15 Tips for Nailing Your Senior Portraits

My Top Tips for Senior Portrait Sessions

Congratulations on approaching the end of your high school journey with graduation right around the corner! Your senior portraits are an exciting opportunity to capture this significant milestone, and I have some essential tips to ensure your senior portraits are successful and enjoyable.

Firstly, outfit selection is crucial for your senior portraits. Bring multiple options to the session, choosing outfits that reflect your personality and fit well with the shoot’s location. Avoid loud patterns and logos that distract from your face. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that complement your skin tone and enhance your features.

Give those expressions a trial run in the mirror! It might feel funny, but finding your go-to smiles and smirks ahead of time means you’ll be way more relaxed for the real deal. It will help you feel more natural and less forced with your expressions on the day of your portrait session!

As for striking a pose, it’s all about that comfy, natural look that screams ‘you.’ So, have a little fun practicing some poses at home. It’s like a personal runway show with just the mirror, or you can make it a giggle-fest with a buddy. Either way, it’ll make your senior portrait session feel like a breeze. Here’s a portrait session of my friend Jaki to help give you some pose ideas!

Accessorizing should be minimal to keep the focus on you. Choose classic jewelry over trendy pieces to ensure your portraits remain timeless. When it comes to makeup, aim for a natural look that enhances your features without overpowering them. And remember, your photographer can expertly edit any blemishes, so there’s no need to worry about minor skin imperfections.

Your hairstyle should reflect you, and avoid the temptation to experiment with new styles right before the shoot. For guys, scheduling a haircut a week before the session allows your hair to settle into a more natural look.

Skip the heavy tanning! We want your natural glow to shine in your portraits, not an over-the-top tan that could leave you looking more citrus than sun-kissed. If you plan to hit the tanning bed or get a spray tan, do so at least a week before your session!

Let’s tackle that pesky glasses lens glare. Consider snagging some frames without lenses or chat with your optician about removing them for the shoot. They’re usually pretty cool about it, just be sure to give them a heads-up well in advance!

Consider the details, like ensuring your hands and nails are well-groomed since they may feature in some shots. Also, practice your poses and facial expressions to feel more confident in front of the camera.

Props can add a personal touch to your senior portraits, so feel free to bring items that highlight your interests or hobbies. And don’t hesitate to bring a friend for support and to help you relax during the session.

By following these tips for senior portraits, you’ll be well-prepared to create memorable and meaningful images to celebrate this pivotal moment in your life. Relax, enjoy the process, and get ready to capture the essence of your senior year! Reach out when you’re ready to schedule your session.