Tips For Great Senior Portraits

Check With Us

If you aren't sure, call us and ask BEFORE your session. The only foolish question is the one that goes un-asked.

Communicate

It is VERY important that you tell us what you want out of your session. We DO NOT read minds. We want you to be happy. We cannot give you what you want if you do not communicate what you want to us.

Rest and Grooming.

• If you have a late night, your eyes will show it. Get plenty of rest
• Don't try a new hairstyle.
• And don't have a fresh cut. "Testing" a new style usually results in the person wanting a remake.  Using any color or dye will change the way your hair looks in a photograph.
• A special note to the guys, unless you wear a beard all the time please remember to shave carefully.
  

Clothing

We realize you want to look stylish, but some styles will detract from your appearance, make you look heavier, or draw attention to clothing. YOU are the subject of the image, not your clothes.

• Avoid
  • Bold patterns
  • Plaids
  • Polka dots
  • Floral designs
  • Stripes, especially horizontal
  • Sleeveless shirts or blouses. (unless you want those muscles to show). Ladies, no matter how skinny your arms are, in a sleeveless top, you will think your arms look fat. Something with sleeves is better than you thinking your arms "look fat".
• Big shoulder pads
• Baggy pants or shirts

What looks best in portraits?

• Simple styles with collars
• Solid colors

  Spring and summer - sky blue, khaki, pale green, pink, watermelon, dark peach.

  Fall - Red, gold, deep orange, emerald green, and dark green.

  Blue jeans and khaki pants are great choices for a casual portrait.

• Shirts and blouses without logos (Usually, your eyes go directly to the logo, and not to your face; your face is the most important part of your senior portrait.)
• Do not mix black and white clothing.
• Jeans are ok in context. Remember, portraits tell people about a specific moment in time. They will be remembered for a long time. Dress appropriately.
• If you get sun burned call and re-schedule. Re-scheduling is better than deciding to show up and having to book another session.

What to Bring

You might want to consider one very casual outfit, and one a little more dressy, as opposed to two almost alike. And don't forget your uniform. Some options you might consider:

• Letter Jacket
• Cheerleader Uniform
• Sports Uniform
• Musical Instruments
• Class Ring
• Something personal
  

We encourage you to bring something to personalize your portrait,  these are things that make you, you.

Attitude

• Don't forget your attitude at the portrait. We try very hard to create a fun atmosphere. You won't have to ham it up for the camera, but be sure to smile.
• Relax and have fun. Some people are very uncomfortable in front of a camera. If this is you, just focus on having a conversation with the photographer. Relax. This isn't a test. We'll try very hard to accommodate your apprehension.

Grooming Items and Accessories to Bring

• Comb or brush
• Hair spray
• Makeup ( don't over do it )
• Jewelry ( don't over do it )
• Class ring

Outdoor Shots

• Consider where the session will take place. Outdoor sessions don't always have a place to change in privacy. Sometimes you can go to your car and make a quick wardrobe change; sometimes the car is a 10 minute walk away.
• Your wardrobe for an outdoor portrait should reflect the place you are having your portrait made. Your prom dress won't fit the scenery most of the time.
• Senior portraits, as stated, usually take place in the summer. Texas summers are usually hot. We understand that. Be prepared with a bottle of water and to be rested and ready.