Arizona Senior Photographer: 10 Tips to Looking Your Best in Your Senior Photos
We’re celebrating seniors all month over here at Shannon Ly Photography! What better way to celebrate than to get some senior portraits taken. I know, I know…having pictures taken isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I get it, it can be nerve wracking and awkward…but it’s a time honored tradition and will make the parents very happy. Today, I’m sharing with you 10 tips to help you look your best in your senior photos.
Let’s start with the Don’ts.
DON’T
Don’t WEAR: Dirty or ratty shirts, neon colors, shirts with words or large logos…Let’s all agree that these types of clothes are meant for home or hanging out with your friends. They are NOT for capturing a moment in time and hanging on your parent’s wall for the forseeable future. When you’re picking out your senior photo wardrobe you want to think of words like classy or classic, timeless, fun, meaningful, unique, trendy. (NOTE: in the original publication of this post I had DON’T wear sweatpants or shorts (athletic or booty), however, sweats and shorts have evolved quite a bit so proceed with caution:)
Don’t WEAR: flip flops, Birkenstocks, or Crocs. I take full length photos and yes, your feet will show. Let’s talk socks for a second gentlemen. Please try to avoid the bright white athletic socks under dress pants. Go with a solid color or fun print instead. Ladies, make sure you know what kind of terrain your photoshoot will be in and plan accordingly. Maybe comfy shoes to walk and then carry your heels with you. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be walking on rocky, dirty terrain in a pair of heels. No one needs a broken ankle. Also, this is prime time to get a pedicure and make those babies sparkle!
Don’t BRING your phone, keys, wallet or purse. Wait what??? Ok, give your car keys and phones to me but everything else needs to stay in the car. Why? Because guys stuff their pockets with these things and that looks horrible and ladies, that purse is just one more thing to lug around that you just don’t need.
Love the Suns…but that logo and colors make NOT a good senior photo combo!
Alright, now that we have all of those things established let’s move on to the things you CAN DO to look your best in your senior portrait session.
DO
Do make sure your clothes are wrinkle free. I know you probably rarely see it but your Mom has a clothes iron or steamer hiding somewhere in the laundry room. Ask in your sweetest voice possible if she’ll find it so you can iron those clothes before your shoot. Maybe she’ll even do it for you if she’s feeling generous (when aren’t moms generous…am I right?). Once everything is wrinkle free, DO NOT, I repeat do not put those clothes on the floor, in a bag, or anywhere that doesn’t involve a hanger and your closet. Yup, put them on a hanger and put it in your closet.
Do something with your hair. I’m gonna say this is pretty obvious for the ladies but guys…don’t come straight from practice with helmet hair, or gaming with headphone hair, or hat hair. If you’re planning to wear a hat for your photos, bring it rather than wear it.
Do something with your facial hair. Obviously this one is just for the guys out there. Beards are a thing now and if you’ve got one (or a mustache or goatee or whatever facial hair is “in” these days) just make sure it’s nicely trimmed.
Do wear your sunblock. Ok, this one isn’t necessarily for your session but as you get closer to your photo shoot and you’ll be out in the sun (maybe at practice or by the pool) it’s always good to put on some sunblock. Think strange tan lines with that strappy dress you want to wear or t-shirt neck lines in button down shirts. We live in a sunny state, block it up!
Do brush and floss your teeth before your session. Everyone eats and sometimes things get stuck. Take care of it before and I won’t have to break out any toothpicks.
Do bring props that tell the story of who you are. Play an instrument, bring it! Are you a dancer, bring your shoes! Sports, skateboards, uniform, car…options are endless and if they speak to you or have in some way shaped you, bring it and let’s work it into our time together.
Do reach out to me and ask me if you have any questions. Not sure about your outfit…text me some pics. Want to preview your props…text me some pics. I’m here for any and all of your senior photo session related questions and I’m happy to help.
So there you have it! I know getting pictures taken and being the center of attention isn’t for everyone but I hope this list helped to make things a little simpler and less stressful. Remember to just be you, which is the most important tip of all. I’ll take care of the rest.
If you’re ready to book your senior session now, send me a message and let’s capture you looking your best. I can’t wait to work with you!
Arizona Senior Photographer | Shannon Ly Photography
to see more photos of amazing seniors click here!
