SENIOR WELCOME GUIDE
This guide is full of helpful info to prepare you and make sure you get the best possible experience. Most FAQs are answered right here, so please read it thoroughly!
BE YOU!
Dressing yourself is hard enough without a camera pointed at you, so if you’re feeling a little nervous, that’s completely normal.
The most important tip? Comfort is everything.
You should feel like yourself in your photos. If you're torn between a trendy new outfit or your go-to favorite, choose the one that moves with you and feels right.
This doesn’t mean you have to keep it casual. You can absolutely dress it up. But authenticity always photographs best. If you're after timeless images, showing up as yourself is what you’ll love most later.
STYLE TIPS - SENIOR GIRLS
Start with your outfit : Choose what you love first, then build everything else around it.
Comfort matters: My sessions involve movement. Sit, walk, and move around in your outfit ahead of time to make sure it feels good.
Dress styles : Midi and maxi dresses photograph beautifully and allow for easy movement.
Shoes : Think about your location. Heels don’t always work well in sand, grass, or uneven ground.
FLATTERING YOUR FEATURES
Everyone has areas they feel more aware of, and that’s completely normal.
Choose silhouettes and colors that make you feel confident.
Sleeves
Three-quarter length sleeves tend to photograph really well.
Strapless
If you’re unsure about it, skip it. Go with something you know you feel good in.
Accessories
Keep it simple. Dainty jewelry or one statement piece adds interest without distraction.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
Professional hair and makeup? Highly recommended.
It photographs beautifully and takes one more thing off your plate. A good artist knows how to enhance your features in a way that still feels like you.
Doing it yourself? Totally okay.
If you do, I recommend adding false lashes. They help your eyes stand out on camera, even with great mascara.
Local Recommendations
Merry Anne Marie Beauty - @merryannemariebeauty
Mariah Flores - @em.artistryypnw
Emily Opland - @emilyoplandink
Chantel Reeder - @everafterbeautybychantel
Terri Reece - @terrireecestudios
STYLE TIPS - SENIOR BOYS
Keep it simple and true to you. Choose outfits that fit well, feel comfortable, and reflect your style — whether that’s clean and classic, outdoorsy, casual, or a little more dressed up.
Neutral tones and solid colors photograph best, and layers like jackets, flannels, or button-ups add variety and depth to your gallery.
Fresh haircuts are great, but aim to schedule them about a week before your session so they look natural and lived-in.
Sports Pictures
Sports portraits are a great way to showcase such a huge part of your senior year.
Bring your jersey, equipment, letterman jacket, or anything meaningful to your sport.
For the best polished look, please make sure uniforms and gear are clean and game-ready (leave the post-practice dirt at home 😉).
Picking Colors
You can either complement the environment or contrast with it.
A dark red dress in a green forest? Yes!
Neon pink polka dots on the beach? No!
Pro Tip: Remember the color wheel from high school art class? This is a good reference!
Please Avoid This!
Limit sun exposure before your session!
Sunburns and tan lines = extra editing fees ($100/hour), and no one wants that.
Do you want to wear your watch in the photos? Most have a watch tan line if you remove it.
Water-Friendly Sessions
Most of my sessions are near water, and we usually end the shoot there if weather allows. Bring towels if you're open to getting wet—you might want to wade in!
