Welcome to an exciting chapter of your high school journey! This is going to be such an amazing experience for you! Your senior photos are not just pictures; and it's definitely not just something for the yearbook (although a nice benefit). 

Your senior portraits are a reflection of your unique personality and accomplishments. To ensure an unforgettable experience and stunning results, follow this ultimate guide to prepare for your senior photo session. Don't worry, we'll have a detailed planning session so we can plan all the details together, but this will give you a headstart!

1. Choose Your Style:

• Explore my portfolio to get a sense of my style. Make sure it matches YOUR style so you know you're both in sync. 
• Share your vision and preferences. Are you into modern, magazine-style images, or do you prefer a classic look?

2. Wardrobe Planning:

• Select outfits that make you feel confident and reflect your personality.
• Easy ways to get a variety of colors is to bring a light outfit, a dark outfit, a pop of color and your last outfit is a wild card!
• Consider a mix of styles – casual, formal, and something in between.
• Avoid busy patterns and logos, as they can be distracting.
• Avoid ill-fitting clothing. Clothing that is too big on you and doesn't fit correctly or fitted will "add weight..." and clothes that are too tight will not allow you to move freely which will limit the poses you'll get to do. 
• When in doubt, keep it simple!
• Give considerable thought to destructed denim. I know it's the "in" thing and trust me, I love it! But these images will be with you a lifetime and likely will be on one of your walls for many years!

3. Hair and Makeup:

• Stay true to you. This isnt the time to try new styles ect. Loose waves, soft curls, or straight looks photograph best. You want your images to be about you as a person, not your outfit or hairstyle. 
• For makeup, you will love having professional makeup done. It will give your images the pop they need and give your images a gorgeous finished look without being overdone. 

4. Location Scouting:

• Work with your photographer to choose locations that resonate with your personality. I have TONS OF FAVORITE locations, so just tell me what you like and what you're after. I promise I have a spot for that!
• If you have specific spots in mind, share them with your photographer.

5. Personal Things you want to Include:

• Bring props that represent your interests – sports gear, musical instruments, or anything else that tells your story.
• Don't forget sentimental items like a cherished book or an heirloom accessory.

6. Skin Care and Grooming:

• Prioritize skincare in the days leading up to your session for a radiant complexion.
• Groom nails and eyebrows, and consider a fresh haircut if needed.
• Guys, chapstick, chapstick and more chapstick!

7. Relax and Be Yourself:

• Trust me. I'm here to help you capture the best side of you. 
• Relax, enjoy the experience, and let your personality shine through.

8. Posing and Expression:

• You do not need to know how to pose. We're all not models, and this is my job to guide you thru poses from head to toe, that will be flattering and realistic for you. 

9. Communication with Your Photographer:

• Keep an open line of communication with your photographer throughout the process and please let me know if anything we've planned for your day is changing, so I can allocate time accordingly. 
• Discuss any concerns or specific shots you have in mind.

10. Weather Considerations:

• Be prepared for unexpected weather conditions. Bring an umbrella or consider rescheduling if necessary. We do get quick pop up storms and no big deal...IF YOU'RE PREPARED!

11. Backup Essentials:

• Pack a small emergency kit with essentials like tissues, a water bottle, and a small snack.

Remember, your senior photos are a celebration of you! Follow these tips, and you're sure to have an amazing experience and a stunning set of images to cherish for a lifetime. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to me!