Preparing for your session can be especially daunting if you aren't quite sure what to bring. I've compiled a list of items that I believe are must-have's for every senior session to help you arrive confident that you're ready!
1. Casual Outfits
This outfit should showcase your personal style as you are most days. (If you are a regular pj's to school kind fo person, maybe pretend you at least wear jeans.) Jeans, shorts, and casual skirts are perfect for this look. Try adding necklaces, hats, scarves, pops of color, and other accessories to give the outfit more pizzazz and really get into your unique style.
2. Dressy Outfits
For the ladies, this means a dress and heels. Even if you hate heels, you can't deny that there is something about them that makes you feel like you can take on the world! (One small, teetering baby step at a time; if you're anything like me.) For the guys, this means a button up shirt, with or without tie and coat. These images will be more timeless than the others, and that is a good thing. Outfits that have stood the test of time and are always in style are the goal here. You don't want to end up with only images that scream "I graduated in 2016!" Think about the scrunchie from back in the day: all the rage then, not so much now.
3. Comfy Shoes
The majority of my sessions are conducted at a mix of parks and downtown. We will be walking quite a bit, so wear your flip flops and carry the heels!
4. Hairspray and a Brush
If you opted for a Luxe Senior Session, this won't be as big of a concern for you as you'll already have professional styling for your hair. If not, having hairspray to tame those flyaways and a brush to smooth everything down can be a lifesaver on windy days.
5. Prom Dress
Do you have a killer prom dress? Bring it! There are so many awesome shots we can get with an amazing dress. Why not?! You've worn it for one day... Let's squeeze some outta-this-world portraits out of it!
6. Options
My motto is bring everything! There's nothing worse than getting halfway through the shoot and saying "Dang, I really wish I had this one thing from my closet." If you think you might want to wear it, bring it. Not using it doesn't hurt anyone, not having it at all is the worst! If something isn't working, we can swap it out for a better look right then and there.
7. Proper Base Layers
Ladies, this one is for you. When shooting on location, there are few places to change. Sometimes we just use the cars. If you want to be able to swap outfits quickly without running back to the car, try wearing a tank top or bandeau under the shirt. If you can't see it, or if it matches the outfits, it doesn't hurt anything.
8. Nail Polish Remover
I'm pretty sure your parents won't want to see that chipped purple nail polish in all of your portraits. The day before your shoot either remove the paint or go with something neutral that won't draw attention from your face.
9. Parent(s)
This is just as big of a deal for them as it is for you, so let them be a part of it. I love having parents at the shoots because they know all the right buttons to push for the real smiles. Even if you think it is slightly embarrassing, it's good for you.
10. Excitement!
This is your senior portrait session! Get excited about it! You'll likely only do this once, so be happy and cheerful. It is going to be fun, I promise! Don't be shy! Share your experience on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, everywhere. Your friends and family will be pumped to see the exciting shoot you are having.
These ten items will have you fully prepped and ready for your senior portraits. As always, if there is something you are unsure of you can email me directly at kacey@kaceydphotograph.com for more answers!