Senior Photos: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started!
Congratulations Senior!! I know you are counting down the days to graduation, and planning for award dinners, ordering your cap and gown, and planning for your senior photos. But what do you need to do to be ready to make it the best senior session, and ensure that who you are in this incredible moment shines through?
Don't worry, I've got you covered! Whether a casual session in downtown Phoenix or a elegant dress session in Verrado, here's everything you need to know before you senior photo session.
1) When is the best time of year for Senior Photos?
- The best time, especially in Phoenix, is always between November and February of your Senior / Graduation year. This allows you to utilize the photos for all your end-of-year activities, including graduation announcements and Year Book photos. Just be sure to check your schools' deadlines, so you have time for your session and get your photos back.
2) What is the best location?
- The best Phoenix area location is one that represents YOU, and your personal tastes. These photos are about your journey, and they should reflect who you are at this moment. Maybe that's on a football field in your uniform, on horseback at your local ranch, or maybe it's among the flowers in Verrado's Founders park. Pick something that speaks to you. Check out the top 5 Senior / Graduation locations in Phoenix here for inspiration
3) What is the best time of day for Senior Photos?
- This really depends on your location and the style you want. The most popular time for soft, golden light is "Gold Hour" which is the 1 hour before sunset or after sunrise. However, the Phoenix valley can be tricky with limited shade and huge mountains, and great photos can still be taken at other times of day. Let's talk through the best time for you, when we book your session.
4) Choosing the Right Outfits
- Pick something that feels like "You" and turn it up a notch! If you love dresses and tuxes - go for the stylish gown! If you love sweaters and jeans, then grab some in your favorite colors and just embrace it! Long dress sweeping across the Arizona desert? Your photos should reflect and highlight your style! Most sessions include 2-3 outfits, so remember you can have 2-3 looks, including your sports or band jersey.
- Don't forget the shoes!!
5) Hair, Makeup, and Blemishes- What should I do? (For Guys too)
- Hair - Match your style! Having a gorgeous up-do is great, but may not go with your comic book t-shirt and jeans. If you've never had a beard before, your senior photos may not be the time to grow one. Wanna try a funky new color or cut? Thats' great- until you get it done and don't like it at all. Best suggestion? Do a trial run! See if you're really going to like that look before it's time to take your photos, and you're stuck with it.
- Makeup - Simple, while still being you, is best. Remember- cameras can catch more detail than ever before. So the simpler and more natural to YOU, the better it will look on camera
- Blemishes - It's going to happen! Stress of senior year, means breakouts are a given. Don't sweat. Take care of them before your shoot if you can, and if not- then let me know, and I can often reduce the look or edit them out completely. If you are prone to heavy breakouts, just be sure to reach out ahead of time, so we can talk through the best plan!
6) Glasses, Tanning, and Piercings - Yes or No?
- Glasses - Yes. These are always a yes for me! If you wear glasses all the time, then they are a part of your look! Will we have to do some adjustment for glare and do some without? Yup, probably, but if this is who you are- then you want to show that!
- Tanning - Maybe. Spray tanning is almost always a no- unfortunately these often have an orange undertone, add in golden hour light- and you will look like a carrot! Sun / Bed tanning is usually ok, but recommend keeping it as natural as possible, and make sure you have makeup to match the tones.
- Piercings - Of course! Your piercings are apart of who you are and your style. However remember these photos are timeless, so if you are not committed to 12 eyebrow rings forever, maybe consider simplifying it.
7) What if you're not sure what your style is? What if you're nervous about your shoot?
- Grab a best friend or sibling or parent- someone who knows you best! Feel free to have them weigh in on outfits / options as well as bring them along to your shoot. Especially if they know how to make you laugh!
8) Show the REAL You! Highlight Your Hobbies and Interests. Some ideas to bring along:
- Favorite Book
- Instruments
- Sports Equipment / Uniforms (Jersey, Helmet, Equipment, etc)
- Senior Ring
- Graduation Cap & Gown
- Trophies
- School Memorabilia
- Pets
- Future Career Props (Firefighter helmet, Stethoscope, etc)
- College Memorabilia (Arizona State, NAU, GCU, Harvard, etc)
- Car
- Sentimental items (Family heirlooms, childhood photos, etc)
For Large props, be sure to include talk of this in our consultation, so we can plan the right location to highlight your incredible memory!
9) Remember to book / plan all other appointments, including drive time! Some examples include:
- Hair Styling
- Hair Coloring / Extensions (Usually 1 week in advance)
- Makeup
- Nails
- Any additional specialties: Dermatologist, Teeth Whitening, Tanning, etc
10) What do you do with senior /graduation photos?
- Graduation Announcements
- Thank You Cards
- School Yearbook Photos
- Graduation Party decor
- Family / Friend holiday gifts
- Home decor
- Photo Album
- Keepsakes (Photo boxes, ornaments, notebook covers, projection bracelets, etc)
