Senior Portraits {How to Look and Feel Like a Model}

There are two types of high school seniors: those who have been dreaming of their senior portrait session for years and those who wish Mom would stop bugging them about senior portraits.  Those of you who are doing it just for Mom, this post is not for you.  The problem is that even if you are excited about senior portraits, you may not know exactly how to get the most out of your session.  I’ve mentioned before in my post Ten Tips for a Successful Senior Portrait Session that my own senior portrait is still on display in my parents’ home.  Every visitor who enters their house sees it.  Now, had I known it was going to be immortalized in such a way, I would have put a little more thought into . . . everything.  My biggest head-scratcher move was wearing a flesh colored t-shirt from the Gap for my portraits.  Lucky for you, you have me!  I’m going to use Amber’s senior portrait session at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch to illustrate just how easy it is to look and feel like a model for your senior portraits.

Tip #1: Bring 3 outfits.

You may not end up wearing all three, but photographers like to have options and like to decide which outfit should be worn and when.  I like to have my clients wear their most casual outfit first and get increasingly formal.  Choose fabrics that move in colors that compliment your features.  Send photos of  your wardrobe choices to your photographer.  They can tell you what will look most photogenic.

Tip #2: Have your hair and makeup professionally done.

This doesn’t have to be expensive.  Hit up the local dry bar and have a skilled friend do your makeup.  I promise it will boost your self-confidence.  Consider changing up your hairstyle.  As Amber’s session was coming to an end I asked if we could let her hair down and take a few more pictures with a more relaxed look.  She looked beautiful and it added more variety to her gallery.

Tip #3: Bring someone to touch up your hair and makeup.

Have you ever watched a T.V. show and thought, “How does their hair always look so perfect?”  It’s because the second the director yells “Cut!” a team of people come in and touch up the actors’ hair and makeup.  Changing clothes and walking around your portrait location can sometimes cause makeup to melt or hair to fall.  Knowing someone will be there to keep your look fresh can be very reassuring.

Tip#4: Accessorize!

Hats, necklaces, scarves, bracelets, rings, bring them all!  Accessories can add so much personality and interest to your portraits AND they can help answer the age old question “What do I do with my hands?!”

Tip #5: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Take a look at a fashion magazine.  I’ll wait.  How many models you saw pictured were posed in a way that looked comfortable and natural.  Probably few to none.  Your photographer should know exactly how to pose you in a way that is flattering and that may not always be a way that feels comfy.  Often the most flattering position will be a combination of chin out, ribs lifted, shoulders down, hands moving, legs crossed.  Give it a try!

Tip#6: Be serious.

Smiles are beautiful.  I’m a fan.  A quiet, pensive moment can be just as beautiful.  Be open to both.  The results may surprise you.

You’re graduating!  Spending an afternoon being pampered and flattered is a great way to celebrate your school career.  Then years from now when you go to your parents’ house for Thanksgiving and see your senior portrait you can think to yourself, “I sure was cute that day!” Instead of “Why did I wear that flesh colored t-shirt from the Gap for my senior portraits?”