It’s your Senior Year and the pressure is on. You want senior portraits that reflect who you are but you don’t know where to begin. Let me step you through my fail-proof tips to having an amazing photoshoot experience. Remember, you don’t have to be a pro in front of the camera when you have a pro behind the camera!

When you feel comfortable, confident, and radiant the result is one of a kind images that you and your family will love and cherish for a lifetime.

1. Choose a professional photographer you can trust.

Selfies work fine for your Instagram story -- but they just won’t cut it when it comes to your senior photos and graduation announcements. Look for a professional photographer who specializes in senior portraits. Take a look at their portfolio to make sure you like their work and their style of photography.

When it comes to editing, I strongly suggest choosing an experienced photographer who has a clear understanding of how to professionally edit your photos. With the right techniques, your photographer will enhance your own natural beauty, because who wants overly Photoshopped images that make your skin look like plastic?

2. Create a mood board and plan your dream photoshoot.

Start by looking for inspiration in magazines, books, movies, and social media. Once you have an idea of what you are looking for I always recommend creating a mood board on Pinterest. This will help you tell a visual story of how you want your senior portraits to look and feel.

Mood boards are more than just pretty pictures, they really encapsulate what you’re all about, how you want to look, what you want to wear, and what props to bring to make your photos stand out. You don’t want to create an exact copy of a picture you found on Pinterest. Instead, use it as inspiration on how you wish to style your hair, the makeup look you want, and the wardrobe choices you like for your photoshoot.

3. Wear clothes that you’re comfortable in.

While choosing your outfits for your senior session is a personal choice, it can make a big difference during your photoshoot, because wearing something unflattering or that doesn’t look good in camera can ruin your experience.

Throughout your photoshoot, you’ll be posing in different ways: sitting, standing, walking, jumping, etc. If you’re wearing a dress that you’re constantly adjusting because it doesn’t fit right or shoes that pinch your toes, it’ll be difficult for you to relax and really live in the moment. Wear an outfit that you can move comfortably in and that makes you feel good about yourself.

For more tips, make sure to download my “What to Wear Guide” >> HERE <<

4. Go the extra mile to look your best.

To make the most of your senior photos, consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist. They are trained to bring out your natural beauty by using the right products for your hair and skin type and making sure you are camera-ready with the right amount of makeup without making you look cakey or shiny. As an added bonus, it takes the stress off of you to get those perfect beachy waves or hassle-free curls. This makes a big difference because it will boost your confidence and ensure you walk away with photos you love.

5. Location, location, location!

If you’re a little nervous about spending so much time in front of the camera, choose a location that makes you feel at home or a place that’s significant to you. Consider your hobbies & interests and refer back to your mood board to help you identify where you want to be photographed. If you are unsure of where to go for your senior photos always consult with your photographer. They are professionals and will suggest the best options for you. You can also consider having some of your photos done in-studio to add variety to your senior session.

Looking for more information on a senior portrait experience or simply have a question about senior photos, I’d love to hear from you.

With Love,

Mariela