Planning your session
Most Seniors bring between 2-3 outfits. Bring a dark shirt that is solid for your yearbook photograph.
You may choose to bring one casual outfit and something dressy. Solid colors work best keeping the
attention to the face.
Soft medium tones (dark red, forest or olive green, indigo blue, plum) and neutrals (white/ivory, black,
gray, khaki, beige or brown) work great for outdoor portraits. Darker colors tend to be more slimming,
and lighter colors tend to highlight. Very bright colors or patterns can work for the "High-Key" (all white)
background or a "personality shot".
Avoid sleeveless or short sleeve shirts if you are concerned with how the arms photograph.
(These can make you arms look heavier!).
Bring appropriate shoes and socks (or hose) for each outfit. Casual outfits in denim or khaki even
look great barefoot! Also remember other accessories, such as ties, jewelry, hair items or sunglasses.
Iron or press clothing and put on hangers if appropriate.
Choose clothing tastefully. Belly rings, crop tops, too low or high-cut shirts/pants, short shorts & suggestive
clothing will not be photographed.
Hair & MakeUp
Your hair and makeup should be done before you get here, but bring along some stuff in case you need touch-ups. Soft, blended eye makeup and a medium shade lipstick photograph better than dramatic or dark makeup. Even if you don't normally wear makeup, some liquid foundation is recommended, and facial powder is essential! If you are doing high contrast black-and-white, darker makeup is appropriate.
Don't forget your fingernails & toenails! You don't need an all-out manicure, but make sure you don't have chipped or worn nail polish. Guys should bring a comb or brush and some hair gel, and do not wear a baseball cap to the studio! If you shave, do it a little while before your session to ensure a close shave but avoid razor burn. Also consider bringing some facial powder-this can eliminate shiny skin.
Don't plan your session too close to the day you have your hair cut. If you get a haircut, do it one week before your session. This is not the time to try a new haircut or style! Girls look great with their hair down around chin or shoulders, but if you wear it pulled back, do not do it too tight. Keep in mind weather conditions if your hair is temperature sensitive and bring appropriate products.
Glasses
If you wear glasses all the time, you should plan to wear them in your session, so you look like your usual self. However, they can reflect a glare from light inside the studio or outdoors. Certain prescriptions can also make the size or shape of your eyes appear distorted. Here's what we suggest: You can wear your frames without the lenses-either have your optometrist take the lenses out for the day (do not drive a car like this!) or borrow a sample pair of frames. If wearing frames without lenses is not an options for you, we can try to adjust lighting to minimize glare. Finally, we can do hand retouching if glare does appear on your final prints (there is an extra charge for this).
Props
We encourage you to bring a pet, a friend, sports equipment, trophies or uniforms and musical instruments. It's also very relaxing to have someone with you at the studio for "moral support," and to help you change outfits. This can be a parent, another family member or a close friend. Feel free to include this special person in a pose or two!
If you would like your portrait taken with your car or a large animal, we have designated park locations available, or we can come to your location (travel fees apply).
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