Planning Ahead – Seniors

Planning Ahead – Seniors

Session Planning

When making your appointment, you must know how many outfits you would like to be photographed in so we can allot the proper amount of time for your session.

Consider who will receive the portraits—parents and grandparents tend to prefer a more formal photograph, whereas your friends and significant others will want photos that reflect your personality.

Also consider what senior portraits mean to you—to some it means the accomplishment of graduation, so a cap & gown portrait would be fitting. To others, senior portraits are a reflection of their school years so uniforms, letter jackets, awards and props showing their activities are best.

Looking Your Best

  • The yearbook pose should be fairly formal. Check with your school to find out if there are specific requirements. We recommend a suit or sport coat with a shirt and tie for men, and a solid color sweater or blouse for women. Low cut or sleeveless shirts or dresses are discouraged.
  • Solid colors look best. Avoid large, bold prints in formal portraits.
  • Make sure to bring complete outfits, as some poses will be full-length.
  • Make sure to bring clean, complementary shoes for each outfit.
  • Inspect each outfit before the day of your session. Check to make sure each article of clothing is pressed, free of stains or snags, and no buttons or closures are broken or missing.
  • Make sure hands and nails are clean and trimmed. If using polish, the more natural color, the better. This goes for feet too, especially in sandals or casual barefoot poses.
  • Keep jewelry selections modest. Less is more!
  • Hair and make up should be kept natural. Make up can be slightly darker than your everyday look for photographs.
  • Avoid tan lines or sunburns. Limit sun exposure the week before your session.

Environmental Session Planning

  • Dress for the season.
  • Solid colored clothing is strongly recommended. Stripes, plaids and prints look even more busy when competing with the textures of the natural surroundings.
  • Bright, solid colors look great in the spring and summer.
  • Darker or neutral tones look great in the fall.
  • Bright or dark colors look great against a snowy background.
  • Avoid all white clothing
  • Avoid over-styled hair. Wind blown hair can be beautiful if hair moves naturally.
  • Many outdoor locations have uneven ground, rocks and/or water. Be prepared to walk around these obstacles, or if you feel adventurous, climb or splash in!
  • Bare feet can be fun in the spring and summer—make sure they are clean and manicured.
- CWG