Tips on how to prepare for a senior photoshoot
Senior portraits are a special way to commemorate your school years so let’s make them fun and showcase who you are, nothing like your awkward school photo – you know the one with the fake smile! We want your personality, style, and extracurricular activities highlighted in your photos. Ready for your senior photoshoot? Here are a few things to prepare for your senior photoshoot (elementary/middle/high school/college all apply here):
• Book your session early – think April/early May
Calendars book up quickly, the weather can be funky so backup dates might need to be considered. You don’t want to end up trying to find someone in June and not have your photos done until post-graduation!
• Plan your outfits
Please, show off and rock your personal style! Want to wear Doc Martens with a flowy skirt, do it. Want to wear Vans with overalls that have Sharpie doodles everywhere, do it! This time of your life is so precious and we want the photos to capture who you are, at this time. So don’t wear something that isn’t you. If you’re stuck on what to wear, Pinterest is one of my favorite places to start for ideas.
• Treat yourself to hair/nails/makeup
Besides rocking out in your outfit, think about treating yourself. Pamper yourself with a haircut, makeup, or fun nails. Another tip is to not try a new haircut/style the day before your session though. A week prior to your session is the best time to get that haircut.
• Props
Things to think about bringing. If you already have it, your cap and gown. If you play a sport, bring that ball, racquet, and glove. If you love playing video games and collecting stuffies, bring that. Think of the things that you love, that drive you, and make that a part of your senior photos.
• Good night’s sleep the night before your session
I know it’s hard to get in the number of hours needed each night of sleep, but be well-rested. This helps to avoid any sleepy grumps, we want you at your best.
• Arrive on time for your session
Your time is valuable, your parent’s time is valuable and your photographer’s time is valuable. So make sure you arrive at your session on time or even better, about ten minutes earlier!
• Parents
Parents are welcome to join but it’s up to you. They can hold your stuff (especially cell phones/hair ties) or help with a fan to give you the wind-blown hair look. If you don’t want them there or want them to hover a few hundred meters away, let them know. They want to be a part of it, even if it’s just photos, so they are welcome but do what makes you most comfortable. Also, if you have a wonderful bond with your little sibling, feel free to include them for a few photos too.
Are you ready for your senior photoshoot?
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area | San Jose area and looking for family photos that are full of playful, loving fun, let’s connect!
Graduation is around the corner so let’s connect. Think about how we can create a graduation portrait session that fits their personality and let’s rock it!
Kim Ebbets of Photos by Kim E is a Bay Area | San Jose photographer that specializes in unique sessions that showcase you as you.
Located in the Silicon Valley | Bay Area | San Jose | Morgan Hill | and is available for travel.
