(sorry boys this post is mainly for the girls)
This post is going to be about keeping the peace! Planning for your senior photos session while still keeping Mom & Daughter happy! So here are a few tips on what you can do to keep the peace, have fun, and get the most out of your senior photo session! Some may think that for the senior session you just need to show up with a few outfits and go from their…but that does not always work and sometimes can end up with arguments between Mother & Daughter, and sometimes Mother & Son, about what to where…here is how we can avoid this situation and guarantee that both of you are happy!
1. Plan ahead. Talk to your Mother or Father about what you envision for your senior photos (have ideas ready- visual is helpful).
2. Than ask them what they would like and try to come to a compromise. We have lots of time to get in the all variety of shots so that we can please both Mom & Senior! So make sure that you know what your Mother and/or Dad would like…usually a nice classic head shot and of course parents really do want you to just “be you” during your photo session…they want you to shine..so work together and make that possible.
3. Shop. I am going to give you some ideas on what’s great for photos, what sort of outfits…you are all grown up now and you want to look it in your photos, you want to look classic, sophisticated and fun. Most importantly you want to feel comfortable and you want to “be yourself” so whether you are artsy, a tom boy, a girly girly, or you are into the grunge thing, classic rock music, or all things vintage…whatever it is, let it show. If you are a more simple sort of person, than be that…just be you.
Here are a few essential outfits…
Outfit #1 Some thing classic….nothing to busy, this will make for great head shots and will also please Ma & Pa…and no it does not have to be black or white…
Something solid color is always great for the classic outfit…if you want something sophisticated and professional looking stick to a classic black & white dress, or a nice cardigan. Doll it up a bit with whatever is you..it will still be classic but will be “you” when you add in a pretty pearl necklace or some bright colored beaded loop earrings. This adorable dress is from www.modcloth.com. But do be sure to check out the low v-neck. On some girls this may be to low ( details about Don’ts below in regards to to lowness of shirts…that’s a No,No..I explain more below…keep reading)
This cardigan is from Target and would be perfect in any color and a similar color underneath…this is classic, very chic and very simple.
This dress from Modcloth is just adorable, it is simple and classic and very girly (if that is your thing)
Outfit #2 Casual…the every day thing…jeans and a t-shirt
This cute top from Target is simple and cheap…I am sure most girls have tops like this hanging around in the closet. Add a cute necklace to this and your fav. jeans and you are set to go!
This top is for the artsy girls that like to really stand out. I love the colors and it would look adorable with some hoop earrings and some cute jeans…be creative and add some cute purple pumps to this.
Shoes! Adding some cute shoes to a simple top is a great way to dress up the jeans and t-shirt look. A gold top or blouse would look great with these gold pumps. Try a white fitted (not to tight) t-shirt with a green beaded necklace and woo-la a cute outfit to go with these green polka-dot flats!
I love these red shoes…perfect with jeans and a white tee…and for the tomboy sort of gal…
This blue sweater cardigan is also another great option for the more casual look. (these last items are from modcloth.com)
Outfit #3 Just you…whatever that is let it shine and be you!
Tights! Tights are a great way to add fun and color to the totally you outfits! These from modcloth are just wild and would look adorable with a cute skirt. The just be you outfit or outfits is for you to be yourself and wear what you love…
I love these yellow trimmed shoes..I think they would look steller with some cute skinny jeans.
This black and white checkered dress is just adorable. Check out the v-neck back..so cute! This would look adorable with some black pumps and a black birdcage veil.
If you are bold and love color than this red dress is for you!
If you are a classic girl and want to do a total themed Senior photo session, than do it, go totally 1920′s or 40′s and get your hair done super adorable, a finger weave or something and add some cute feather hair pieces. Like this one that I found from an Etsy shop.
This colorful floral dress is so cute! It is for the girl who just loves to look girly and have lots of fun. It would super cute with some cowgirl boots! I will warn you though…try to stay away from things that are just to short. If you would never where it to school (dress code appropriate) than don’t wear it for your senior photos! ;- )
Accessories….
