Senior Girl Prep Guide
Hello Gorgeous!
I'm SO excited about your upcoming senior session with Khim Higgins Photography! I hope you have already sent in your senior questionnaire to help me learn a little more about you! Below is a lot of information regarding hair and makeup, outfit selection, what to expect at your session, and more.
Please read it thoroughly! Neglecting to read this guide can result in a poor senior portrait experience, and most frequently asked questions are answered right here in this guide!
Outfit Tips
Stuck on what to wear? I'm here to help! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you style your shoot!
Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision that can make or break your senior portrait session!
I know that sounds dramatic...but, if you accidentally wear something that isn't flattering on camera or something that you don't feel confident in...it can ruin the experience for you. So, here are some of the best ways to choose what to wear.
1. Be Comfortable
If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home. Keep in mind that you will most likely be sitting, laying down or walking around that can be difficult if your clothing is too tight.
2. Skin Tone
On camera, certain colors can wash out your skin tone so when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that compliment your skin tone. Consider pure white, blush pink, bright red, teal and dark purple are universal colors and work with all skin tones. If you are unsure, send me a text and I can help you figure it out!
Let's figure out your skin tone:
A cool undertone - if you have a blue, pink, or ruddy red complexion and you tend to burn in the sun (at the beach)
A warm undertone - is when you are peach, golden, or yellow complexion and you tan at the beach
A neutral undertone - is a mixture of the two and you are lucky! You can wear any color you'd like!
COOL
WARM
3. Add Layers
Adding layers to your outfits always looks stunning in portraits. A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and make for super fun posing options. Another idea is wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress.
4. Play With Textures
Textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered 'daring' or 'over the top' but, in portraits, they are the best!. Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it adds so much more interest to the image. Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make great pairs!
5. Accessories
Accessories add a fun touch to your outfit. Examples to include are stacks of bangles, necklaces, scarfs and hats are popular.
6. Variety
When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a variety of looks. I tell all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school-related, preppy or edgy. I recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks dramatically different.
7. Hair & Makeup
To get the full senior experience professional hair & makeup is recommended. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair & makeup will make a big difference in your images. You are already making a large investment in your senior portraits experience, so why not make it the best it can be?
Leaving your hair and makeup to a professional will take the stress out of you so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy your senior portrait experience. I work with an amazing hair and makeup artist I am happy to refer you to.
If you are planning to do your own hair & makeup, apply a bit more than normal. So a little more blush than you would normally wear, add a little color to your lips so your face is not washed out. Lastly, false eyelashes can really make your eyes pop if you are comfortable wearing them.
8. Nails
Don't neglect the nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look pretty. Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. The classic French manicures, light or neutral colors will go with all of your outfits.
Feel free to text or call me if you have any additional questions. My cell is 863-738-4924. I am SO excited to work with you!
XOXO, Khim