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Ready for Your Senior Portrait Session? by Alice B. Miller Follow these useful tips to make sure your senior portrait session goes perfectly. Article rating: 9.45

It’s the season for Senior Portrait Sessions. But many teens and parents are inexperienced when it comes to selecting outfits and knowing what kind of accessories and props will work best in photographs.

To help families with this high school rite of passage, I asked Todd Van Fleet (www.studiophotographics.com), one of Denver’s leading senior portrait photographers, to share some of the suggestions he gives his portrait clients. In a flash, he came back with simple do’s and don’ts for a successful senior portrait shoot. “For starters, if you’re uncertain how many outfit changes to bring, think ‘the more, the merrier.’ Bring a favorite from each season,” he says.

Want more ideas? Here are tips you might find useful:

o Dress comfortably. “You’re probably most comfortable in jeans, so be sure to bring a couple of pairs of flattering jeans,” says Todd.

o Bright, solid colors photograph best. “Avoid shirts with patterns that are too busy,” says Todd. “On the flip side, don’t overdo white and pastel colors, which can make you look washed out.”

o Black is timeless. “Black clothes against a black background create a classic, timeless look,” says Todd.

o Bring varied clothing. “Include clothes from different seasons. Longer-sleeved shirts photograph best,” he advises.

o Vintage is always in fashion. “Check out Urban Outfitters for hot ideas on the latest trends,” says Todd.

o Bring props that are meaningful. “Whatever activities you are involved in—sports, music, hobbies—bring that stuff along, “ suggests Todd. “We want to show what makes you you.”

o Bring your sports uniforms and equipment. “The more accessories and props you bring to the session, the more interesting the photos will be.” The same tip applies for snowboarders and skiers.

o Formals and prom dresses provide lots of possibilities. “They can go classic or a little out of the ordinary,” says Todd.

o Bring a suit coat. “If you are into dressing up in a suit and tie, wearing a suit coat with your jeans will give your portraits a cool urban look,” says Todd. This is especially true for guys.

o Warm coats are cool. “If you have a warm coat, bring it, even if it’s warm outside. Nobody will know by looking at the images,” says Todd.

o Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. “Bring matching belts, socks, shoes, jewelry, etc. If you have a favorite hat, bring it. Big jewelry and sunglasses are great. 

o What makes you you? “Bring anything that’s unique to you: your car, motorcycle, pets, trophies, stuffed animals,” he suggests.

o Haircuts in advance. “If you plan to get a haircut before your session, schedule it for at least two weeks prior,” says Todd. “We can change your hairstyle throughout the session if you wish, but have it styled when you arrive at the studio.”

o Go dark on makeup. “To accentuate your favorite features, apply makeup a little darker than you usually do,” suggests Todd. One exception: avoid heavy, dark eyeliner because it makes your eyes look smaller, not larger. “A little blush and lip color are perfect, but stay away from super shiny lip gloss, which may not look good in the photos.” Bring your makeup for touch-ups.

“I strongly encourage you to visit the portrait studio with your son or daughter ahead of time to become familiar with the place, the photographer, and the various photo products offered.” You’ll probably also go home filled with ideas and enthusiasm. “At our studio, the girls, especially, thank us because the visit gives them a good excuse to get mom to take them shopping!” says Todd.

A final tip: Plan the outfits out several days in advance. This way, you’ll have time to check what clothing, if any, needs dry cleaning, ironing, or tailoring. . . see if you need to polish your shoes or sports trophy . . . or pick up a pair of cargo jeans, shades, or batteries for your iPod.

With just a bit of planning, you can help the photographer capture the spirit and style of your one-of-a-kind soon-to-be-senior.  

Alice B. Miller, the former editor of Studio Photography magazine, is a writer and editor based on Long Island, New York. The editor of award-winning corporate and association publications for over 25 years, Alice has a clientele that includes photoimaging industry manufacturers, publications, photographers, and associations. She is a member of the International Photographic Council’s board of directors and has served as a juror for the Black & White Spider Awards and for the Center for Fine Art Photography. She may be reached at alice@photogrator.com.

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