Top 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Preparing For Your High School Senior Photos
Mistakes To Avoid For A Stress Free Senior Photo Session
Are you looking for tips to prepare for your high school senior photo session to ensure it is as amazing and stress free as possible? From my experience as a professional senior photographer the preparation is the stage that may be the most stressful for the graduating senior and their parents.
In this post I will be sharing the top 5 mistakes I have seen that has taken away some of the magic of the senior photo experience. Avoiding these simple mistakes you will feel prepared, confident, and excited for your big day.
Mistake #1 | Not Booking Your Senior Photographer Early
While it is very important to get on your favorite senior photographer’s calendar early to ensure your preferred day is available, it also is very important to select a portrait session date that works for your busy senior schedule as well.
You will need to consider how full your calendar will be with senior events, activities, and commitments for the year. Which season or pocket of time will you be available to prepare for your senior session?
Time To Prep And Plan The Detail
Working with your photographer you will plan your outfits, locations, and the date for your photo session. You do not want to wait till the last minute and try to also fit in appointments with your hair stylist, nail artist, aesthetician, etc if you would like any last minute touch ups.
It is important you select a date when you have some downtime to rest to ensure you look and feel your best. Your senior photo session is a day to celebrate you and we want to capture your wonderful authentic self.
Mistake #2 | Not Reading The Preparation Materials From Your Photographer
Your high school senior photographer is the expert when it comes to preparing for your senior photos. The preparation magazines are to guide you through this new experience. Your senior session is one of the few times in your life when the pictures are all about you and who you are becoming.
Senior Photo Session Guide
This is your first senior photography session but I have helped many seniors over the last 10 years. My number one goal is make your senior photo experience fun, easy, and stress free. Also to include the personal touches that make your photos unique to you, your style, and how you want to be photographed. The Senior Session Guide shares all of my tips and tricks to having the best senior session possible!
Mistake #3 | Making Changes To Your Personal Care Routine
For 3-4 weeks before your session we suggest no drastic change in your hair style, cut, color, or skincare routine.
This recommendation comes with love because I want you to love your senior photos and be so excited to share them with your family and friends. I understand the motivation to make that summer chop especially with the humidity in North Carolina but big changes in hair length and style for your hair sometimes take a little while to be comfortable with the change.
Changes in your skincare routine in the month before your session may lead to changes in your skin such as dryness or breakouts. We should call the month before your senior photos “No New Products” month.
Mistake #4 | No Variety in Outfits
Your senior photos shine and are more interesting when you include a variety of colors, variety of styles and textures, and a variety of length of outfits ( ex. shorts, above the knee, and full length).
Please avoid choosing only one style such as dresses, or only one color tone such as pink, or only one length such as midthigh for all your outfits. Choose a different style, color, and length for each one.
Importance Of Variety In Your Outfits
Colors, styles, and textures add visual interest and dimension to your senior pictures and show off your personal style. You can add even more interest to 1 outfit by adding a layer such as a hat, jacket, sweater, scarf, vest or shoes. Jewlery can also add a little extra sparkle or pop of color to your outfits.
The importance of varying wardrobe lengths in your outfits allows for more diversity and movement in your posing.
An example of a varied length outfit collection is 1 jean shorts or romper outfit, 1 dress that is just above the knee, and 1 pants / jeans or full length jumper. The full length outfit will give you the ability to pose in various sitting positions and moving for candids or more influencer styled photos.
Mistake #5 | Not Planning A Way To Carry Your Clothes And Accessories.
Let’s be real - this should probably be tip #1. Is there anything more stressful than running around last minute trying to find something to carry all the perfectly steamed and curated outfits into? This can set off a domino effect as you are packing multiple bags (because it will not all fit in one) that your jewelry, shoes, or worse your undergarments you need for that favorite outfit gets left behind.
You will need a bag or suitcase large enough to carry your clothes, shoes, and accessories without wrinkling them. The ability to leave your clothes on hangers will keep them photo ready. Prepping how you will pack and travel with your outfits early will save you so much time and stress before your big day.
Learn From Our Mistakes
These are some of the mistakes that I have seen that caused stress for seniors and their parents. I hope by sharing these you can avoid making these same mistakes and have an amazing senior photo session!
If you have any questions before your senior photos please ask me. You can contact me below. My goal is for you to have the best senior experience!
Jamie Loomis Photography is a senior and branding photographer with a portrait focused studio in Vass, NC that serves Pinehurst, Raleigh, Sanford, Fayetteville, Southern Pines, Lillington, Cary, Holly Springs, Apex, Chapel Hill and beyond. Jamie Loomis has been a professional portrait photographer for over 10 years. With these years of experience she has created a unique and fun senior experience for seniors. To inquire for your senior photo session contact Jamie. Follow along to check out behind the scenes and past photo sessions on Instagram and Facebook.