Dallas Senior Portrait Guide DFW Senior Photographer

Dallas Senior Portrait Guide

Dallas Senior Photographer

Tips for Planning Your Ultimate Senior Portrait Session

Senior portraits are a wonderful time to receive well deserved pampering! Looking your best, helps one feel their best, which is portrayed in photographs. Your portrait session will be well planned and organized. We’ll have a great time!

Your experience begins at the time of booking. We will work together to customize a unique portrait session that represents you well. 

To start, we’ll discuss location preferences and overall desired aesthetic. Based on your desires, I will select a location. Then, we’ll plan wardrobe ideas and combinations. Additionally, we’ll discuss hair and makeup as well as nail care.

Selecting a Date and Location

The first and one of the most important aspects of a senior session is to consider when to have the portraits take place. Factors like weather, year book deadlines, and graduation party dates are determining factors in selecting a date. The most popular times for senior portraits are fall and early spring. I do not suggest summer, as it is too hot. Winter is not colorful, and may be too cold.

Many seniors have portraits taken at the end of junior year or the beginning of senior year. Waiting until the spring of senior year is often cutting it very close, and may result in a rushed planning experience. Remember important deadlines for yearbooks, graduation announcements, and sorority/ fraternity applications. It is never too early to contact me! With seniors, it is best to be ahead of the game.

There are lovely locations that photograph well during the fall, and locations that are great during spring! I have a lot of suggestions that can work for a variety of styles from formal to rustic.

Favorite Locations for Senior Photography

There are some excellent options for portraits in the Dallas area. Read about my favorites by clicking here!

Wardrobe Guide

There’s a lot to consider from variety, comfort, color, layers, textures, to accessories! Let’s look at each detail.

Variety

It is a great idea to plan multiple looks from formal to casual. Many seniors bring formal wear, semi-formal, casual, sports/ hobbies, and college wear to their session. I encourage seniors to bring clothing that expresses who they are. I recommend that guys can easily transform an outfit by adding a sports coat, tucking in their shirt, and wearing a belt. Some seniors like to bring their cap and gown. It is popular to wear the gown open with semi-casual clothes underneath.

Comfort

Plan outfits that are comfortable. It is difficult to hide discomfort on camera! Choose clothing that fits well and is flattering for your body type. Consider easy of movement, too! You may be walking around the location and sitting or standing. The perfect outfit is one that makes your feel confident. 

Color

Include a variety of colors in your wardrobe. Of course include your favorite color, but also wear clothing that is a variety of hues. Select colors that compliment your skin tone, hair and eye color. Colors like jewel tones photograph wonderfully. Other photogenic colors are mustard, blush, red, navy, turquoise, and pewter.

Layers

It is a great idea to bring many types of layers to create diverse looks! During cooler months sweaters, leather jackets, and denim jackets are a great addition. In the warmer season, layer with lace kimonos, vests, and sports coats. Bring many options. We do not have to use them all, but it is great to have many combinations.

Textures

Including textured clothing creates a unique visual look in portraits, while in person they may seem somewhat dramatic. Cable knit swears, knitted scarves, linen, crochet, and eyelet pieces photograph well.

Accessories

Like texture, accessories add an extra effect of drama to portraits. For each outfit, plan accessories to compliment. Consider bangles, chokers, long necklaces, hats, earrings, glasses, and shoes. Yes, shoes are a big deal! Each outfit may require a different pair of shoes depending on the style and dressiness. Make sure your shoes fit well, are comfortable, and are clean.

Hair and Make Up

Using a professional for hair and make-up is highly recommended. I would suggest Brite Beauty! You can go to their salon, or they can come to you! It reduces stress and helps make you feel extra glamorous. These professionals know how to apply the right hues and amounts of make-up that photograph well. Make sure nails are well manicured and clean. Remove chipped nail polish. If getting a manicure, french tips, blush, and neutral colors photograph best. Your hands will appear in many photos, so pay extra attention to your finger nails. Senior portraits is the best time to feel pampered! Treat yourself. Guys make sure to freshly shave and get a hair cut one week before the session.