Senior Portrait Grooming Guidelines

GENTLEMEN OUTFITS

Your choice of outfit should represent you! This is the time to show off your signature style. Don't have one? Then this is the time to go with the classics. Find outfits that are comfortable (I will ask you to do some pretty weird things during our session), fit well, and are hopefully not going to looks dated by next Thursday. Trendy is not the move unless that is an integral part of your personal style. Keep it classic!

• 2-3 shirts. 
• At least one classic button down or polo
• Avoid graphic T’s and logos since these will quickly look dated. You can wear them if you want, but do so at your own risk!
• Make sure things are clean, and ironed!
• 1-2 pairs of pants/shorts
• Jeans
• Slacks
• Choose things that are location appropriate!
• Clean shoes/boots. 
• Make sure they are comfortable. 
• I recommend breaking in boots before the big day. Depending on location we may be walking. A lot. 
• Sandals are okay, but make sure your feet are photo ready in that case. It may be a fun time to try out a pedicure if your feet are not in top top shape. 
• If you are a sneakerhead, make sure to bring something to clean your nice white Jordan’s in case they get scuffed. 
• Feel free to bring as many pairs as you want. 
• Belt. 
• If you are tucking in any of your shirts, a belt is nice to have.
• Jacket. 
• Adds variety to the shirts. 
• If you have a letterman or an FFA jacket, bring it!
• Try and have at least one with you so we can throw it over your shoulder. Instant casual cool.
• Hats
• A classic felt or straw cowboy hat is always a show stopper
• If you want a ball cap, make sure it is CLEAN! Also keep in mind photos with professional sports team logos might get rejected by the yearbook. 
• You will need to take some hat free photos, so be prepared for that .
• Jewelry
• Jewelry can really add something to your photos if it feels like you. Chains, St. Christophers, and other religious medallions are all wonderful if they are something you typically wear! I don't recommend wearing jewelry for the first time at your shoot.
• Class ring? Bring it! We will get some close ups.
• Family heirloom? Lets go!
• Sports gear
• If you are an athlete, bring a ball or other equipment
• Lettermen's jackets are always a hit

Ladies Outfits

All outfits should be something you are comfortable and confident in. I do not recommend choosing something just because it is trendy! Also make sure that things fit well. Something that is too tight is going to buckle and bend in weird ways when you sit. Keep it cute and comfy!

• At least one jeans/top(s) combo
• Find something cute and classic that you feel comfortable in.
• 1-3 tops that you can easily swap out are ideal
• Dress(es)
• Long or midi length dresses are the most fun and versatile because we can play with the length in your shots. 
• Something that moves well is ideal
• Avoid anything too see through
• Avoid anything with too short of a skirt because you won’t be able to sit while maintaining modesty
• Keep venue in mind. Some dresses look great on the beach, others are better suited to a ranch. 
• If you are not a dress person, that is totally fine! Skip it!
• Jackets/cardigans
• A cropped suede or similar material jacket is perfect for over your dress. Denim works great as well!
• Cardigan or other jacket for over your tops with jeans add nice variety and will keep you warm if the marine layer rolls in
• Shoes
• Location is key! Please avoid stilettos if we are out in grassy hills. Broken ankles are a bad way to start senior year! You can also wear something comfortable, and swap out when we start shooting if you want
• Boots are great, pretty much everywhere but the beach
• If you are a sneakerhead, bring something to clean off the fresh white Jordans
• Belt. 
• If you are tucking in any of your shirts, a belt is nice to have.
• Also excellent for some of the loose, flowy dresses to define your waist for some shots.
• Jewelry
• Long necklaces are a great accessory to add variety and give you something to play with during the shoot.
• If you have pierced ears, I recommend filling the holes with something
• Studs are easy and classic, but dramatic dangling earrings can be fun too! 
• Bracelets are great
• Class ring? 
• Hats
• Easiest way to add drama to a photo is with a hat! I recommend a wide brim felt or straw hat in a neutral color.
• Cowboy hats are also great if it matches your personal style.
• Sports gear
• If you are an athlete, bring a ball or other equipment
• Lettermen's jackets are always a hit

GENTLEMEN GROOMING:

• Hair
• Get a hair cut a few days before your session so you look fresh. 
• If you have long hair, feel free to disregard, but do make sure your hair is brushed.
• If you have long hair, start with it down and we can move to the man bun later
• I do not recommend adding product to your hair unless that is part of your normal look. We want you to look like you!
• Body Hair
• Shave or clean up facial hair
• Makeup
• Although so of you are probably not into it, makeup it magic! Bring some pressed powder to help tame the shine. Ask you mom, sister, or girlfriend to borrow some if this is not normally "your thing". You might not need it, but better to have it.
• If you have chapped lips, bring some balm or chapstick
• There is NO shame in using concealer for blemishes. If its your first time, seek help from a mom, sister, girlfriend, or someone who knows what they are doing.
• Brows
• If you are somebody who regularly has your brows done, I recommend doing it two days before the shoot to make sure that you don’t have any swelling or redness, but also are as fresh as possible
• Teeth
• Make sure to brush your teeth right before you leave for the shoot to make sure that your pearly whites are at their best.
• Some people like to use whitening toothpaste or white strips for a few days before the shoot as well
• Shower

LADIES GROOMING:

• Hair
• I recommend starting with hair down. If your hair holds a curl, feel free to curl, otherwise straight is great!
• Try out your hairstyle at least a week in advance to make sure that you know what you are doing, and that it will last at least a couple of hours
• If you are hopeless where hair is concerned, most local salons will either do a blowout, or curl it for you for a reasonable price. Make sure to get on the schedule at least a few weeks before our shoot. 
• Bring a hairbrush to tame flyaways, and a hair tie in case it’s windy!
• A fresh cut will help to keep split ends at bay and make sure your hair is laying as smooth and natural as possible. You can even schedule a haircut for the same day, that way you get a cut and style all in one! Make sure you trust your hairstylist if you are going for this option though… 
• Makeup
• Go with what you normally do, maybe just a little bit more. If you are someone who wears a lot of eye makeup, feel free to be a little bit more dramatic. If you are somebody who literally never wears makeup, I would avoid going crazy on the day of our shoot. 
• Bring whatever lip color you are wearing (if any) to the shoot so we can touch up as needed. 
• Regardless of your normal makeup routine, make sure you are wearing mascara. This will help to make sure that your eyes pop in the photos! If you are comfortable doing so, eyeliner can also really help with this. 
• I recommend bringing some pressed or loose powder with you to the shoot as well, that way we can blot any oil or sweat if it’s hot.
• I typically shoot with natural light so it’s not often an issue, but it may be a good idea to make sure that your foundation is “camera ready“ without any light reflecting pigments that will make you look washed out in case we need to use flash.
• Brows
• If you are somebody who regularly has your brows done, I recommend doing it two days before the shoot to make sure that you don’t have any swelling or redness, but also are as fresh as possible
• Teeth
• Make sure to brush your teeth right before you leave for the shoot to make sure that your pearly whites are at their best.
• Some people like to use whitening toothpaste or white strips for a few days before the shoot as well
• Body hair
• If you shave or wax, make sure to do so at an interval that prevents razor burn or irritation right before the shoot
• If you are au natural, that’s great too!