HELLO!!!!
I’m SO excited about your upcoming senior session with Caitlin Marie Photography!!

Below is a lot of information regarding hair and makeup, outfit selection, what to expect at your session, and more. Please read it thoroughly! Neglecting to read this guide can result in a poor senior portrait experience, and most frequently asked questions are answered right here in this guide!

Your session is going to begin at a pre-determined location based on your desire of locations. We will meet there approximately 10 minutes before we plan to start shooting so that I can help you finalize outfit choices! Please try your absolute best to arrive on time, if not a few minutes early.

 

Outfit Tips

 

Stuck on what to wear? I’m here to help! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you guide your outfit choices!

Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision that can make or break your senior portrait session! I know that sounds dramatic… but, if you accidentally wear something that isn’t flattering on camera or something that you don’t feel confident in…it can ruin the experience for you! So, here are some of the best ways to choose what to wear.

1. BE COMFORTABLE

If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are fitted in the tummy area (don’t we all?) just because it makes me self- conscious and I’m constantly wondering if it looks bad. So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!

2. BE BRIGHT + THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX

On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look very washed out and unflattering. So, when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera!

 

3. ADD LAYERS

In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer) you can add these layers + dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress!

4. PLAY WITH TEXTURES

Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered “daring” or “over the top” but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs!

5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ACCESSORIZE

During a senior session, or any photo shoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes and other add-ons can make or break an outfit!

6. MIX IT UP

When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school- related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks dramatically different!

Some super fun combinations that I love to help get you started:
– I love a sundress with a jean jacket or vest.
– A styled blouse with a pair of jeans, statement necklace and some fun shoes is always perfect.
– A fun and flow-y maxi dress or skirt is the perfect way to add great movement and variety in your session.
– A chunky knit sweater layered over styled jeans is a wonderful way to stay warm during a chillier senior session!
– A styled tank top with a cute shaw or kimono style wrap over a pair of tailored shorts is a fun way to keep cool while adding variety to your gallery during a warmer session.

 

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Additionally, I highly recommend all of my senior clients invest professional hair and makeup. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a drastic difference in the quality of your photos and senior portrait experience. You are already making a large investment in your senior portrait experience, so why not make it the best it can be?!

So, why exactly is it so important?

1.THEY ARE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS

2.LESS STRESS

3.WHO DOESN’T LIKE BEING PAMPERED!?

Don’t neglect the nails!

When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. Professional hair + makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair + makeup so that they photograph well. While your makeup may look AMAZING in person, it will look completely different on-camera, and these professionals are trained to know the difference! They will conceal spots you don’t like, contour your face so it looks the best in every light, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes + shadows, manicure your eyebrows to perfection and more!

Preparing for a senior portrait session is stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair + makeup by yourself can make things ever harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image (even details that the eye can’t see) so hiring a professional makeup artist is the best way to go.

I don’t ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait session is just simply “taking pictures”, I want it to be an EXPERIENCE. So, if my seniors arrive after an hour of being pampered + beautified, the entire experience has already started on a good note! If a senior arrives frustrated or stressed, it can affect the entire experience, including the way you look in photographs!

If this is not in your budget, plan to wear slightly heavier make up than normal, including blush and lipstick/gloss that are at least slightly darker than your lip color. I also highly recommend false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices at CVS or any pharmacy in the area. If you don’t normally wear makeup and feel uncomfortable wearing it I would suggest something light, mascara and a little bit of blush can go along ways.

And, one last tip!! In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!!

If you are opting to do your hair and makeup yourself, here are a few tips to help get you started!

– Practice your entire hair and makeup look before your session and time how long it takes you to do it! Factor this in when you are prepping for your session.

– If you are going for eye liner, line the top lid of your eye, not the bottom. This will help keep your sparkling eyes looking wide open during your session!

– False eye lashes are always a great way to add a special pop to your session! Most drug stores sell lashes that are perfect for your senior session.

– Don’t forget your lips! A fun pop of color, a neutral lip stain or some gloss is a wonderful way to tie your entire look together.

– Don’t be afraid to wear a little more makeup than you do on a regular basis! The camera will occasionally wash you out and a little extra makeup helps to add that pop back in.

Feel free to email me if you have any additional questions at Caitlinmariephotography207@gmail.com I am SO excited to work together!!!

XOXO, Caitlin