How to Prepare for Your Senior Portrait Session: A Guide for Senior Girls

Your senior year is a milestone worth celebrating, and your senior portrait session is the perfect opportunity to capture this special time in your life. To make sure your photos reflect who you are, it’s important to prepare thoughtfully. Here are some tips to help you look and feel your best, from outfit choices to hair and makeup.

1. Choose Outfits That Represent Your Personality

Your senior photos should showcase your unique style and personality. When selecting outfits, think about what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you love boho vibes, classic elegance, or sporty chic, choose outfits that you genuinely love and feel like “you.” Here are a few outfit tips:

• Go for Variety: Bring at least three different outfits to your session. Consider a mix of casual, semi-formal, and something a little more dressed up. This will give you a range of looks in your final photos.
• Accessorize Thoughtfully: Accessories can add a lot to your outfit, but be careful not to overdo it. A statement necklace, a stylish hat, or a scarf can add personality without overshadowing you.
• Coordinate, Don’t Match: If you’re planning on taking photos with props or pets, or if you want to include family members in some shots, coordinate your outfits rather than matching exactly. Complementary colors and styles will look more natural.

2. Hair Tips: Keep It Simple and True to You

Your hair is a big part of your look, so you’ll want to make sure it’s photo-ready. Here’s how:

• Stick to What You Know: Your senior portrait session isn’t the time to try out a brand-new hairstyle. Stick with a style you’re comfortable with and know looks good on you.
• Consider a Trim: A fresh trim a week or two before your session can help eliminate split ends and make your hair look healthy and polished. If you color your hair, make sure your roots are touched up.
• Bring Essentials: On the day of your session, pack a small bag with hair essentials like a brush, hairspray, and bobby pins for any touch-ups.

3. Makeup Tips: Enhance Your Natural Beauty

Makeup for senior portraits should enhance your features, not overpower them. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Go for a Natural Look: Aim for a makeup look that enhances your natural beauty. A good rule of thumb is to wear a slightly more polished version of your everyday makeup.
• Pay Attention to Your Eyes and Lips: Your eyes and lips are focal points in photos. Consider slightly darker eyeliner and mascara to define your eyes, and choose a lip color that complements your outfit and skin tone.
• Matte is Your Friend: Avoid makeup with too much shimmer, as it can reflect light and create unwanted shine in photos. Opt for matte finishes where possible, especially in foundation and powder.
• Bring Touch-Up Supplies: Pack a small kit with your makeup essentials, including lip color, powder, and oil blotting sheets, to keep your look fresh throughout the session.

4. Prepare Mentally and Physically

Feeling your best goes beyond just looking your best. Here are a few final tips to help you prepare:

• Rest Up: Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before your session. You’ll feel more energized and look more refreshed.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session to keep your skin looking its best.
• Practice Posing: It might sound silly, but practicing a few poses in front of a mirror can help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Think about your favorite side or angle and how you like to smile.
• Relax and Have Fun: This is your time to shine! Don’t stress too much about perfection—your photos will be beautiful because they capture who you are. Trust your photographer, enjoy the experience, and let your personality shine through.

Your senior portrait session is a celebration of who you are at this exciting time in your life. With a little preparation, you can make sure your photos are a true reflection of your personality and style. Follow these tips, and you’ll be ready to step in front of the camera with confidence.

The best way to navigate through this exciting experience is by choosing a photographer who can guide you through every step. I specialize in senior portraits and take pride in making sure my clients feel confident and supported throughout the entire process. If you’d like to be part of the CBP Senior Experience, feel free to reach out at cjbradleyphotos@gmail.com. Let’s create something unique together!

cjbradleyphotography.com | Mid Michigan Photographer