The Senior Style Guide
I’m SO excited about your upcoming senior session with Luxe Imagery and that you are officially one of my #luxeimageryseniors!! AH!! Below is lots 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. As a natural light photographer, your senior session is scheduled around the time that the sun sets. Once the sun is set, we can no longer shoot. Therefore, if you arrive to your session even 10- 15 minutes late, it will affect the amount of time that we can shoot and the length of your session! If you are more than 30 minutes late to your session, we will have to reschedule for my earliest available date (which is usually 2-3 months out!).
LET'S TALK OUTFITS!
Stuck on what to wear? I’m here to help! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you guide your outfit choices! 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.
Be comfortable
If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are fitted in the tummy area (don’t we all?) just because it makes me self-conscious and I’m constantly wondering if it looks bad. So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious 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.
Don't get me wrong, I love everything there is about all black clothing. But, when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera.
Add layers
In the colder months (fall & winter), 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 (spring + summer) you can add these layers of dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress!
Think outside the box
Sometimes 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 prevents the images from looking dull. Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs!
accessorize!
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!
Don’t be afraid to mix it up!
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!
Play with textures
show your personality through your senior portrait outfits
hair and makeup
I highly recommend all of my senior clients invest in professional hair and makeup. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a drastic difference in the quality of your photos and senior portrait experience. You are already making a large investment in your senior portrait experience, so why not make it the best it can be?!
Why is it so important?
They are trained professionals!
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. While your makeup may look 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!
Less stress!
Preparing for a senior portrait session is stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair + makeup by yourself can make things even harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image (even details that the eye can’t see) so hiring a professional makeup artist is the best way to go.
Who doesn’t want to be pampered?
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! If you arrive frustrated or stressed, it can affect the entire experience, including the way you look in photographs! Here is a list of amazing artists that I recommend in the greater Sacramento / Placer County area!
Susie Castilone https://www.makeupbysusie.com/ @makeup_bysusie
Arianna Delacruz - Email: ariannas.beauty@outlook.com @ariannas.beauty
pro tips (from my favorite hair & makeup artist)
Skin: Your skin will look and stay best if freshly exfoliated of any texture, night before or morning of. Apply normal skincare routine, and make sure skin is well hydrated. Your products will reveal what’s underneath and it will hold best with fresh, hydrated skin.
Hair: I prefer to not work against oils, and create my own texture. Clean, blow dried hair will hold curls best. Please don’t use any flat irons before, as this will not allow curl to hold.
Bring Photos: This could be a photo of you when you felt your most beautiful, or this could mean a beautiful inspiration photo you found online or pinterest. We will talk through your goals and customize them to you!
“But I want to do my own hair and makeup!!”
Plan to wear slightly heavier make up than normal, including blush and lipstick/gloss that are at least slightly darker than your lip color. I also highly recommend false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices at CVS or any pharmacy in the area.
Nails
Before your shoot, treat yourself to a mani/pedi! Choose a muted, neutral color for your nails that won't clash with any of your outfits. Soft pink, french manicure, beige, grey, black, dark red - it doesn't matter how feminine or edgy you want to go, as long as it's a solid color. If you opt for fake nails, choose a length that seems natural and not abnormal for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
SHOULD I GET A SPRAY TAN? I've never had one.
Nooooooo!! Do you see me waving my arms in panic over here!!!??? Noo! Spray tans can be a wild card, especially if you've never had one before. They can leave your skin looking blotchy, streaky, uneven, or too orange. IF spray tans are a normal occurrence for you, and you have a trusted, go-to salon, then that is totally okay. Tan lines are also very noticeable in images and can take focus away from you and your beauty. If you're okay with that (I get it - I'm a cyclist!!) then I'm not worried, but please note that tan lines and bad spray tans cannot be fixed in Photoshop.
I literally have no clue how to pose. Help!?
Don't you worry! I've got you. I will talk you through every single movement within every pose. I will teach you exactly what to do with your face, where to put your hands, where to look, etc. I'll also just have you do some natural movements to capture some authentically YOU images.
The day of your shoot
What to pack
Your outfits and shoes
Water and snack
Your favorite playlist
Make sure to
Eat breakfast. Stop worrying about looking your 'thinnest' self. You are gorgeous just the way you are, and skipping breakfast isn't going to change that! The shoot is quite the workout, and I don't want you passing out from lack of nourishment!
Get a good night's rest. You want to look fresh for your photos, so get to bed early!
Reach for water and focus on staying hydrated in the days leading up to your session date. It will do wonders for your skin!
See you soon!!
XOXO Liz