Welcome class of 2021! It is official time to get those dreamy, golden shots of you in your favourite outfits at some hometown spots.
However, senior photos can be a haunting (ask anyone who graduated in 2008), so I am here, many many many grad shoots later, to teach you how to prep for those shots so you won’t regret them in 10 years. I applied some of these to my own grad shots and… although I look quite different know… they aren’t as embarrassing as some I have seen from peers. BUT just hold your horses because there are some embarrassing lessons I had to learn first.
Now that I’ve set this up on a good note… let’s get into some warnings.
1. This is not the time to try something new.
Trust me… this is not the time to get highlights or cut your hair drastically. Take it from a girl who has been haunted by pre-photographed event highlight choices for a decade.
Now that we see the damage that can be done, let me walk you through a sound strategy for preparing your hair for your shoot. The more comfortable you feel the better. A sharp up-do might be what your grandmother wants but trust me, when you feel physically uncomfy you will look uncomfy in your photos.
Now… not everyone can have Leah’s long locks BUT if you love to wear your hair down and wavy, wear it down and wavy. If you love to put it in a ponytail, put it in a ponytail. You may wanna do a little extra hairspray or pay a little more attention to your curling iron, but there is never a need for last-minute highlights, bangs, or bobs. Trust.
2. Bring a few outfits, and keep aggressive trends to a minimum
OK so as pictured above you noticed the sock bun trend… a history lesson there was also: the mustache trend, the splatter-paint trend, the neon trend, and so many other unspeakable wardrobe horror stories. These trendy-type clothes make a statement about the time you are in, so naturally… ya may regret them later on. You know what never looks cringy? Jeans, a nice sweater, a cute skirt, your high-school varsity jacket (if that’s what your into), and all those other staple pieces. Here’s a beautiful example of a 3 year old senior outfit that still looks poppin’
You getting the vibe here?
3. Don’t listen to you mom when she tell you to put on more makeup/hair product “so the camera will see it”
In 2020 there is dang near nothing our cameras won’t pick up. Trust me, your normal makeup and hair routine will suffice. Too much contour or blush and you will slightly resemble a doll. Don’t worry about any blemishes not being completely caked away – that’s what your photographer is here for pal!
Chose colors and styles that make you feel your best (don’t let anyone tell you your glitter eyeliner ain’t cute) but just be cautious of the time, location, and mood of your shoot. If you are planning a more art/modern type shoot (which is 100% dope) you may wanna tidy up your hair and keep it in check
But… if you’re more into the nature vibe, golden hour frolic, you may wanna let your hair loose and keep the makeup natural (after all you may be a little sweaty running through fields and such).
4. Find a photographer you trust and know will make you feel confident and comfortable on the day of your shoot
You know I had to throw this one in there! Find a photographer whose style you like! I, personally, don’t do super styled, studio shoots with lots of edits retouching. My style is all about that sun-drenched goodness that exists in the backdrop of my seniors having a little party (after all they deserve to celebrate) while looking absolutely perfect and youthful and glowing.
I may not be the right photographer for you (that is OK!!) but if you can find one you really vibe with… this is a great place to start to make your photos look relaxed, timeless, and perfect for you (even 10 years from now).
Hope this was helpful and brought you some joy. I am booking seniors for Denver and the Bay Area for the class of 2021 so if you wanna learn more about me and my style, lets chat here (go to the bottom of the page for senior sessions).
