HEY THERE! Welcome to a Senior Guide that will ease all of the stress!
THIS GUIDE WILL HOPEFULLY ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT MAY ARISE, AS FAR AS, SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSIONS GO!
I want to be able to provide a little bit of guidance, comfort, and stress-relief on how to be prepared for session days. THIS IS ALL ABOUT YOU! Your style and personality should be captured in every beautiful image! Feel free to dress anyway you'd like & bring any props that pertain to your daily lifestyles. I want to showcase all of your unique/talented qualities!
OUTFITS:
ALWAYS bring options.. like I always say... "You can NEVER have too many clothes!" Even if we can't rotate them all...it's best to have different outfits that will fit the location, the "theme" idea, or that will showcase your style! Whatever season the session is booked, can be a helpful tool to decide what colors, fabrics, and types of clothing to wear! You do not have to purchase all new outfits! You can incorporate new items maybe with articles of clothing you already have in your closet! Senior pictures are a big deal!
You are showing of all of your handwork, dedication, and success. Bring any props that show off your involvement.. that could be art supplies, FFA jacket/awards/animal projects, sports medals, academic trophies, etc. Some other useful props that can be incorporated into pictures could include jewelry, hats, scarves, jackets, etc. The list could go on and on... our goal is for everyone to see who you truly are through your session! :)
FOR ALL MY GIRLY POPS: MAKEUP & TANNING
I am all about natural beauty ladies! YOU ARE GORGEOUS WITH AND WITHOUT MAKEUP!! A full face/ more high coverage look... does look so great in photos! Of course you want your smile and eyes to pop!! GIVE ME ALL THE GLITZ AND THE GLAM! Even if you want a more natural look, lipgloss and some mascara go a long way! False lashes are a photographers best friend! I LOVE big, beautiful eyes in pictures... so don't be afraid to incorporate them into your session look! Even if your interested in getting your hair/makeup professionally done, that's totally okay with me! I can even recommend a couple of places for these services! :)
If any of my ladies like to self tan/get spray tanned, try not to overdo it! I wouldn't want you skin color to appear unnaturally orange or have a splotchy look! If you tan naturally/in the tanning bed, be careful, you don't want your images to show any excessive redness, peeling skin, or red noses!
HAIR & NAILS
I know as you're embarking a new journey, you want to make some changes. However, I would not suggest making huge hair color changes, directly before your senior session. If you're more natural, try and stick with that color palette. Don't get me wrong, funky/ bright colored hair is fun too! For example, if you dyed your hair black... you wouldn't want to try and go platinum blonde 3 days before your session. Some hair services take multiple sessions to reach the desired goal; therefore, keep that in mind while scheduling appointments. A trim and root touch up can always be beneficial right before pictures. Fresh hair= best hair! Feel free to style your hair any way you'd like... whether that be naturally curly/wavy, braided, or using hair tools to curl/straighten the hair!
I highly recommend getting nails done within the same week of your session... preferably a couple days before! You can either get french tips/natural colored nails to match your colorful/bold outfits... or if your outfits are more neutral toned.. throw in a bright colored nail look! Even regular nail polish at home works great, you just want to look put together. Nails and hair compliment any outfit... + makes a girl feel 100% better!
To all my Guys: Please try and keep your nails clean and clipped down! We don't want dirt under the nails or long tips. I get we have some hardworking men, but we want to look as polished as possible! :)
Poses
Nobody wants to have awkward poses where they feel uncomfortable. Most seniors and their families typically gets nervous and stressed about this aspect of the session. That's what I'm here for. I will never pose you in a position that will look awkward on camera. It may feel a little awkward while doing a standing/ sitting/ jumping/ laying pose; however, on camera...I promise it looks golden!! If you ever feel uncomfortable or feel like it's something you can't do, I have a wide variety of poses to do instead. Shelby L. Photography wants you to have a positive, yet memorable experience with your senior shoot! Like I said, THIS IS ALL ABOUT SHOWING YOURSELF OFF! YOU DESERVE ALL OF THE ATTENTION!! <3
WHO & WHAT LIST
Props can be a GREAT addition to senior portraits, in order to show off individuality
- Senior letterman/ class Ring
-FFA project/ show animals
- Your favorite book/ art supplies
- Your pet
- Rustic / Vintage Props
- Blankets
- Banners/ ribbons/ plaques/ medals/ trophies
- Cheer, dance, majorette, sport, band, or mascot uniforms
- Football / Pom Poms / Megaphone/ Basketball/ Volleyball/ Bat/ Helmet/ Tennis racket, etc.
If you receive your senior cap & gown before your session, please bring those with you!
-NHS collar/ cords
You are more than welcome to bring anyone you would like to your senior session! It's definitely a memorable time! Bring people who you are close to. For instance, my mom went with me to my senior sessions. She got to have her input with my images, as well as be behind the scenes. You can bring your parents, siblings, best friend, grandma... whoever you're not bashful around. I definitely want you to be cheerful, smiley, and showing off your beautiful personality! Try to bring someone that wouldn't mind assisting you... whether that be holding a prop for you, fixing your hair, etc. Of course I will always fix any minor inconveniences to make you look THE ABSOLUTE BEST! I'll be your biggest fan, you'll constantly hear me talking you through your session + hyping you up!! I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU & START YOUR SENIOR SESSION! LET'S HAVE SOME FUN! :))
ANY QUESTIONS?
Please please please... feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have!!
Facebook - Shelby L. Photography
Instagram - shelbyl.photography
E-mail - shelbylm7700@gmail.com
Text: 903-733-7755