Plan several outfits to bring.

Bring several outfits to your photo session in a variety of colors, not just your favorite color. The photographers will tell you exactly how many changes of clothing to bring between three or four include different styles, such as casual, semi formal, formal or outdoors, so you can take several pictures and get your best shots. Don't forget to consider adding your extra curricular activities.

Remember to bring accessories for all outfits, from shoes to jewelry and hair. Check shoes to be sure they are clean and that both socks match. Check your clothing ahead of time to make sure it isn’t spotted or faded, and transport your outfits on hangers to prevent wrinkles. You want your face, eyes and expression to command attention, not the words on your shirt so keep clothing simple. If your not sure about a color or clothing piece, bring it with you as you never know it may work well with a location, background, or mood of the session.

Give consideration to color.

Solid colors are recommended for most or all outfits. Colors that go well with a medium or dark background for close-ups include medium or dark tones of green, brown, rust, wine or blue. Darker shades tend to make people look slimmer. Try not to wear flesh-tone or neutral colors such as beige, tan, pale peach or light pink, or gray, as these can dominate the picture and make you look washed out. Ivory and white look elegant as well, please base it on your complexion.

For outside spring and summer colors of sky blue, pale green, watermelon and dark peach to complement the outdoor setting. For fall, consider wearing red, gold, deep orange, emerald green, dark green and anything rich in color.
 

Be comfortable

When deciding on your outfits, pick out something that you and your body will feel comfortable in and accentuates your best features. Turtleneck tops look best on people with long necks. Round and square faces look good in a square-neck top, while thin faces or pointed chins are attractive with rounded-neck tops.
 

Apply makeup normally.

Apply your makeup as you normally look daily, but bring your makeup with you and let the photographer know you have it. If the photographer feels you need a touch more blush or eyeshadow, we will let you know.

Avoid glitter or sparkly anything it tends to reflect the flash and leaves white spots. Also avoid too much lip gloss. It can also leave white spots from the flash or make you look like you’re drooling.
 

Bring powder.

If you have it, bring along some translucent powder. While in real life, a bit of shine to the face gives you that “dewy glow,” it unfortunately can look like “too much glow” in photos. Your photographer can direct you if you need to dab some powder on your forehead or nose.
 

Look like a million bucks.

Getting senior portraits done is not the time to leave your hair uncombed. Also, avoid experimental hairstyles. In general, friends and family prefer to remember you as you looked most of your senior year, not just during the period when you had your pictures taken.
 

Get a haircut at least a week in advance to give your hair a chance to adjust and look natural. Girls having their hair styled for a formal picture can, of course, wait until the photo session day to get their hair done, but they should practice with their hair stylist beforehand so there are no surprises on picture day. A fresh shave for guys is recommended, and mustaches or beards should be neatly trimmed.

Don’t worry about blemishes.

Don’t worry about a blemish or bruise. We have retouching options to get the most attractive portrait possible. Keep in mind retouching can slow the process of your portraits.
 

Don’t worry about braces.

Your braces are a part of the high-school “you” and shouldn’t be avoided or hidden. However, if they really bother you, or you only wore them a short time, most photographers can digitally “erase” them for a fee. Ask your photographer ahead of time about this option.
 

Stay away from tans.

Don’t overdo the tanned look. For one thing, it looks unnatural. For another, your pictures could reveal peeling skin or a cherry-red nose.
 

Help your glasses avoid glare.

Grab an old pair of glasses or your back up pair with scratched lenses perhaps, pop those lenses out to avoid glare from the light. If you don't have an old or extra pair you can ask your optometrist to borrow a pair of frames that most resembles your usual glasses.
 

Make sure your hands are presentable.

Like shoes, hands can show up in some of your favorite poses, so be sure to take the time to make them presentable – guys should trim their nails, and girls might need to touch up their manicure.
 

Practice your facial expressions.

Before you go to the photo shoot, practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror at home. You can try various smiles, serious but relaxed looks, and animated expressions for action shots.
 

Personalize your photos with props.

Bring favorite props to the shoot, such as sports equipment if you are a team player or fan, musical instruments, or hobby items. If you are planning a photograph with your vehicle, make sure it is cleaned and polished to perfection.

Usually you can even bring your pet to appear in some of the shots with you.
 

Bring someone with you.

Bring a friend if that person can help make you relax. That person can also help with clothing changes and “double check” you while you’re being photographed to make sure your clothing hasn’t taken a turn for the worse or that your hair hasn’t come all undone.

Only take the photo if you’re feeling your best.

When the big day comes, if you’re not feeling your best due to a bad cold or too little sleep, call and reschedule your session. We understand how important it is to look your best.