Senior Session Preparation guidance and info

Please take a look at the info on this page, and you will rock your session!
(Don’t worry! It’s not really that much!)


The whole point of these photos are to document who you are right now!  So embrace your own style and vibe— BUT….keep a few things in mind just for photo-sake (and probably so parent’s are happy too ;)

WARDROBE & CLOTHING

  • Give some thought soon as to what you may have in your wardrobe to wear- and if you need to shop, do it up!  Even though you are not necessarily needing to dress up dressy- having clothes in good condition is one of the number one things that look great in photos.  Don’t forget about SHOES too— if your go-to shoes are looking like they have seen better days— it’s a great time to get some new ones (or at least wash/clean them up a bit!)

  • Wear something that you feel comfortable in!  If you are wearing a new outfit, or really want to show off some style, ensure that you have tried on your outfit and walked around a bit, and it is comfortable! Error on the side of dressing in something you feel good in and looks good on YOU, rather than a new style or outfit that you may not feel as confident in.

  • Ensure everything is washed, ironed (yes!) and clean! (You can hear me saying this in my Mom-voice)

  • Don’t wait until the morning of your photos to decide what you are wearing.  Have an idea of two “outfits”, and your sport gear (if you are including), and have them ready the day before. 

  • Please be aware of the length of any skirts or dresses or shorter shorts. You will want to be able to move around, sit down, lie down, etc…make sure nothing will be inappropriate. Same goes for the neckline of shirts for ladies…please ensure if your neckline is not too low that it will prevent you from moving around and leaning forward, etc. Remember these photos will be around for a while- so always best to error on the side of classy when it comes to skin exposure ;)

  • Undergarments- please ensure they are not showing, and any bra straps are hidden and correct color for your clothing.

  • Plain t-shirts usually don’t photograph amazing, but if it’s colored (a good color for you!), or has a subtle pattern, or even a pocket- it will look better.  A V-neck will look a lot better as well…and if you can find a casual shirt you like (if that is more your style!) with a slight collar- that can look better too!  Layering a t-shirt with a button up is a great way to style it a bit as well.

  • In general, bolder and brighter colors tend to look great in pictures, and muted or pastel colors can sometimes wash skin-tones out a bit- especially if it is an overcast day. however, I understand that lighter colors, and white, might be your outfit of choice! If so, maybe just have another option that has a bit more color, or a jacket or something you can put on to add a bit of contrast if we need it (based on location and weather).  In the end though, choosing color tones that compliment your skin tone overall is a great choice!

  • You do not need to be matchy-matchy!  Just somewhat coordinated.

  • If you are doing Jeans and a more casual look- consider a belt for some style!

  • Hats are something we can include in some of your pics- but not all of them.  I will ask you to take it off for some pics at least…so if it is not a big deal overall, I would just skip a hat (it creates weird shadows, etc).  If you are including sports photos— or it is a big part of your identity/style, we can for sure include— but just know we will get some without, so have a way to fix or style your hair without it also.

  • Jewelry and other accessories- if you typically wear these things- don’t forgot to incorporate with your outfits as well, and put with your outfit changes if switching out.

  • Please ensure if your socks are showing, that they are the right color for your outfit, and clean/matching/crisp.

  • If you are doing multiple outfits, I do recommend ensuring that you have one of your looks to be an option that is a bit more conservative/safe, or dressier than a casual T-shirt, if your Yearbook requires certain guidelines (** be sure to check!).  That way your photos will last and be usable with any endeavor you need them for in the future as well.

  • Be cognoscente of the weather and dress appropriately.  Being cold or too uncomfortable will come through in your photos, so be prepared. If your shoot will be in the Fall, please be prepared with a Coat or warmer clothing layers (that you like how you look in them!) if needed, so that you are comfortable if weather moves in.

  • **If you tend to sweat a lot and your shoot is in the warmer months (or really whenever I guess!), have a backup shirt/2nd outfit with you just in case it gets very warm! Happens to us all! ;)

  • Don’t forgot to bring coordinating Shoes, undergarment necessities, socks, and accessories for any outfit changes!

If you are still unsure what to wear, or overwhelmed, here is my recommendation:

  1. Simple outfit- what you typically wear (clean, ironed, etc!). Pick your favorite clthing items you already have in your closet. Colors you love, etc. Just make sure it all kinda fits with the guidelines above. Try it on in the mirror and move around and make sure you like the way you look in it and feel good!!

  2. Something with different style. If you wore shorts or a dress in the first one, switch it up with some Jeans or opposite of what you already had on. Different color scheme (at least partially!). This could also just be your “dressier”, or nicer outfit.

  3. Alternative option- Your Sports uniform, etc.  (*Don’t forget the Ball or equipment as well!)

If you are still unsure- take a peek on some of your favorite clothing company sites, or online, for some quick inspiration as well.

You can also just have ONE solid outfit you feel great in- if you are doing a shorter more simple session! Multiple outfits is not NECESSARY! You have the option if you woudl like, but if it is a lot and you just want one solid outfit- go with that! (Please check with your parents on this too though!)

Again, whatever you wear, as long as it is clean, good condition, unwrinkled and something you feel good in- that is a big part of looking great!

