Fall brings the start of yet another school year. And with each new grade we acquire the ever entertaining school picture. Photos that depict our evolutionary juvenile progress. The photo with the bangs that our mom’s cut crooked, oh the many different hairstyles! How about the teeth as they fell out and then required the braces? And, who didn’t struggle with adolescent acne and the big zit that hit just in time for picture day? Let’s face it, our school years wouldn’t have been remembered in at all the same way if we didn’t catalog those years. With that said, most of us later, genuinely do appreciate that our parents found our school pictures invaluable.
Before we know it, twelve years and many memories later we find ourselves in our final year of high school as young adults, visiting colleges, preparing with what will be the next big phase of life. There will be other photographs, and new memories created but none that will quite mark the end of an era like our senior photos do.Your senior photo is really your time to shine. These photographs are the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate your achievements.
I know that we all want senior photos that we can look back on and smile, and because parents will invest a significant amount more for these school pictures, I have asked my best friend professional photographer Tana Urizar from Tana Photography to contribute to this blog post. I think she has an incredible eye and does an amazing job. She has photographed my children forever and shot my daughter Nicole’s senior photos and we love them. She gives some really great professional suggestions for helping you have a good experience and getting the best results with your photo session. I hope that you will find her piece helpful.
To all of those little people that I have watched grow into lovely young adults, I wish you so much happiness in life and the very best senior year ever.
Be happy in your skin,
Donna
Senior Photo Homework Assignment
Your senior photo session will be an important part of your final year in high school. It may be one of those few times in life when a professional photo session is all about YOU! To make it one of the best experiences, it’s important to put some thought into how you’ll look and what to wear.
Begin with some prep work and search in magazines and online for “looks” that you’re drawn to, styles that look like you and fit your personality. Select hair, makeup and outfits that are a bit more special, making you feel great and giving you confidence.
It takes research to find something that’s more than just “every day” but not going too far out in left field, where you feel the style just isn’t you.
If you’re a young woman, makeup is an important part of your senior photos. Extra emphasis on the eyes will give your portrait more impact, since eyes are often the first detail a viewer looks at in a photo. A little extra liner and mascara, which may be too much on a regular day, will actually help keep your images from looking “flat”.
Photo sessions are one of those times when professional makeup application can be really helpful. Look for a makeup artist who understands what you’re wanting, offers helpful suggestions and is someone you trust. Check beforehand on their fees or what their minimum purchase is.
Your clothes are another important part of your session, making the difference between “I look great” and “not much effort.” Give yourself at least two outfit options, maybe three: casual top and jeans, skirt or semi-casual outfit with dress shirt or sweater, and maybe a dress for girls and for guys, dress pants paired with a dress shirt. Add some interest to your look with statement jewelry, personal accessories and the latest footwear. Avoid tennis shoes, logos, and bright or overpowering colors. Remember to go for a cohesive look that feels special.
Definitely put in some research time when selecting your photographer. Look at local websites and blogs, ask your friends whom they suggest and see whose style fits your personality best. Don’t be intimidated to call and ask a photographer the questions that are important to you. They’re use to answering client questions every day over the phone and email. It’s one of the ways to find out if their vision fits yours. Your photographer may either suggest locations or may ask you about places that are important to you. If there’s a location that you’d love to include, your photographer may want to check it out first for lighting and opportunities.
Your senior photo session will be exciting and fun- and it’ll definitely go by fast. So, get some sleep the night before, do your pre-session homework and you’ll feel and look your best!
