So you’re a senior and need senior pictures. I made a list of everything you need to prepare for it & a list of what you need & an outfit guide! I myself was a senior in high school last year, so I know how stressful it can be and I am here to help!
Finding a photographer. There are so many photographers, but everyone has a different style. Keep in mind that senior pictures aren’t cheap. Senior pictures can cost anywhere from $300 and up. When looking for a photographer PLEASE DON’T pick someone who doesn’t fit your vibe or if you like them just because they are cheap and will give you all the images. There are so many photographers to choose from nowadays there is someone that will fit you & bring the best out of you! Also, photographers do more than take a picture, because editing takes at least an hour and a half so just keep all that in mind.
Outfit shopping. This is probably the most stressful part. From being a senior myself, the outfits don’t matter. I wore clothes that complimented my hair, skin, and eye color. I have red hair and blue eyes, and I am not tan so I wore my favorite pair of jeans, a yellow tank top I thrifted, and a floral long dress with movement. My senior pictures I have in a little slideshow for you as reference. They were taken by my amazing, talented friend, Payton Hartsell. I always loved her photography and she has been a huge inspiration to me. That’s why I chose her to take my senior pictures, no matter how much it was.
But for outfits don’t overthink it, go to forever 21 find a cute look for less than $50 and your good. Also, get outfits that represent you, not someone you want to be. If you love the 80’s get some mom jeans, a jean jacket, and a cute 80’s t shirtband ACCESSORIES!!!! They will make the world of a difference! I can always find cute jewelry at forever 21 or little boutique in my area. TJ MAXX is another amazing store, they literally have everything from clothing, shoes, fake eyelashes, and cute bralettes.
3. Hair & Makeup. Some photographers have a preference if they want your hair an makeup done or if they don’t care. As for myself I am currently not partnered with any local hair and makeup artists, but I know some other Senior Photographers are. I personally don’t care all too much about makeup I just want my seniors to feel pretty and look their best. Fake eyelashes make a huge difference and make your eyes look bigger in photos, so if you don’t want to pay for a makeup artist just buy some eyelashes at H-E-B for $5 and your set. As for hair, I don’t mind if you do it yourself, but i think it looks better if you have straight or curled or a cute little braid just to add a little something
I think no matter what the pictures will turn out amazing. Plus it scares me to have someone else to do my makeup & hair so that why i’m not partnered with anyone lol.
4. Locations. I know the number one thing in senior pictures that you will see besides you is the location or place your at. Don’t think you have to go all the way downtown into Houston just to get cute pictures. Now I love going downtown & yes some of my favorite pictures are from them being downtown. Honestly I love finding hidden gems that are right off the road and jumping out of my car and taking pictures. I have done some of my shoots where we have no idea where we wanna go until we are in the car. My go to spot right now is Alvin, Texas. They have cute stuff and it’s mainly in neighborhoods. You can still get the trees coming down as if you were downtown. Also, fields heres a little tip *bring bug spray, and wear shoes you don’t care about, because you won’t see them in the picture. Fields are everywhere! I have so many spots that are so ugly from the outside, but when we start shooting it looks like a completely different place. I will have some pictures of what locations look like and then the pictures that came out of an ugly spot.
5. Time of day. When deciding on a day and time for your senior session the best times in my opinion are 2 or 3 hours before sunset or 2 hours after sunrise. As far as the weather goes, I love shooting on cloudy days, but I love a good golden hour session.
Things you will need to bring to your session:
All your outfits
Any extra shoes
Jewelry
Brush or comb
Extra makeup or makeup wipe
Props like confetti, balloons, lettermen, flowers, etc.
OUTFIT GUIDE/INSPRIATION!
I love buying clothes and picking out outfits, if you didn’t know. I am gonna list a couple of good go to outfits and I will link a few of my favorite stores at the end.
Go to outfits:
College shirt & ripped jeans with sneakers.
Patterned romper, jumpsuit, or dress with wedges & nice jewelry.
A solid colored skirt, with a floral or patterned top tucked into the skirt with booties.
A nice striped pant with solid colored top & sneakers to match.
Mom jeans with a cute cropped top with a denim jacket over with vans with gold hoops, A LOOK!
A long floral maxi dress with a danity necklace with sandals.
Your favorite jeans with a sweater or top with booties or sneakers.
My favorite stores:
forever21.com has everything you could possibly need just whats online isn’t always in store
urbanoutfitters.com cute edgy minimal clothing but overpriced
lulus.com has amazing dresses even for prom/banquet season
francescas.com cute formal things
target.com literally the cutest shoes and clothes and i always spend too much money there
brandymelville.com overpriced cropped tops and clothes that only models can wear
buckle.com they have the best jeans and also cute sweaters and also cute shoes
That’s the end of my blog post about all the things you need to know about planning and figuring everything out for your senior session. Whether you are graduating in 2 years or in 4 months planning is always fun and stressful but in the end its all worth it!
If you don’t know who I am check out my other blog post on my most frequently asked questions CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT
Incase you need senior pictures and live in the Houston area I would love to take them! My rates are increasing to more than double their price now at the start of 2019! Make sure you book now to get an amazing deal that will never happen again.
Make sure your following me on all the social media & let me know what my next blogpost should be!
Have a blessed day!
-Emily