EXTRA TIPS FOR SENIORS

CLOTHING   Pick outfits that show who you are. It is best to try to avoid stripes, plaids and busy patterns because solids photograph much better. If your favorite outfit has a pattern or writing, BRING IT!! Just make sure you bring some simple, subtle outfits too. Also please bring a variety of color. Don’t bring five blue outfits even if it is your favorite color. Bright colors are fine, but we strongly encourage you to also bring some neutral colors, such as black, white, tan and brown so you will have a nice variety of tones.  Vary the dress level by bringing some dressy and some casual outfits. PLEASE bring several extra outfits so we can help you pick what looks best on you. It is better to have extra outfits than not enough to pick from.

Group your outfits together on hangers and make sure they are ironed. Clothes stuffed in a bag will come out wrinkled. Although we have an iron for touch ups, we don’t want you to waste your time ironing.

Some shots are close up, others are full length which will show your shoes, so plan outfits completely.

Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, as they can make your arms look fuller. Light colored and baggy clothing tend to add weight.  Black, as well as dark colors, tend to be more slimming.  As a general rule, light clothes look better on light backgrounds and dark clothing looks better with dark backgrounds. It you don’t have a preference, bring light and dark outfits for more variety.

CLOTHING FOR SENIOR GIRLS –  What you love and are interested in is really important. A variety of styles and colors will give you a lot of unique images to pick from (prom dress, hats, scarves, jeans and a simple t-shirt, that hoodie you just love)

CLOTHING FOR SENIOR GUYS –  Bring a variety of tops (polos, t-shirts, button ups, jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters) and a variety of bottoms (jeans, khakis, shorts). Most importantly, bring clothes that you like to wear. A casual outfit that you like to wear everyday can look really authentic.  Don’t bring dad’s clothes unless you share clothes with him.

JEWELRY    Again, the best tip we can give you is to keep it simple. We want the attention on you, not your jewelry. Big, shiny jewelry can be distracting. If you have a necklace that matches an outfit but may be a little distracting, bring it and we can take a few photos with and without the necklace.  If you have different jewelry for each outfit, you might want to put it in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit.

PROPS     You are welcome to bring props! Bring items that help define who you are or mean something special to you. Some popular choices are; sports equipment and apparel (soccer ball, football, hockey stick, jerseys and cleats), musical instruments (guitar, saxophone, trumpet), activities (dance, paintball, hunting, and hobbies), automobiles or motorcycles. Just remember that too much can be distracting, so choose props that will compliment you and not take the focus from you. Sometimes it may be better to focus on your favorite sport or hobby instead of having a bunch of things in the same photo.

PETS    Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a good idea to have someone bring a pet, then leave with them after being photographed. Or bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them. Treats can be helpful to keep a dog’s attention.

FINGERNAILS & TOENAILS    Nails may show in some of the photos. If the nail polish is chipped, it will show. Many casual shots are done barefoot, so don’t forget about those toes! Avoid bright colors. Natural or light subtle colors may look best.

FRIENDS AND PARENTS         We do require  that a parent or guardian comes with you, but please  keep in mind that too many people in the camera room may be distracting or make you nervous. We do not recommend bringing your boyfriend or girlfriend to your session. It is fine for them to be in a photo with you but it is usually best if they only stay for that part of the session.

MUSIC    We have a Bluetooth speaker you can connect to so you can play your favorite music during your session.