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How To Prepare for Senior Photos: St. Louis Senior Photography

January 30, 2023 | By: Polly's Lens Photography

How To Prepare For Senior Photos To Get The Best Pictures

 

You found the best photographer, scheduled a date and decided on the perfect location for your senior pictures. Now you need to know how to prepare for your senior photos so you get the most amazing images that you will be excited to show to your friends and family. Keep reading because I have plenty of tips to help you have a stress-free session that you will love!

 

1. Plan and Prep All of Your Outfits

Choosing your session wardrobe is one of the most fun parts of the planning process. I recommend you shop in your own closet first and then decide if you need to buy some new pieces to elevate your look. Here are a few things to consider when planning what to wear:

  • 3 outfits is usually a good number. You might want something a little dressy, something casual and then maybe an outfit or piece that is more trendy. You may also want to consider including a uniform or jersey if you play sports or ballet shoes if you are a dancer. I don’t limit the number of outfits my clients wear, but I do not want you to spend more time changing your clothes than getting photographed.
  • Consider layering with a cute jacket, for example. Layers will allow you to change your look without having to totally change your outfit.
  • Accessories like hats, scarves and jewelry also change up your look without a lot of time or effort. Pro tip: put all of your accessories for each outfit in a baggie and hang it with your clothes. That way, you won’t get to your location and realize you forgot your favorite necklace.
  • Iron your clothes and then hang them on hangers. You will make mom really happy if you do!
  • Do not neglect your socks and shoes. They will be in a lot of the photos, so make sure they go with your outfits and that they are in good condition. 

Here is a link to a blog post for the girls and for the guys with more details on what to wear for your senior session.

 

 

2. Plan Your hair and Makeup

If you are going to do your own hair and makeup, do a trial run before your session day then take a selfie in good light. Make sure you love how you look. If not, keep practicing until you're happy with the results. The day of your shoot is not the time to try something totally new with your hair or makeup. You won’t regret taking the time to perfect your look. 

 

If you are planning to have your hair and/or makeup professionally done, make that appointment as soon as possible. Stylists are really busy and book up fast, especially on the weekends and during wedding season. Procrastination may cause you a lot of unwanted stress.

 

Guys and girls, if you’re getting a haircut before your pictures, make that appointment at least a week in advance. That way you have time to practice styling your hair, and you have time to fix it if you aren’t happy with the results. 

 

3. Show Your Skin Some Love

We always want glowing, healthy skin, but it’s especially important on your session day. Here are some tips to help your skin look amazing:

  • Make sure you are drinking plenty of water so you are well-hydrated.
  • Do not experiment with new skin care products before your session. The last thing you want is an allergic reaction or a breakout.
  • Do not lay out in the sun, go to a tanning bed or use self tanners. You may end up with a burn or tan lines that you won’t like. And the self tanners can cause an unnatural skin tone or streaking that is really difficult to correct.
  • Guys, don’t neglect your facial hair. If you like a clean-shaven look, then make sure you shave the day of your session. If you have facial hair, take the time to trim it in a way that makes you happy.
  • Get a good night’s sleep so you will look and feel rested.

 

 

 

4. Bring Props

If you play an instrument, a sport or have a hobby that you want to incorporate into your session, be sure to bring a prop that represents your passion with you. For example, you can bring your cleats and favorite soccer ball, your cello or your dance shoes to include in a few shots. This is a great way to show off your personality as well as commemorate some of the things that are important to you right now.

 

Now that you’ve done all the hard work of preparing for your session, you can just show up and have fun! If you would like to learn more about shooting with Polly’s Lens, just fill out the contact page here so we can schedule a complimentary consultation. I’m excited to meet you!

 

 

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