GETTING READY FOR YOUR SENIOR PORTRAITS

WHAT DO I WEAR?
Variety is the key! Remember to bring many different outfits. We encourage it. You may not use all, but together, we can decide what is best. ABOVE ALL - remember a solid color, long sleeve shirt or sweater for your yearbook photo.

GUYS- We know that senior pictures for guys tend to be more of a chore than an enjoyable experience. This is why we strive to make it more then that! If you're going to do it- you may as well have fun with it. Remember a solid shirt for the parent pleasing yearbook photo. After that- the session is ALL YOURS! Bring whatever you feel comfortable in. Please remember to bring more than just basketball shorts, variety is the word. Also- hats or hoodies can make for some interesting dramatic pictures. Think about what sports or hobbies you might like to incorporate.

GIRLS- bring whatever you feel comfortable in- especially color wise. Formal dresses or formal wear are a good choice as well. (If you have a dress that you loved but will never wear it again- don't worry, we have something cool in mind...) For outdoor or casual photos, make sure to bring khakis or jeans. Remember to bring one or two outfits that the parents will like- but then it's all YOU! Be careful with patterns that may not be flattering to your body type. Sleeveless/skimpy shirts are cute, but often make your arms look fuller and when images are cropped, you can end up looking naked! Layers are fine as long as you layer just right. Sometimes it causes you to actually look bigger than you are. A special undergarment called a body shaper, can also help smooth out problem areas.

HAIR STYLES-
Try to avoid changing your hair style close to your photo session. Now is not the time to experiment and then hate your pictures because of your hair. We do encourage to you to think of using different hair styles during your session as well. Make sure to bring things to style your hair with. Stay with what is natural to you. If you wear your hair down...wear it down. If you wear it up all the time- wear it up. Minor hair changes such as wearing it down to begin with and then pulling it back are fine, though. If you would like your hair curly for some and straight for others- you may consider booking two appointments to allow for enough time to create the desired look.

SHOES-
Remember to bring more than just one pair. This gives us options as well as you. Remember also- even if you're not a "heel" kind of girl...they do make your legs look longer and leaner. Plus, you probably won't be wearing them for a long time so don't worry about the blisters- it's for the sake of beautiful pictures!!

ACCESSORIES-
Bring them! Class rings, jewelry, bags, shoes, sunglasses, hats, etc... Remember this as your clothing styles change throughout the session, so make sure you have lots of options. Special themed images show your interests and hobbies, so bring them along- collections, letterman jackets, sports uniforms, band uniforms/instruments, & pets are some ideas to consider.

MAKE-UP & NAILS-
At a minimum, ladies should plan to wear mascara, lip gloss, and foundation or powder to smooth out your skin. Bring the make-up along with you for last minute touch-ups. If you prefer, Karen can arrange for a make-up artist to be available at the time of your session, for an additional charge. Make sure your nails are nice and clean...if you can or feel like it- go and pamper yourself with a manicure.

COMPLEXION, TATTOOS, & SCARS-
If you so desire, skin imperfections and scarring can be removed on the images you order. Freckles and moles can even be taken off if you wish. It is all up to you. We want you to look your best, but don't want to change who you are. Also, don't forget that concealer and a little powder works wonders!

SUNBURNS & TANNING-
DO NOT BURN!! This does not photograph well. You wouldn't want to be red and peeling in your pictures- so consider this before your session. Tan lines are also not very attractive. Be mindful of looking too fake. Orange skin is not a good look and doesn't photograph well, either.

BRACES-
You have one of three options-

1. Have your orthodontist take off the tops of your braces.
2. They can be digitally removed if necessary. May incur a small charge, depending on how long it takes to correct. Some are easier than others.
3. Don't fight them- EMBRACE them! (no pun intended)- a real smile with braces looks MUCH better than one that is forced without showing your teeth.

GLASSES & EYEWEAR-
Some lenses are not as bad as others with reflection and glare, and Karen will do her best to eliminate the problem by various methods. Your eye doctor probably has some options to help with eyewear issues. Please remember that tinted lenses can not be digitally fixed. Glasses that react to light levels will especially be a problem, so consider your options carefully.

1. Consider wearing contacts.
2. If you prefer your look with glasses, you may be able to borrow a pair of frames from your eye doctor that don't have lenses in them, or they may be able to remove the lenses from your frames for the day.