What to Wear
Let it be simply you. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or again you cut into your session time. Crazy colors or bleached hair may be trendy now, but in 10 years you might say “What was I thinking?” Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. We have a mirrored area for you to spruce up. We will try to help with hair, but we are looking at how to incorporate it into the portrait, not the style itself.
Jewelry
Best tip here, keep it simple. We want the attention on you. Big shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you may want to put it in plastic baggies and hang them on the hanger with the corresponding outfit.
Props
BRING THEM! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: sports equipment (soccer, foot, volley or basket balls, hockey stick, helmets, whatever), sports uniforms, varsity jackets, music instruments ( from band, orchestra to rock guitars or kazoos ), activities ( dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it ). Most glasses glare a little or a lot. Your best bet is to check with your optometrist. Most will “Loan” you an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session. If this is not possible we will be able to remove the glare for a minimal retouching fee.
Sunburn/Tanning
AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! Tan, yes, burn, no. If you are a winter or spring session and your tan has faded, you might consider tanning. But don’t over do it so you look too fake-n-baked. Avoid wearing outfits that will show your tan lines, they do not look good when photographed. We can retouch them out but there will be a charge for tan line removal.
Complexion
Don’t worry about blemishes we will retouch blemishes off of your previews.
Friends, Pets and Parents
Friends and parents are welcome. They can be helpful, or not! If they distract you, then it is best to come by yourself. In most sessions you can have a couple of shots taken with a boyfriend, girlfriend or best friend. If you want to add a sibling there is an extra charge. We cannot incorporate family sessions into senior portraits as this takes too much from the senior’s time. If you are doing some portraits with another person make sure to coordinate your outfits, for a more put together look. We love your pets. Please consider bringing them if they are house broken and good with people. It is a good idea to have someone come in with you to watch your pet before your session and then take them home when you are done with them. You could also bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them. Treats can be helpful to hold a dogs attention. If you are allergic to animals please let us know. We have a cat that thinks he should be in everyone’s portraits and we can make sure he doesn’t bother you.
Weather and Outdoor Portraits
Let’s face it, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. If it rains, and you know how often that happens in the Northwest, there is nothing we can do, we simply have to reschedule. Don’t worry about clouds, they actually help! No squinting because of the sun. Rain falling is a problem. We will call you if your session needs to be rescheduled. If you are doing an indoor and outdoor combo session, we will still be photographing your indoor session and just reschedule the outdoor portion.
Tattoos, Scars and Braces
Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. It is that easy. We will not automatically retouch scars, but they can be retouched or softened on the portraits you order at no extra charge. Extensive work may have a slight extra charge. Braces? Don’t worry. They can be retouched off an image for a retouching fee. But don’t fight smiling, a braces smile is better than a dorky holding back a smile look.
