Senior Photography Tips


Be on time for your session! It is a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes early especially if you will need to touch-up your hair and makeup. Sessions take from 2-3 hours and are usually done in the evening for location shooting. The light changes quickly at this time of day so it is imperative we start at the scheduled time. You can also choose a studio session or a mixture of both studio and location. It’s totally up to you.
Clothing- The attention should be on YOU and not what you're wearing so avoid bold stripes and plaids if possible. Bring LOTS and LOTS of outfits with matching jewelry. And don't forget the cute shoes! We probably won't use every outfit but we love to coordinate clothing colors with the surroundings whether it be outdoors or studio. Bring some long sleeved tops too if you have them. If you have a long formal dress, bring it. Cowboy boots are really popular right now if that's your style. If you have any hats, bring 'em. Since styles do change often, large wording or popular name brand logos should be avoided but school names and logos are fine to wear.
Wear clothing that complements your body style. You've probably heard all you life that dark colors are slimming. This is particularly true in photographs so if your goal is to appear a little thinner, try to avoid light colors.
Sleeveless tops can make your arms appear fuller. If your not comfortable with your arms its better to wear sleeves.
It is a must that clothes be ironed and on hangers. Wrinkles will show in photos! I've had seniors show up with all their clothes stuffed in a bag. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't do this.
We don't want to use up your session time ironing clothes! :-o
You may change as many times as you like as long as time permits. Keep in mind though, most outdoor
locations don't have a place to change so you might have to change in your car.

Hair- Trying new hair styles can be fun but not the day before your session.
Haircuts are best done several days before.
Makeup- Makeup should be a little heavier than you would normally wear but be careful not to over do it. Even if you're not accustomed to wearing makeup on a daily basis, it's still a good idea to wear a little for your session, especially mascara and some kind of lipstick or gloss. Make sure you apply mascara evenly without clumping. Makeup with sparkles should be avoided. Be sure to bring translucent powder and a brush for touchups.
These seemingly minor details are very important for closeup shots.
Jewelry/Nails- Matching jewelry with your outfits will really make your portraits pop but be careful of big bold pieces.
Nails will show! Make sure the color you choose will match all your outfits.
Tanning- Here's another biggy. Avoid getting sunburn, red skin
doesn't photograph well. In fact, it could cause us to have to reschedule your session if you have a bad sunburn. Tan lines don't look good in photographs either. Tanning is fine just don't over do it, you don't want to look artificial.
Blemishes/Scars- Don't worry about a minor breakout, it is easily fixed.
There may be a slight charge for more extensive blemish removal.
Scars and tattoos are not automatically retouched but can be removed at your request.
Braces- Worried about your braces? Well don't be, they can be retouched in the lab. There is an extra charge however,
as it is more extensive work.
Parents and Friends- Parents are always welcome and can be a lot of help. I can always use an extra person to hold a reflector or keep a light stand from blowing over. Bring a friend along to help lighten the mood. You can even include him/her in a couple of shots if you like. Its best to bring only one friend, too many can cause you to be distracted.
Pets are welcome too! Please bring a pet carrier or someone to watch them during your session.
Rain- Whether we like it or not we can't control the weather. If it is raining at the time of your outdoor photo session we will have no choice but to reschedule. Please call the studio to see if your session is still on.
Feel free to call or email me if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you!
Phone: 954.676.3065 or Email me at info@photomasters.net
Mary Beth- Senior Photographer
For Guys
Be on time for your session! It is a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes. Outdoor location sessions take approximately 2-3 hours and are usually done in the evening. The light changes quickly this time of day so it is imperative we start at the scheduled time. You may choose a studio session or a mixture of both studio and location. It's up to you.
Clothing- The attention should be on YOU and not what you're wearing. Bring with you lots of clothes pressed and on hangers. Avoid bold stripes and plaids if possible. Solid colors photograph much better. Most people know what looks best on them but if you are unsure, bring several colors and styles and I will be glad to help you choose. Bring a combination of dressy and casual shirts. Long and short sleeves too. The more the better. We may not use them all but I love coordinating colors with surroundings.
Since clothing styles change often, large wording or popular name brand logos should be avoided.
School names and logos are fine to wear.
You may change as many times as you like. Keep in mind though, most outdoor locations do not have a place to change. You might have to change in your car.
VERY IMPORTANT GUYS! Clothes need to be ironed and on hangers. Wrinkles will show in photos! I've had seniors show up with all their clothes stuffed in a bag. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't do this. We don't want to use up your session time ironing clothes! :-o
Hair- Haircuts are best done several days before.
Jewelry- Large, bold jewelry can be a distraction. Its best to keep it simple.
Tanning- Here's another biggy. Avoid getting sunburn, red skin DOES NOT photograph well. If you are sunburned the day of your shoot it could cause us to have to reschedule the session. If you plan to wear sleeveless shirts be sure your arms are evenly tanned. We don't want you to have the "farmer's tan" look.
Tanning is fine just don't overdo it, you don't want to look artificial.
Blemishes/Scars- Don't worry about a minor breakout, it is easily fixed.
There may be a slight charge for more extensive blemish removal.
Scars and tattoos are not automatically retouched but can be removed at your request.
Braces- Worried about your braces? Well don't be, they can be retouched in the lab.
There is an extra charge however, as it is more extensive work.
Parents and Friends- Parents are always welcome and can be a lot of help. I can always use an extra person to hold a reflector or keep a light stand from blowing over. Bring a friend along to help lighten the mood. You can even include him/her in a couple of shots if you like. Its best to bring only one friend, too many can cause you to be distracted.
Pets are welcome too! Please bring a pet carrier or someone to watch them during your session.
Rain- Whether we like it or not we can't control the weather. If it is raining at the time of your outdoor photo session we will have no choice but to reschedule. Please call the studio to see if your session has been postponed.
Feel free to call or email me if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you!
Phone: 954.676.3065 or Email me at info@photomasters.net
Mary Beth- Senior Photographer