As it is the first month of the year and as I am prepping + planning for this upcoming spring, where most of my seniors tend to book their orange county senior portraits, I thought I would share some little preparation for my senior girls! 🙂
Seniors, this is such an exciting time in your life and it’s the photos you and your family will be looking back on for many years from now. As your senior portrait photographer, I always aim to make sure you are comfortable, look your best, and show who you are as an individual. I hope these little tips on outfits and more help make that happen, even before your session starts!
Be comfortable! I typically suggest staying away from top that are super tight for your mid-section/tummy area. Many of us ladies are always worried about that area and making sure it looks okay. With leaving the tight tops at home, this will help ensure you are comfortable, relaxed, and stress free!
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Add layers! This helps create a whole new look with out really changing!
How about patterns or bold clothing? Although patterns and bold clothing can be tricky, they can really make your portraits stand out! Stick with patterns that are subtle and colors that are not too bright/bold.
Play with texture! You might not think that certain textures will look good on camera, but they do! They really POP in portraits, make it look more valuable, and avoids from looking dull! A few great textures to incorporate would be lace, sequins, and fur!
Don’t be afraid to accessories! I am not typically a jewelry person, but for photographs the more the better! It’s best to bring more than you need instead of not enough! Earrings, bracelets, statement necklaces, scarves, headbands, flower crowns, hats, bring it all! 🙂 (Keep in mind, only bring the stuff that speaks more of your personal style! We don’t want you looking like someone you are not)
Have fun with variety! Mix up your outfits! If you are more of a casual gal, bring it along (we can still keep mom happy by having those accessories on)! Then bring an outfit that is more on the fancier side! We ARE celebrating those 12+ years of school that you are about to accomplish!! It’s an exciting time and it’s always fun to dress up! Don’t be afraid to be “too fancy!” The fancier, the better! 🙂
Get pampered!! This is huge! I HIGHLY recommend hiring a professional hair and makeup artist! I am not saying this to go spend more money. I am saying it for these reasons:
They are trained to know what looks best when photographed. (Your makeup WILL look a little more darker or “more” in person, but it will look AMAZING on camera)
You will have less stress. Getting ready for your outdoor senior portraits are enough stress. You are setting a time that works, getting outfits together, and just adding your own hair + makeup on your to-do list will just add more stress! Hiring a professional will help make you be less stressful and you get to be pampered for an hour before the shoot! Who doesn’t love that!?
Down below are two examples of one photo with out professional makeup (they did their own) and with. In person, both of their professional makeup looked like A LOT and more dramatic, but in reality, the camera just captures more of their natural features that get popped out with the professional makeup 🙂
(Makeup by: Allie Jackson at Merle Norman)
SIDE NOTE: If you can not afford to hire a hair stylist and/or makeup artist, you will be okay!! It is totally understandable, you and/or your parents have a lot to pay for this time in your senior year! With that being said, just make sure you go a little heavier on your makeup. Add those false lashes + a pop of lipstick, if possible! It will make a HUGE difference! 🙂
Don’t forget those nails! I always say no nail polish is better than chipped nail polish! 🙂 With some poses, your hands will be by your face and everyone who sees your photos has a chance of seeing your nails. Keep the nails at a french manicure or light colors! Just remember to stay away from bold, bright, or patterned nails (it can distract the eyes from your face and go to your nails instead).
I hope these little tips help you prepare just a little more for your session! 🙂 So excited to help capture your beauty + this exciting time in your life!
XOXO,
Shelby Danielle
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