How to create a High-School Senior Photo Session that's Completely Unique
The best way to create a completely unique Senior Session is....to be YOU!!! Let your personality shine through. Here are 7 tips for creating a unique and stylish session:
#1) Setting- Know what setting you thrive in: the park, colorful Fall leaves, at the beach, in the snow, on the football field, at the library, on stage, with an instrument, in a 50's diner, in the woods or in the city for example. Some high schools require a yearbook photo taken in the studio in front of a gray or blue backdrop. Which we can totally do but think about the environment you feel the most comfortable in and representative of you for your on-location session.
#2) Clothing- Some girls will wear a tank-top under clothing to easily change out a sweater or a shirt without having to find a room to change. Bring jackets and accessories to change out to completely give you a new look. Make sure clothing is wrinkle-free and does not have large logos and funky patterns (unless that is your "thing" and we'll work a shot or two of those in but bring alternatives). Bring changes of clothes and props in an easy to carry bag or basket.
See below for some more tips on what to wear!
#3) Props -a football, track metals, a Letter you've earned, a musical instrument, your favorite books, a didgeridoo from your favorite trip during your high-school years, your Eagle Scout uniform, something representing your high-school or the College you will be attending, or anything that represents what YOU love, bring it along!
#4) Music- If playing music relaxes you and brings a smile, I'm all for you having your playlist going!
#5) Hair and Make-up- Do take the time to style your hair and make-up for the girls. You can go all out and schedule a make-up artist (I have a couple I can recommend) or if you feel you can do it on your own that's great! Some girls will take Senior photos as a good opportunity as a trial-run for Homecoming or Prom make-up. Hiring someone is not necessary, but is an option.
#6) Purpose of images- have in mind what you will be using your images for: graduation announcements or "thank-you's," creating an album, prints and wall-art or you'd like me to create a personal app of your session for you to share with friends.
#7) Have FUN!- What an exciting milestone in your life! Feel that excitement. I can't wait to celebrate with you and get to know you!
What Should I Wear?!
- Feel free to bring a change of up to 3 outfits. Just keep in mind outfit changes need to be done quickly and if you choose an on-location session a place to change will be limited.
- Coordinate your outfit colors to the environment where your session will be located. Soft colors look great on girls: creams, neutrals or colors that compliment eyes, hair and skin tone. Clean jeans look good on boys paired with a solid colored shirt or collard shirt.
- Avoid loud patterns, clothing with writing on them or large logos.
- Do the bend-over and reach-up test in front of a mirror. Does your clothing flatter your body as you move?
- Choose undergarments that flatter the material of the outfit and not cause lines or bulges.
- You will be able to see shoes, so take that into consideration. Coordinate clean shoes with your outfit. If going barefoot, take the time to make sure toenails look clean and trimmed.
- Nails and hands will also be visible so clean hands/fingernails. For women, nicely polished nails with a light soft color will photograph nicely.
- You will be able to see phones and key's in pockets so I will ask you to empty those.
- Please iron clothing before your session.
- We want to make Senior Sessions as unique to the graduate as possible! Together we will choose the location, plan if there are any activities or props that would like to be incorporated, wear what makes you feel awesome and confident! If you have a cap and gown, bring it! If you want to do some photos in your prom attire, awesome!