising high school seniors are readying themselves to take their rightful place at the top of the high school food chain.

Pomp and circumstance is still months away, and the pressures of applications, exams, and thank you notes aren’t really a thought yet.  Right now, what is important is the anticipation of the chill under the Friday Night Lights, and all things “Senior Year,” including, for many, their official senior photo shoot.

My calendar is filling with excited teens who may not yet feel comfortable getting in front of the camera, but who look forward to seeing images that make them feel like a star.  That’s what I strive for in my sessions.  I want my “kids” to have fun, let go of their insecurities, and to get the chance to see themselves as I see them.  But before their big day, I always get the same questions.  What do I wear?  What do I bring?  How do I prepare?

My suggestions are a little different for my girls than my guys.  Today I will tackle the ladies’ concerns, after all, ladies first, right?  Who said chivalry is dead?

 

 

 

PREPPING FOR THE SHOOT:

Before we tackle the question of what to wear, and what to bring, there are a few tips I like to give my girls to help them look and feel their best on the day of their shoot.

 

1.  This one may seem like an unnecessary  luxury, but PLEASE have your hair and make up professionally done.  I find that  not only does it make a huge difference in the eventual quality of the pictures, but it enhances the overall experience for the senior as well.  They have time to relax and be pampered before their shoot, and maybe even feel a little like the rock star they’re about to become.  Just tell your stylist that you want you want to be an enhanced version of yourself, without any drastic changes.  I want my girls still to look like themselves… but I LOVE what fake eyelashes and a soft lip does for their faces in a photograph.
2.   Speaking of hair… please have yours trimmed, but don’t cut it the day of the shoot.  A week or so before is a good time guide to go by.  While you’re at it, ask your stylist to shape up your eyebrows.  You don’t want them to go crazy there either… remember, I want you to look like YOU.  And don’t forget to take care of any roots from past highlights or fun with color you may have had!
3.   Many senior sessions are scheduled in late summer and early fall.  Beware of tan lines and sunburns!  If your session is in winter or spring, please avoid spray tans and self tanners.  They tend to give off an orange, oompa-loompa type glow to the skin.  I love them on stage for performers under bright lights, but they usually just don’t have the same effect in a photograph.
4.   Speaking of skin… moisturize and drink plenty of water for a healthy glow.  Do avoid applying moisturizers with SPF on the day of the shoot though.  I don’t know why, but they tend to add shine to the skin on camera.  Oh, and get a good night’s sleep the night before the shoot to avoid those dreaded dark circles and red eyes!
5. Your hands also are seen in my photos, so please trim your fingernails.  If you have them painted, take care of any chips, and avoid overly bright colors.  Neutral colors usually work best; I am a big fan of french manicures.
6. I will try to be aware of our shooting conditions and prepare accordingly, but I encourage you to do the same.  If the weather is super hot, bring water, a can of hairspray and a wide tooth comb, your make up bag for touch ups, and a towel to pat beads of sweat.  If it’s cold, bring a blanket, scarves, etc.  We can always use those as props and accessories, as I will talk about next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRESS AND PROPS:

The first thing I tell my seniors is that I want them to feel good in whatever they choose to wear.  If they feel pretty, they will look pretty.  I do not limit outfit changes in my sessions, and even carry onto location a huge changing pop-up tent for privacy, but I ask my seniors to remember that multiple changes do cut into shooting time, so balance is key.  Still, my motto for outfits is that it is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, so I encourage bringing a variety of looks.

Rules are made to be broken, but I suggest a few good guides regardless of outfit.

1.  Different colors look better on different people, so I usually chat with my seniors individually about what looks good on them, but I love colors that POP in a photograph.
2. It is also important to consider location and the time of year of your session when choosing the colors of your outfits.  The green backgrounds of spring and summer are the perfect backdrop for bright colors, and rich colored backgrounds are perfect for white clothing.  As the leaves turn to shades of fall, I like to suggest muted earth tones for an autumn look, and if we are ever fortunate enough to shoot in snow, any color, even white works well.
3. Generally solid colors photograph better than attention grabbing patterns on tops or dresses.  Patterns can be muted down with a solid color jacket, and can be added for a fun pop with accessories such as scarves.

 

 

The “looks” my seniors choose is up to them, but I like for them to paint a picture of who they are at this stage of their lives.  I tend to suggest three themes.

1.  Classic Romance:  Picture refined styles, or dresses that twirl and flow (If your dress moves, I WILL have you swaying and spinning in circles).  Consider timeless looks in solid colors, and bring a variety of shoes in different heel heights.  Chances are, if it is warm, I will have you kick them off in a few shots.

 2.  Casual “High” Fashion:  Think a graphic T-shirt and dark or colored jeans and heels… or a cute romper with wedges.   If it is cold, think leggings, boots, and an oversized sweater.  I have recently started collaborating with my seniors on Pinterest so that we can share ideas on looks we like.  This look is your chance to express yourself!

 

Accessories I recommend for these two themes are similar and include but aren’t limited to:  floppy hats; sun glasses; chunky earrings; bracelets; necklaces; and shoes of all shapes and styles.  I love to have accessories that we can use as props to add action to my photographs.

 

3.  Defining The Year:  For this third look, I ask my seniors, “Who are you, NOW?  What defines you in this year?”  These outfits should define their hobbies and activities.  It might be a uniform, a jersey, or a dance costume.  I generally like to shoot this look at their high school, if possible, or at least a location that is meaningful to them.

Accessories for this look include, but aren’t limited to:  letterman’s jackets; class rings, artwork; instruments; cleats or tennis shoes (to contrast with the heels); pon-poms; bows; and sports equipment such as bats, gloves, balls, nets.  Even cars aren’t off limit.

 

Senior Sessions are special to me, because I love building relationships with the seniors I photograph, and I cherish celebrating this unforgettable milestone in their lives.  I hope that the time I spend with them will be just one of the countless happy memories which defines their last year in high school. This one, a memory that can be revisited without having to depend only on the pictures in their mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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