Want to know a secret? I'm pretty much a minimalist when it comes to portrait sessions.
I am not the photographer setting up elaborate props and backdrops. I think you - as you are - make the picture. But if there is an exception to that rule, senior portraits is it!
I want to tell your story well and you have a GREAT one to tell. The story of where you have been, the story of who you are, and the story of where you are going.
Let's dream big on what you want- I'm here for shattering glass ceilings and doing something new, creative, and unexpected.
If you have an idea I want to hear it!!! This isn't a portrait session- this is an experience and I want it to be a great one!
As a creative, I find beauty in the details.
If you haven't already keep an eye out for your senior questionnaire to help me learn a little more about you! This will help us choose your locations, put together your outfits and props and make your experience
custom to 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!
Your session is going to begin at a pre-determined location based on
your answers to this questionnaire. We will meet there approximately 15
minutes before we plan to start shooting so that I can help you finalize
outfit choices! Please try your absolute best to arrive on time, if not a
few minutes early. Your senior session is scheduled around the time that the sun is most ideal at your location.
am SO excited about your upcoming senior session with Studio Kate! And that you are officially one of my #studiokateseniors!!
I
Bright futures.
Bold Dreams.
Vibrant Photography.
My rule of thumb is start with your favorite "every day" outfit. And grab a few accessories to spice it up- chunky earrings, a favorite ball cap or floppy hat. For outfit number 2 think Sunday casual- sundress or cute rompers never fail! Your 3rd outfit is where we throw in a cheer uniform or high school/college tee and your letter jacket. Want to skip those? This is when we will throw in extra props that really showcase who you are. Maybe it's your car, your dog, or a guitar!
And finally- with outfit 4 we WOW! A formal dress. A pantsuit. Killer shoes!!!
For the fully customized 2.5 hour session I suggest 3-4 outfits. For a 1 hour session I suggest 2!
HOW MANY OUTFITS?
5
Accessories on
accessories
Be daring!
4
Add Layers.
3
2
Be BRIGHT
If you do not like fitted clothing leave it at home! So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious (ex: for me it's my arms!)
1
to showcase your most gorgeous you
T I P S
kate's
Be Comfortable!
When choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Love black or white? Me too! Add some colorful accessories!
Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera. Think red with hot pink or flannel with leopard!
Adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months you can
Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered
“over the top” but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs!
During a senior session, or any photo shoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes and other add-ons can make or break an outfit!
MIX IT UP!
BONUS
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, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always 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!
or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe!
Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!
add these layers + dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress with a hat!
MAKE
Let's be honest! Every one of you beautiful girls are probably better at hair and makeup than I am. So when it comes to my own portraits I leave those things to the professionals.
But also - I don’t ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait session is just simply “taking pictures”, I want it to be an EXPERIENCE. So, if my seniors arrive after an hour of being pampered + beautified, the entire experience has already started on a good note!
When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. Professional hair + makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair + makeup so that they photograph well.
but why?
GO pro
in the south hairspray on photo day is your best friend! Spray that hair well- and then spritz it again.
if your hair feels like a helmet you did it right!
I bet your makeup looks AMAZING in person, it will look completely different on-camera, and these professionals are trained to know the
difference! They will conceal spots you don’t like, contour your face so it looks the best in every light, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes + shadows,
manicure your eyebrows to perfection and more!
And, one last tip!! In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your 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 just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!!
(But also, it may not fit your schedule or budget. NOT A PROBLEM! Keep reading for my tips on that! )
(i may have an answer!)
Have Questions?
If this is not in your budget, plan to wear slightly heavier make up than
normal, including blush and lipstick/gloss that are at least slightly darker
than your lip color. Hairspray that hair like a maniac and take off your chipped polish!
I also highly recommend false eyelashes. These can be
purchased for very affordable prices at CVS or any pharmacy in the area.
and TRICKS
HAMU
TIPS
do it yourself
