For most Seniors, your Senior portraits are the first of many milestones in the final year of high school. Before you know it you will be buying prom outfits and planning graduation parties. This milestone is not one to be missed, especially for your parents. As much as some of us hate getting our picture taken, it’s important to capture this special time in your life.
Here are some easy steps to prepare you for your Senior Portraits
Being in front of a camera isn't easy for most people. Including myself. So I have put together a list to make it easy for you to prepare and know what to expect. This way when you arrive at your location you will be at ease and able to enjoy your session.
1. What are the best locations for portraits?
We are so incredibly lucky to live in an amazing state with such majestic views. Most of my Senior clients want mountains in the background. And there are countless views for us to choose from. Such as Chautauqua, Roxborough State Park, Red Rocks, South Valley Park and so many more. If you are mountain adventurous Maroon Bells, Mount Evans, Brainard lake, Mount Falcon, and Sapphire Point are among a few of the epic locations. Urban locations are popular as well. Rino Arts District has incredible murals. Downtown Denver has awesome architecture. Old town Arvada and Golden provide the small town feel with historic buildings.
So how do you pick? Can you pick more than one? It all starts with a good old fashion conversation...oh man we have to talk? Yeppers. It can be on the phone, on Zoom, or in person. But this is how I discover what is important to you and where I will make suggestions based on what we talk about. Two locations come with Senior sessions and most will choose both mountains and urban.
A few more clothing tips. It is best to keep your clothing visually simple. If you are naturally loud in your fashion we just need to choose the right location to fit you. Wild prints can be really fun. I prefer only one wild outfit for your session and like to use urban settings to bring out your flair. A couple of other tips: avoid large logos, coordinate your undershirt & undergarments with your outfit. If your outfit calls for a strapless bra, please bring one. Tucking or moving straps won't always work.
Color is important. Solid colors and mellow patterns look best in portraits. Darker colors are more slimming. Flesh tones tend to wash you out. You don't want to blend into the background so picking colors that contrast or are highlighted in your background will be more visually pleasing. For instance, wearing rust at Roxborough will make you stand out from the grasses and trees but bring the color of the rocks to the foreground. Natural settings call for textured fabric and seasonal colors.
The most important thing about what you wear is that you must be comfortable. If your pants are too tight, your dress is too short, anything like that will throw you off. It's like a chink in your armor and you need your clothes to help you feel confident. We want badass Senior portraits! Make sure your clothes are your style, your fit, and leave you ready to slay!
2. What do I wear?
The age-old question can be just as hard as where to go. You can have as many outfits as you like. But I will be honest, 3 looks are the perfect amount of variety. Here is a basic breakdown.
- Nice outfit. This one is for your parents, so it can't be skipped. If you have a suit, that will look great in an urban setting. No suit? No problem (I don't have one either, haha). A nice button-down shirt and sweater combo is a great example of a "nice outfit". A cute dress, skirt and top combo and pants and a nice blouse are also good options.
- Casual outfit. Jeans and a button-down are a classic choice. You can even have a favorite (matching) t-shirt underneath. Layering with a jacket can add variety. Jeans, shorts or a skirt and t-shirt are a great casual look. Add a jean jacket, bulky sweater, or shawl for a few options.
- Your outfit. This one should be the easiest to pick. What's your favorite outfit? Quintessentially you are what I am looking for.
Still not sure what to wear? Check out the link below for this year's looks.
3. Next let's talk about faces and hair.
Longer hair.
Let's start with hair. If you like having a blowout, this is the right time to get one. This goes back to feeling your best. Personally, that's not my style and so I recommend for those in the same boat, to amp up the style you know best. It's not the time to try a tik tok updo or crazy braid. You should look like yourself. If you experiment on the regular, try out a new style multiple times before the big day. And keep in mind that it gets windy in the afternoons, so make sure your style will look good a little windblown.
Short hair.
Don't get a haircut the day before portraits, especially if you wear your sides short. Typically a 1 or 2 on the sides needs about a week before it looks natural and less military cut. Try not to use too much product. Hair should move naturally. If you have a couple of different styles or usually wear a hat. Let's chat about how we can incorporate your different looks.
Facial hair
If you shave, do so before your session. A fresh shave will give you confidence. Even consider going to the barber and treating yourself. Guys can get pampered too and it's not uncool anymore.
Hands & Teeth
Make sure your fingernails are clean and trimmed. Your hands will be in the pictures. Teeth, brush, and floss them. Enough said.
Makeup
As for makeup. You do want to go a little bit heavier on the cover-up but make sure you blend it well. If you have a blemish, don't put a lot of makeup on it. It is easier to fix if the skin around it is more natural looking. Stay away from sparkly and glittery eyeshadows, powders, and blushes as they will make your skin look blotchy. Natural lips or lighter lipsticks look better and stay away from the high gloss. If you have uneven skin tone, don't worry it can be fixed in post. And mascara, if it is clumpy IRL it will look even more so in the photo. That is one thing that is nearly impossible in post. So get a new tube, try it a few times before photo day, and don't over-apply. If you are not sure about what to do or need help, ask. I know many talented makeup artists who are more than happy to help you get ready for your big day. And you are worth it! If you are an au natural girl like myself, concealer under the eyes, powder to keep the shine down, brown mascara, and a neutral eyeshadow will add a little pop but still keep you looking like you.
Acne
It sucks and happens to most young adults. Don't change your skincare routine to close to your portrait session. That can lead to more drastic issues. Try not to stress as that only makes things work. It is easier to fix in post if the skin is all the same tone so don't try to cover it up too much. If you are concerned I can recommend some wonderful makeup artists to help you feel your best.
4. Glasses
If you wear glasses, you should include those in your portraits. Glasses can cause reflections with the flash to appear in the portraits. I suggest you either buy or borrow a pair of suitable frames without lenses. This will help to prevent glare and reflections from the glass. Or you can ask your optician to remove the lenses from your frames for the photo session. Most optometrist offices will do this for you at no charge, but give them plenty of notice so there is no rush. If you must wear your glasses lenses in, just make sure they aren't transition lenses.
5. Bring props!
Props are a great way to personalize your portraits. Think sports equipment, musical instruments, or favorite hobbies. Varsity jackets, guitars, yoga gear, ballet shoes, cowboy hats, your dog, or even your car. Think outside of the box with items like sheet music, your favorite book, or even your favorite food (we can go to your favorite Pho restaurant). It's best to bring up your ideas before the session so I can brainstorm unique ways to incorporate your passions.
6. Bring a friend
One way to make it a little more comfortable being in front of the camera is to bring a friend. They can help you relax, bring up inside jokes to get the real laugh and be in charge of making sure you look your best. Your bestie will have no qualms about pointing out when you need to fix your hair or making sure your outfit is perfect. Being relaxed is essential and having a friend can help you achieve that goal.
7. Speak Up!
I am not a mind reader especially if we don't know each other well. If you don't like a pose, a location, just say so! These are your portraits and you should be 100% satisfied. I can't fix it if you don't say something, so holler at me!
A few last words. This is your portrait session, be unapologetically you! Don't be afraid to communicate, ask for suggestions and help. And let's have fun!
Your photographer and guide,
Sara Kirkendall
Call or text 303.350.7125
Email lifeinportraitsphotography@gmail.com
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All portraits posted on social media by Sara Kirkendall and Life In Portraits are copyrighted. Please do not copy, download, screen shoot or remove watermark. If you love this portrait as much as I do, please be honest and pay for it.
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