Senior Portraits

It is that time of year again, when the Junior class is getting hammered by the yearbook team of schools across the nation about Summer Senior Portrait Sessions. While many students will scramble at the end of the summer, there are a select few who seem to get their photo done early. For those of you chomping at the bit to get their Senior Portrait done, here are a few tips to help make it go more smoothly and to help you look your best.

1. GO EARLY
For all you slackers out there, don’t wait until the end of the summer when your hair is all shaggy and you are burnt beyond recognition with a horrendous sun glass tan. It is like getting your homework done early so you can enjoy the rest of the evening. If you get your portrait out of the way, you can enjoy your summer with out having to think about making the appointment and then actually sticking to it.

2. CLOTHING
By all means, go out an buy something new. You should be wearing solid colors in darker hues for the traditional portrait. Ladies, no sleeveless. Even though it is summer, you will want to wear long sleeve in darker tones. If you are doing a split portrait session where you are also going on location, this is the place to have a little more fun with your outfit. Think, casual, clean, and neutral tones. Do not wear super bright colors and never wear patterns.

3. HAIR & MAKEUP
Ladies, you will want to do your hair the way you like it. I usually recommend not getting it all “done up” since this is not you and you will have prom to go nuts. Your makeup should be slightly more than normal, however the photographer will retouch any blemishes so don’t cake it on. Guys, you should consider blotting your face for oil. Even though this can and will be retouched, it will make you look a little strange if it is done in Photoshop rather than naturally. Here is a quick tip (ladies, in a bind you can use this too.) Go to the bathroom and take a toilet seat protector. Tear it up into small pieces and place in your pocket. When you are ready to get your photo taken, blot your face with it. It works miracles and is much like the Asian blotters only without the pink powder. Guys, also don’t forget to put on some chapstick.

4. THE SMILE
You have all been trained since birth to “smile pretty for the camera.” What this has done over the years is literally developed a second set of “smile” muscles in your face. When you laugh, there is a second set of completely different muscles that are engaged. Try this: smile and feel your face. Then laugh and feel your face. You will notice different muscles in play. So, here is the trick. Right before the photographer takes the photo laugh a little. Even if it is a fake giggle under your breath. Your brain will hear the noise and think you are going to laugh so it will engage your real laugh muscles and not your fake smile muscles. It works every time and I guarantee if you do this whenever anyone takes your photo you will like how you look in it.

Good luck and most of all, have fun. If you are interested in doing a full fledged senior portrait session with me along side of your standard session with the school’s photographer, please have your parents contact me directly, otherwise, please be nice to the person photographing you and don’t show up late to your appointment.Happy picture taking…

To view more helpful photo tips go to JensTips.com and learn something new today!
Copyright © 2009 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com