Senior Portriats

For Your Convenience

You get to see your images and order your portraits in as little as one week after your session. Save a trip to the studio plus get your finished portrait order in half the time of traditional proofs! See your images in your very own video presentation displayed on a big screen, high definition monitor, then order right on the spot. A great new way to see every detail larger than life. No more miniature paper proofs to mess with. (You will still be able to purchase a senior folio collection of any or all of your session images with your finished order.)

Tips on Clothing Selection

What do I wear?
When choosing your outfits, keep in mind that you'll want to bring as much VARIETY as possible. Most seniors bring one formal or classic outfit, some favorite casual clothes, and something "in between". Bring anything from jeans, t-shirts, tanks and shorts, to suits, sweaters, and dresses! The most important detail in your senior portrait session planning should be you . . . your style, your personality, and you being you! Bring the colors and outfits you feel best in, because when you feel good--you look good! Try to stay away from large patterns and prints; they become distracting and draw attention away from you.

Colors
Rich, solid colors photograph best--black, earth tones, (such as tan, cream, brown) royal blue, greens (such as olive, emerald, forest, or teal), red, purple, mustard, etc. Please be aware that navy blue can sometimes look like black when photographed. For your classic portrait, solid colors are best.

Outdoors
Blue jeans or khaki pants look best outdoors; unless you want a dressier look (girls-try the garden party look with longer, flowing dresses). Denim or leather jackets also look great . Gals, we do not recommend short shirts or skirts; they restrict your movement in posing. Other clothing colors that look great outdoors during summer are blue, cream, pale green or emerald green. We don't recommend t-shirts with pictures or words printed on them, solid colors look best.

Gals
For a classic portrait; dresses, sweaters, or a blouse all look nice. Prom dresses are popular for something even dressier. Bright colored sweaters, skirts, casual pants, or jeans are great for a contemporary or casual look. NOTE: It is very important to consider undergarments when selecting outfits, especially for a sleeveless top or loose fitting neckline. You won't want any obvious lines or straps to show. So please wear matching tonal undergarments (black with dark colors, flesh or white with light colors).

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Guys
For a classic portrait, a suit, sport coat, or dress shirt with tie are popular. Medium to dark solid colored sweaters are also worn. For casual or outdoor portraits, try jeans, sweaters, shorts, shirts, sweatshirts, sports jerseys, leather jackets, letter jackets, etc. T-shirts with pictures or words on them do not photograph well.

CAUTION!
Sleeveless clothing is not recommended. It makes arms appear larger than they really are. Long sleeved clothing is the best choice. And if you want to appear as slim as possible in the photographs . . . avoid horizontal stripes. Make sure it fits; the "oversized" clothing may be your favorite to wear everyday, however, photographically it is not flattering. By the same token, anything too tight may confine you and make you feel uncomfortable when posing. It's best to wear clothes that are in between these extremes.

I you have doubts about clothing, it is better to bring extra outfits, and we'll help you make the final selection. Also remember to dress completely from head to toe with each outfit because full length poses are done with most sessions. Bring all accessories like jewelry, class rings, hosiery, shoes, belts, etc. Don't forget socks that match or compliment your outfit. Avoid white socks and/or light colored shoes with dark pants because they emphasize the feet which is distracting to the total look of still photographs. Bare feet are great too (with the appropriate casual outfit).

What else should I know about my session?

What about hair?
If you need a haircut or perm, schedule it at least one or more weeks prior to your session date. This is also important for guys in the summer because a fresh cut may reveal untanned skin. Don't try a radically different style,-you want to be yourself. Guys-a clean shave is important. Five o'clock shadow cannot be removed. Before you start your session, be sure your hair is just the way you want it. And examine your hair carefully after each clothing change.

What about makeup?
The correct use of makeup will enhance your portrait. Concealers reduce dark circles under eyes and hide blemishes. Foundation will blend you skin tones and give the appearance of a smoother complexion. A powder compact, cheek, lip, and eye color will reduce the sheen of a shiny forehead or nose and with the use of mascara, are great for enhancing features. Apply makeup like you would for prom or a night out. If you don't normally wear makeup, then at least wear a bit of lip gloss, some blush to enhance your cheeks, and black mascara to "open" your eyes. We recommend staying away from frosted colors.

What about glasses?
If you wear glasses, you'll want to wear them in some of your portraits, To eliminate glare and reflections, call your optician to arrange to either borrow a pair of empty frames like yours or have the lenses removed from your own frames. Most opticians will gladly do this (make sure you give them plenty of notice though). This totaly eliminates glare and distortions and it's the most effective way to improve your portraits if you wear glasses. If you choose to wear your glasses the way they are, keep in mind that if you want the reflections removed, it will be an additional retouching charge.

What about suntan or sunburns?
Too much sun can cause numerous problems for your skin; sunburn or peeling. Prevent overexposure to the sun or tanning at least three days before your session. If you have tan lines, select clothing that hides them.

Pets
If you are bringing a pet to be photographed with you, please have someone to watch your pet or take it home once we are finished photographing it. Kennels are fine as long as there is someone who can comfort the animal in case is should start to get upset. If you have questions, please call us.

Can I bring CD's?
Part of what makes our photography so unique is that we work very hard to bring out the various facets of your personality. Feel free to bring in your favorite CD's. Your own music will make you feel more comfortable for a great photography session.

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