Senior Q&A

Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind for your senior picture session:

Dos:

- Prepare two to three outfits that reflect your personality, and make sure they complement your skin tones.

- Match colors appropriately and consider wearing neutrals as a base for your outfits.

- Think about your whole look, including hats, shoes, and undergarments, to ensure they complement your outfit.

Don'ts:

- Avoid wearing athletic apparel with large logos, patterns with small stripes or checks, and any additional accessories unless you want them in the picture.

What to bring to your senior picture session:

- Comb or hairbrush

- Makeup for retouches

- Wrinkle remover spray

- Extra outfits

- Accessories (hats, jewelry, ties, etc.)

- Props (sports equipment, musical instruments, etc.)

- Towel for sweat

- Varsity jacket Should you do your own makeup for your senior pictures?

- It's recommended to use a makeup professional if it's within your budget.

However, if you prefer to do your own makeup, here are some tips: use natural light, apply a primer, wear fuller coverage foundation, avoid bright lip colors, and practice your makeup application.

Should you style your hair for your senior session?

- Stick to a hairstyle you're familiar with and avoid drastic changes close to the session date. If you're unsure about styling your hair, consider hiring a professional stylist who is experienced in both hair and makeup. How to alleviate stress before your senior session: - Prioritize your health by staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and eating well. Also, double-check your bag and incorporate practices like yoga or meditation into your routine.

To tan or not to tan?

- It's best to avoid tanning, as it can cause uneven coloration in your senior portraits. Stick to your natural skin tone, and if desired, use a small amount of bronzer for a subtle tan.

A few dos:

• Prepare more than one outfit. Two to three is best.
• Looks can be both casual or dressy, but they should reflect your personality.
• Wear colors that work with your skin tones.
• Match colors appropriately.
• Consider wearing neutrals and build off of them.
• Dress with your whole body in mind. Think about hats, shoes, and undergarments. They should complement your outfit.

Some don'ts

• Don't wear athletic apparel with large logos. Or any large logo.
• Avoid patterns with small stripes or checks as they won't photograph well either.
• Please remove any hair bands or additional bracelets unless you want them in the picture.
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What Should I Bring to My Senior Picture Session?

It's a good idea to select outfits for your senior pictures weeks to days in advance of your session. Once you've done this, pack or prepare the outfits the night before and create a checklist of the other items you might need. These might include things like:

• Comb or hairbrush
• Makeup for retouches
• Wrinkle Remover spray
• Extra Outfits
• Accessories (hats, jewelry, ties, etc)
• Props (footballs, volleyballs, pom poms, instruments, etc)
• Towel for sweat (the summer sun is no joke)
• Varsity jacket

Pack your bag the evening before and double check everything before you leave for the senior photographysession.

Should I Do My Own Makeup for My Senior Pictures?

A makeup professional's job is to get you camera ready. They are up-to-date on styles and trends and have an in-depth understanding of the products best suited for photography. If it's in your budget, I highly recommend you utilize their services. But I do understand that some seniors would rather do their own makeup, and that is totally fine. For seniors looking to add a bit of polish to their everyday look, here are some easy tips:

• Use natural light to apply your makeup.
• Apply a primer before your foundation.
• Wear a foundation with fuller coverage.
• Apply a bit more makeup than your everyday look but keep it natural. Don't cake it on.
• Stay away from bright lip colors that clash with your skin.
• Pick matte makeup and avoid ANY makeup with a shimmer. It'll bounce light back to the camera and might not be flattering.
• Practice, practice, practice

Should I Style My Hair for My Senior Session?

When prepping for your senior portrait session, it's best to stick to a hairstyle that you've worn often enough to know that you like it. Clients have made the mistake of getting a brand new color and style only days before their seniorpictures. While a trim is OK, I'd advise against a whole new hairdo. What if you hate it! We also want people to recognize you. If you do color your hair as part of your regular hair maintenance, please color it at least a week before session date so that it has time to settle in.

When applying styling products, remember that we want hair movement --- not a helmet.

If you are concerned about styling your own hair, I recommend using a professional stylist before the session. A number of professionals are educated in both hair and makeup and can come to your home to style you before your seniorphoto session. Stylists vary significantly in price, but I've found that the hair/makeup combo starts around $150 and goes up from there.

What are Some Steps to Alleviate Stress Before My Senior Session?

This next part is going to sound like it came straight from the pages of a health magazine, but that's OK. Hopefully we're all smart enough now to know that a healthy you is a beautiful you.

Drink plenty of water, get enough rest, eat fruits, vegetables and protein. Don't drink alcohol or do drugs (tsk tsk) or stay up late partying or on TikTok (or partying on TikTok. Is that a thing?).

Make sure your bag is packed and list has been double checked. Just doing that will remove stress and jitters.

If you practice yoga or meditate, don't forget to add it to your routine that day so you can approach the session with a Zen-like mindset. Also, understand that at the beginning of a session, everyone has a bit of nerves -- even me. But after the first 10-15 minutes, we begin to settle down and relax. If you expect that initial discomfort, you'll be prepared for it and won't panic.

To Tan or Not to Tan

Not to tan. Suntanning can cause tan lines and using lotions or sprays might cause an uneven, blotchy look. Neither look awesome on your senior portraits. Plus, cameras see color differently than the human eye, and what might look good to you, might not look good through the view finder. Your natural skin tone is best. If you do want a bit of color, consider using a small amount of bronzer.

Do I travel to Seattle?

Yes, I do! Please note that there will be an additional travel fee.