1. Look the way you look
Your look is important and we want to show that off, so make sure to bring clothes you would actually wear in real life. However, please keep them plain or patterned. Tshirts with funny saying or logos are distracting, so leave those at home.
Allie's shirt is nice and simple, making her awesome smile the focus
You've obviously spent awhile at your high school, so a little school pride
is the exception to the "no words" rule
Alex and Josh earned those letterman jackets so can show them off
2. Bring something parent-approved
Yes, this is about you and I know we're contradicting point 1 here. However, your parents are probably paying for pictures, so bring an outfit they like, even if it means looking dressier than you prefer for a few minutes.
Alex and Ryan both wore suits and ties for those formal shots their mom really wanted
3. Get your look together ahead of time
If your hair needs dyed or your eyebrows need waxed, get all of that taken care of a day or two before your shoot. You don't want massive roots or stray hairs.
Ladies, do your makeup the way you normally would, or if you want a little extra that's ok too.
Guys, if you're usually clean-shaved, shave immediately prior. I can edit out that pimple on your nose but not a 5 o'clock shadow.
Kacie always looks amazing and makes my job a breeze
4. Bring props!
Senior pictures are about who you are at this point in your life and that includes the things that are most important to you. What do you like to do? What do you want to be?
Anna likes cameras, just like I do!
5. Bring pets!
Ask your photographer first though! I love photographing people with their animals, but not everyone feels the same. If you want to include your pet, it's usually best to do those pictures outside where you can play
Emmilia included Zander in her shoot and got some fantastic photos of the two of them together
6. Pick a location!
I have a studio set-up and usually go to a nearby park for outdoor shots, but if there's somewhere you'd rather be, let me know! I make house calls, and am more than happy to a location that means something to you.
Zachary wanted some pictures at the family bowling alley, so we went behind the machines to get something a little different
7. If you're uncomfortable, bring a friend
Some people get nervous in front of the camera, and that's ok. It happens. Some people bring their moms or dads to help out, some bring a sibling or friend to make them laugh.
Bryce wasn't the most thrilled about getting pictures taken, but having his girlfriend there got a few smiles out of him
8. Include your extra-curriculars
Are you in the band? Play on the football or chess team? We can go to the field or photograph you in your uniform.
Drew's played basketball since she was a little kid, had to include her favorite sport!
9. Don't worry about the weather
Ok, maybe a little. Sometimes a torrential downpour warrants a reschedule, but just because it isn't bright and sunny out doesn't mean you won't get amazing photos (actually, overcast is better!).
Zak had his pictures done in the winter and it snowed a bit, but that didn't deter us
10. Keep calm and communicate with your photographer
I want to take pictures that you like. Really, I do. So trust that I'll do the best job I can, as long as you also promise to do the best job you can. If you have an idea, let me know. If I have an idea, I'll let you know. If you don't come to me for your pictures, go to someone else you know will take good ones, because just like everything else in life, quality is important. Your photoshoot should be a fun occasion, and I support some silliness. Play dress-up. Play catch. Make faces at the camera if that helps you relax. This is your last year of high school, so celebrate!
Becca showed off her tattoo for a meaningful portrait of entering adulthood