PERSONAL GROOMING PREP

I understand that typically aside form maybe moisturizer, some people (especially a lot of young men!) do not put any, or very little, product on their faces.  However, for your shoot I suggest that you go the extra mile a bit if this is you- as some little Prep will make difference in photos!

Ensure that the night before your shoot, and the day of, you are washing and using a face Moisturizer at least.  Dry and dull skin is easily seen in photos, and pretty preventable with this simple step.

  • Of course ensure any facial hair is trimmed and groomed

  • Take a peek at those stray hairs anywhere on your face- and pluck em out!

  • Chapstick.  Please for the love of God wear some chapstick. (And bring it with you!)

  • Acne:  Don’t fret!  If you are having a breakout or suffer from acne, I got you!  Just do your best with your routine the week before your photos, and hydrate well and keep it clean and don’t stress about it!  (Mom-alert:  Clean pillow case that week too ;). My go-to secret for pesky pimples is a dab of toothpaste on them (at night of course lol)— the PASTE, not gel type. Don’t knock it till you try it…. ;)

  • Take a peek at your hands please (guys too!).  Do a nail trim, and make sure your nails are not dirty. Any nail polish is fresh and not chipped.

MAKEUP:  

      • “Natural” makeup is best.  Meaning, what you wear every day.  However, I do recommend going a bit heavier than usual.  Makeup is muted in pictures generally, so even if you feel you are wearing a bit too much lipstick than usual, it is probably perfect!  If you do not generally wear makeup, you will want to wear at least a smoother (foundation or powder- not shiny), blush, mascara, and lipstick (make sure lips aren’t chapped).  Again, I will let you know if you need a touch more, etc….(for pictures sake).  I also recommend using a bit of powder to eliminate shine. 

      • Use a post-makeup application stay spray.  We will be shooting for a bit, and you want your makeup to stay fresh!

      • If you have skin blemishes at the time of the shoot, I recommend doing your best to naturally conceal them (ensure your makeup is the right shade!), but we will work together after your session to remove any blemishes on printed photos.

HAIR:
I don’t have a lot to say here other than a fresh cut and/or Color will always look killer!  Guys- If you are sporting a style with longer hair, just ensure it is not falling in your face, or covering your eyes all the time.  Again, clean and fresh and combed the day of the shoot. If you highlight or color your hair, make an appointment for a bout a week out from your shoot, so it is fresh, but had a few days to tone. I also recommend to not try anything experimental or a totally new hairstyle right before you shoot. If it doesn’t turn out how you want or you love, you may not feel the most confident in your photos.
Be sure to use a bit of Spray on your hair for any flyaways or static.

SUNTANS:
Do not overdo the sun, or burn, right before your session. It looks great if a natural subtle tan without lines, but in moderation. Sunburn can really show up even more than you realize in photos. It can cause excess facial shine, red noses and cheeks, strap marks, hat lines and peeling.  Spray Tanning can come across extremely orange in photos (even more than it may look to your naked eye)- so if you use Spray or bottle tanning products, please do not apply any a week before the shoot, and ensure that you are using a tested and high end product that will be applied correctly.  DO NOT START a new tanning regimen of any sort before your shoot.

Against my normal recommendation for anyone on a daily basis….I discourage sunscreen (on the face) for photo shoots.  It leaves a shine and greasy texture for portraits.

GLASSES: 
Glasses can tend to produce glare in pictures over your eyes, so I will ask you to remove them if it is an option and not a safety hazard, If you can wear contacts on the day of your shoot, that would be an easy option I would recommend.  However, if you always wear them, and that is YOU, it is totally fine of course! Just want to put the option out there to consider if it is something that works at all!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Be sure to drink plenty of water the days leading up to your session.
Get a good nights rest before your shoot!  Pretty please!
You will most likely be changing in your car/park bathroom.  I’d recommend just having a bag in your car of anything you may need for grooming, and your clothes hanging up on hanger in car for changing.  See Pack list below for suggestions.

Pack list for your bag/car/outfit changes:
- Additional outfits on hangers in car
- Accessories (Jewelry, belts, hats, etc) for all outfits
- Sports or hobby gear as well (ball, bat, instrument, etc)
- Shoes for all outfits
- Undergarmetns and socks if need to change for any outfit
- Makeup for touchups
- Brush/comb and hair product for touchups, and anything needed for changing hairstyle if doing so
- Chapstick
- Any outerwear necessary for weather (Coat, gloves/hat, etc)
- You can throw a blanket in your car and hang it up between doors to make a changing room
- Lint Roller if pet hair is in your life ;)
- Tissues

BE YOURSELF AND ENJOY YOUR SHOOT!  This will allow me to capture the most genuine images that you will love!  Do not be overly critical of yourself— most people are not used to being in front of a camera, and it can be easy to feel vulnerable, but that is why you have me!  I promise I will make you look great and it’ll actually be fun!  Just trust me and have a positive outlook about yourself and the session going into the shoot!

Need to ask me a questions, or want to send me pics of your outfits or anything? Please feel free!!
See you at your session!!

jenae@jlopezphotography.com / 970.219.7996