Are you ready for your close up? Was that totally cliche? But really, are you ready for your big shoot?

One of the questions I get asked frequently is how to prepare for your senior portraits. It’s a good questions, because unless you’re a celebrity or used to having your photo taken frequently, most aren’t well versed with how to prepare for a photo shoot. That’s where this post comes in!

How to Prepare for Your Senior Portraits

1. Check out the Pinterest Boards: Who doesn’t love Pinterest? I almost don’t remember what life was like before Pinterest. And if you’re not on Pinterest, I highly recommend it! For everything! Prior to your session, I will send you all my links to my Pinterest boards for outfits, hair styles, and makeup ideas. I recommend that you create a board for your senior session to keep all your ideas. When it comes to your shoot, just show your makeup artist the makeup look you were thinking about as well as the hair styling you’d like her to create. She will take great care of you and carry out your vision!
2. Get some sleep! I know that with school, homework, and activities, things can get crazy busy and usually it’s sleep that gets sacrificed. I remember pulling all-nighters a few times through high school. However, when planning for your senior portrait session, you’ll want to be well rested. I know that you won’t want puffy or tired eyes for your shoot. Be sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep in the days leading up to your shoot. You can thank me later!
3. Drink water and stay hydrated: Along with the sleep tip is to stay well-hydrated. The real secret to gorgeous skin is proper hydration. My favorite way of getting enough water is filling up my water bottle. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like I’m more efficient drinking water that way AND I can drink more water as well. If you’re working out or doing sports/dance/band activities, be sure that you’re drinking water. Keep this habit up and when you’re older your skin will definitely be thanking you!
4. Get a manicure: Don’t forget about your nails! I recommend choosing a neutral or light color for your nail polish. Or go for a French manicure.  Typically bold, dark colors may date your photos. You may look back later and say, “What was I thinking?” But if you’re the type that rocks out the colored nail polish on a daily basis, just make sure that your nails are well groomed and not chipping. Plus, who doesn’t love a little pampering before the amazing senior portrait experience you’re about to have?
5. Choose outfits while considering your location: Prior to your senior portrait session, we will have chosen your shoot location based on your preferences. If you’ve chosen to go to a spot out by the lake, you may not want to choose heels to wear. If there will be some “hiking” involved, be sure to bring proper shoes. Something you might wear to the beach, you probably wouldn’t wear downtown. Know what I mean? Be thoughtful about your clothing choices and if you can’t decide, bring your selections to your shoot and I will help you!
6. Prepare your face:

• Do not have your eyebrows waxed for at least a week before your session. It tends to cause a lot of redness and swelling. In some cases even some scabbing.
• Wash your face thoroughly before your session and apply a hydrating moisturizer. The foundation will apply more evenly if your face is prepped and ready before any color is applied.
• Exfoliate with a physical exfoliator at least 2 days prior to your application session. It will help reduce dry patches and texturing.
• Try to avoid using products containing salicylic acid at least 3 days before your appointment as it severely dries out the skin.
• I recommend brushing your teeth and your lips vigorously before your appointment also to avoid smearing your lip color.

Those are my top 6 tips to prepare for your senior portraits photo shoot. We’re going to have a blast!

Ready to book your senior portraits? Need more information? Contact me to get started!