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to doll up your outfits…Forever21 has some great items that will really make your outfits unique and special…I found these great necklaces on the Forever21 website…jewelry is a great accessory to jazz it up a bit…
Belts: Belts are cheap and a great way to doll up any bland t-shirt or top. They are also a great way to bring in attention to the waist which is very flattering.
Umbrellas! Props, Props! Prop it up with some props. I find that people are way more comfortable in front of the camera when they can hold or play with something. So whatever it is…a violin or guitar, or whatever bring your props with to your senior session! An umbrella is a great prop! (from Modcloth)
The scarf is also another way to jazz up a bland top…they are fun and colorful.
You can go as glam as you like or as simpler or naturalistic or just casual. Your senior session is about being you. So be you…
This pink necklace is totally glam and from Forever21.
Cute black pumps also from modcloth and very sophisticated, maybe for the career orientated girl!
On a budget…
But wait Brittany, what if I am on a tight budget? You don’t need to spend a lot of money in order to have the cutest outfits for your photo session. Well I have some solutions! You can still get the same results or better when on a budget. It is about being creative.
1. Go through your closet, pick out things that you already have that you like and are flattering on you.
2. Decide what you need to spice up these items.
3. Decide or talk to Mom/Dad (if she/he is helping out) what the budget is, and stick to the budget!
4. Go to Grandma’s, spend sometime with Grandma and see if she has any vintage shawls, jewelry, hats, or shoes that she would not mind borrowing to you…my Grandma kept all her hot shoes from the 70′s and they are in mint condition and they look super cool.
5. Go to Goodwill, Vincent, and Value Village, grab that cool necklace or that cheap cardigan and doll up your outfits…
6. TJmax has very affordable shoes and random stuff so check that out, sometimes you can get some great deals. (all the stores I listed above are very affordable as well).
7. Vintage shopping, check out the local vintage shops in Milwaukee for unique items, like fun hats, umbrellas, vintage jewelry or dresses.
Dress to your body type…
Pick things that are flattering on you. We are all different in shape and size and all beautiful and unique in our own way. If you are more of a curvy girl like me stick to high empire waists on shirts and dresses. Things that draw in attention to the smallest part of your waist are great for us curvy gals. A wrap dress is perfect and flattering on everyone!
Don’t…
Wear things to tight! That is the last thing you want to do. Cloths that are to tight will just push other things out. For example you want to wear jeans that are fitted and comfortable while still cute but that allow you to move around, sit down, and that don’t push out out little bellies…this is extremely unflattering and you want to feel great and love your photos for years to come so stay away from things that are fitted way to tight…
Don’t….
Wear low cut shirts. We will be doing a variety of poses and the last thing you want is for your shirt to have been to low and well it just does not look nice nor will Mom approve…so stick to things that are not to low (and ladies it does not matter if you are more busty or have no bust at all…just be sure and stay clear of the low shirts and everyone will be happy.) Test out your cloths, bend over in the mirror and see if anything is a problem shirt before you come to your senior session.
Do…
Lay out everything a week before hand. Pair things together so that it is all planned out and you don’t need to waist your precious photo opp time picking out cloths or arguing with Mom…make sure that she likes everything to. This is great time to have fun doing Mother/Daughter or Father/Daughter things, shopping and planning ahead what to wear. Make a list of any last minute items you may need or desire.
Come prepared with your cloths all ready to go and ideas (if you have any, about what sort of shots you really want). If you are getting your hair and make-up done before your shoot be sure and have that all planned out ahead of time as well.
By planning out all of these things ahead of time and having fun with Mom or Dad doing it together (compromise!) and sticking to the budget, you will be sure to find that your Senior Photo session experience is a plesent one. You will also find that your images will turn out amazing and the whole process will have been well worth it.
