Preparing for your SENIOR PHOTO SESSION with Linda Osborne Photography

Being well prepared for your senior photo session can make the difference between average and fabulous photos. Follow these easy tips and you’ll be well on your way to looking your absolute best. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me, Linda 507-217-0228.

Mindset

Your senior session is going to be fun! I want to provide unique portraits and an amazing photo session experience for you.

I want your senior portrait experience to make you feel gorgeous, pampered, amazing, stunning, and fabulous, I could go on and on.  

And I want you to feel relaxed. I'm easy to get along with. I love seniors and how each one is beautiful and unique.  I am interested in hearing your story and your dreams for the future.  I want your senior pictures to be as unique and special as you are.  I want to know what makes you stand out in a crowd, what makes you tick, and I want to show the real YOU in your portraits.  Plus, I help you with posing, and I will pick out locations, and I will take the right picture at the right moment, so there’s no pressure on you.

 

Arrival

Arrive early or on time to your appointment. Showing up late means you lose camera time, and you don’t want that.

Style

 

You’re unique and beautiful. Follow my guidelines but be yourself in how you dress.

Be fashionable. Wear clothing that’s stylish and put a lot of thought into your choices. This is a unique opportunity and I want you to look amazing!

Clothing

 

I give you unlimited wardrobe changes, so bring A LOT of options. The more outfits we have to choose from, the better. This will give me flexibility in matching your clothing to backgrounds and the surroundings.

Group your outfits together on hangers. Make sure items are ironed and ready to go.

Plan on changing quickly. The faster you change, the more time I have to photograph and the more photo choices you’ll have later.

Make sure you’re comfortable in your clothing and that it flatters you. This will ensure that you like how you look when viewing your photos.

If you’re self-conscious about your arms, avoid sleeveless or cap-sleeve shirts and tank tops, as they tend to make arms look fuller.

Avoid stripes and plaid. Solid colors photograph much better than busy patterns.

Bring a variety of colors and mix the level of styles. Some should be dressy, some dressy-casual, and some casual.

If you’re comfortable in dresses, bring them! They photograph really well and offer a nice variety from your other casual clothing choices. We can mix dressy and casual dresses for some great looks.


Shoes

I cannot say it loudly enough. Wear heels! Whether pumps or boots, dressy or casual, plain or sassy, heels really make you stand out and look glamorous.

 

Flats can also work well if you mix them with the right outfit.

We will not photograph you in flip-flops. Yes, they’re comfy and we all love them, but they don’t photograph well.

Hair

Although I try to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair “is supposed to look like.” Make sure you like the look or let the photographer know your preferences. Better yet, bring your best friend with you for the session and he or she can help. Hair style is ultimately YOUR responsibility. Any hair changes during the session should be quick and simple so you have as much camera time as possible.
Bring hair spray, clips, pins, and whatever else is needed to keep your hair out of your eyes if it’s windy. Also bring a brush and mirror for quick hair touch-ups.

Do not make drastic changes to your hairstyle right before your photo session. This could add unneeded drama to your life.

Makeup

 

Makeup that is well done is one of the best preparations you can make for your session. It will even out skin tones and help give your photos that extra pop for a model-like look. Even if you don’t normally wear makeup or wear very little, take the time to do it well and your photos will look their best.

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. Mascara should be clean and not clumpy, I often advise to buy a brand new mascara for the session. Avoid makeup with an SPF because it tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color. And lips should have a soft color on them, with a slight gloss to them to look their best!

Jewelry

Keep it simple. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the important subject, you. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit.

All that being said, the proper jewelry can really complement your outfit. It’s nice to have a variety to choose from and it doesn’t hurt to bring numerous options with you.


Props

They’re great! Bring props that help show who you are. Some popular choices are:

• Sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball, softball bat, etc.)
  
• Sports uniforms
  
• Musical instruments
  
• Activity related items (dance, art, school clubs, etc.)
  

Glasses

Most lenses have a glare. The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they’ll loan you a similar pair without lenses.

Tanning

Tan lines are a distraction and take away from your photos. We suggest you use a tanning bed and varied swimsuit tops to minimize any existing tan lines. If you choose to tan outside or in a tanning bed, don’t overdo it. You don’t want you looking orange and leathery.

Complexion

Makeup helps a lot here, but I do retouch your photo's so don't be concerned about minor breakouts. I have you covered! If your acne is more severe, you’re still okay. I had acne is high school and understand! I'm happy to help you out with some extra retouching.

Friends & Parents

Friends or parents are welcome and often can be a help. However, if they distract you, it may be best to meet them when the session is over. You’re welcome to have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, best friend, sibling, or parent at no extra charge, so if you want that, have them prepared by letting them know ahead of time.

Weather

Don’t worry about clouds because they actually even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions. But falling rain is an issue and we will have to reschedule. I will try to contact you first, but please call me at 507-217-0228 if you have any doubts or concerns.

Braces

Try not to worry about them. Give a natural smile and enjoy yourself. A good smile with braces is far better than the awkward smile that comes when you try to hide them.

Undergarments

Please make sure the colors of your undergarment coordinate well with your outfits and don’t show through your clothing. If you need a strapless, please bring one to your session. Tucking or moving straps will not always work or give the most pleasing look.  Check ahead of time to ensure that undergarments don’t leave unpleasing lines underneath your clothing.

Finger & Toe Nails

If you paint your nails, make sure they’re done well for your session. Chipped nail paint will show and distract from you. Avoid bright colors that will distract from you and may not work with all your outfits. Instead, opt for basic or natural tone.



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