The Senior Experience

Style guide

 

Hey There!

I'm so excited for your upcoming

session One of the things that can ensure a terrific experience is taking the time to discuss and plan your styling well in advance of your session.  This page will guide you through some of the most important tips I can offer!  

 

Outfit Tips

LET'S show your personality

 

Tip 1

Be comfortable


While fitted clothing can look amazing, it can also cause a few complications.  During your session you want to feel confidant and overly fitted clothing sometimes has the opposite effect-in the back of our minds we are worrying about whether its too snug, or bunching up.  Also, overly fitted clothing does not allow for movement-during your session we will be sitting, kneeling, squatting, leaning, walking, lying down-all movement that can be troublesome with snug clothing.

Tip 2

Add

Layers


In the colder months (fall +Winter), adding layers always looks stunning in portraits.  Think scarves, denim or leather jackets, or even dress it up a bit with a blazer.  This add dimension to photos and allows up a variety of looks.  Even in Spring or summer,  having removable layers like a denim jacket over a cute sundress gives us variety. Have a letterman jacket?  Bring it!

Tip 3

Play with Textures


Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered "over-the-top", but in portraits they are the best!  Consider layering textures while you are planning your outfits.  For example leather +cotton make a great pair, as do denim + cotton!

Textures also include Accessories!  

Stacks of bangles or necklaces, statement pieces, hats, or even a variety of shoes for one outfit.  All these can make a difference in your photos and, most importantly, allow you to show off your personality!


 

And The Most important Tip

Mix it up!

 

When Planning outfits, you want to make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks.  Choose from these categories and you can't go wrong: casual, cozy, dressy, school related, sports related, preppy or edgy.

I recommend choosing 2-3 of these categories and then planning outfits head-to- toe! This provides a beautiful array of looks during your session, so each outfit looks dramatically different!

 

Senior Inspiration Board

 

Need a little help with ideas?  check out my Senior Inspiration Pinterest board filled with outfit suggestions-Its a great starting point to get the creative juices flowing!
Pinterest Inspiration

Trending styles

For the gents

  • Wearing a suit/blazer


  • Car/truck/tractor photos


  • Sports images


  • Jeans + T-shirt with favorite kicks


  • Urban setting



  • Country setting


 

For the ladies

 

  • Long flowy/statement dresses


  • Pantsuit


  • babydoll dresses


  • sports images



  • Nature/ country/flowers

 

Hair & Make-up/Grooming

For the gents

Good Grooming is not just for the ladies!


Refrain from getting a new haircut the day of or a few days before your session!  Make sure to tidy up any facial hair you may have or have a fresh shave!  If you tend to have quick hair grow-plan to shave right before the session if you want a fresh shaven look! A good rule of thumb-Moisturize anything that may show (arms, legs, ankles, face) the night before and the day of your session.  Last but not least-Make sure to give your nails a good scrub and clip before your session.

 

For the ladies

 

The current trend for senior portraits is focused on a more natural you-makeup but not overly done.  At the end of the day, how you style your hair and makeup is ENTIRELY UP TO YOU, but there are a few things to keep in mind- A little blush, mascara and lipstick/gloss go a long way- make sure to bring a small make-up bag with you for touchups.

Make sure to moisturize the night before and the day of the session.  If you use spray tan, make sure to schedule an appointment a day or two before your session so the tan has time to wash off and even out.

Don't ignore your hands and feet-ensure you have well-manicured nails and toes-it's not unusual to kick off shoes for a photo or two, especially in nature settings!