HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SENIOR PORTRAITS
That time is finally here.... you are preparing for your senior year of high school and all the things that come with that! Senior portraits are the perfect way to wrap up your high school experience. These are the best days of your life! Pearl Moments Photography loves helping seniors capture those memories.
Senior images are a cherished tradition that captures the essence of a graduating senior's personality, interests, and dreams. It's a time to shine the spotlight and make your photographic experience all about you. Pearl Moments focuses on showcasing your unique style and passions to incorporating your favorite hobbies and ideas, I believe senior photos are a celebration of your journey and the exciting future that awaits for you. I encourage you to bring anything special to you. Bring what makes you, YOU! I strive at creating stunning images that reflect your individuality, creating an unforgettable experience that is memorable and fun and leaves a lasting impression for years to come. Pearl Moments offers two different senior packages...
The Bold and Beautiful: The Epic Senior Photo Package ~ $650
This premium package offers an extravagant senior session including two appointments in two of your favorite seasons. This is the perfect option for seniors who want to make a statement and create jaw dropping images that will leave an everlasting impression. My senior sessions are always captured in late afternoon time frames. Each session is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. No limit on locations. Unlimited outfit changes.
Sweet, Simple & Stunning: The Classic Senior Package ~ $400
This package is a little simpler, yet still impactful that offers one session approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. My senior sessions are always captured in late afternoon time frames. Two outdoor locations. Unlimited outfit changes. It’s a great option for seniors who want a more affordable option while still capturing their unique personality and style in a simple and elegant way.
All session pricing includes the sitting fee with all edited images with a copyright printing release on a downloadable personalized online gallery. You may also order directly from the gallery at a discounted rate or from other recommended sites!
WHAT TO WEAR:
Show your Style!
Choose outfits and accessories that reflect your personality and who you are. Remember these photos are about you, so show who you are!
Be Comfortable!
I want you to be calm and relaxed, but most of all having fun! The more comfortable you dress the more comfortable you will look. Just relax and have fun!
Styles to Avoid!
- Neon clothing, large geometric patterns, excessive plaids.
- Advertising t-shirts, or clothing with logos.
- Oversized or undersized clothing and large accessories.
Props!
I love incorporating props into your session that makes you, you! You are welcome to bring items that reflect your personality, such as a musical instrument, hunting gear, uniforms, pom-poms, dance shoes, cars, and even your best furry-friend!
STYLE GUIDE CHECKLIST FOR THE GUYS:
Wardrobe
- Bring a variety of clothing choices, including dark shirts and sweaters with dark T-shirts to wear underneath, as well as light shirts and sweaters with light T-shirts to wear underneath.
- Ensure socks match the outfit or consider not wearing socks at all for a more casual look.
- Embrace layers for a versatile and stylish look.
- Consider a non-graphic tee with jeans or a nice sweater. A casual button down is always an excellent choice as well.
Hair and Grooming
- I recommend a fresh hair cut about one week before the session.
- Arrive with clean, groomed hair.
- Any facial hair will show, so be sure to shave the day of the session to avoid any unwanted facial hair.
- Consider having an Optician remove lenses from glasses to avoid lens glare.
STYLE GUIDE CHECKLIST FOR THE LADIES:
Wardrobe
- Bring a variety of clothing choices. Matching shoes are not necessary for each outfit.
- Layers and textures are great for a fun and dynamic look.
- Opt for solid colors, with darker and earthy tones that highlight your face best. Avoid bright colors that may distract from you.
- Consider subtle, small and soft patterns if desired, but avoid trends like stripes and neon colors, as they tend to be too bold and distracting.
- Ensure your outfits reflect your personal style and bring assorted styles of clothes for variety in your images.
- Include outfits such as a fun vintage look, a cute sundress, a classy sweater, an everyday look, a layered look, a soft and flowy dress, trendy look, your sport or hobby outfit, and a sophisticated classic look.
- Don’t forget to incorporate accessories to express your unique style, such as jewelry, scarves, hats, shoes, flowers, glitter... whatever makes you, you!
- Bring appropriate undergarments for each outfit, including strapless nude bras. Try your outfits on before you session to ensure proper fit.
Hair and Makeup
- If you are planning to get a haircut, be sure to do so at least one week in advance so you have time to make changes if needed.
- Bring backup items such as a comb, bobby pins, and spray for last minute touches.
- Make sure hands and nails are groomed properly. Avoid bright and bold polishes.
- Consider having an Optician remove lenses from glasses to avoid lens glare.
- Don't overapply makeup. Bring your cosmetics for quick touchups.
- Consider adding natural looking false lashes for a more dramatic look.
Trust a professional! Sometimes hair and makeup can be overwhelming to think about for a senior session. Most of our seniors who have booked a hair and makeup appointment for their session feel a lot more confident.
FAQ's
Do you have questions about senior portraits?
Chances are, this is your first time thinking about senior pictures. Whether you’re a high school senior or a parent, this may be your first time planning for senior pictures.
Maybe you’ve seen your older sister or brother plan theirs, but it’s always different when it’s your very own. I’ve compiled the top 14 frequently asked questions when it comes to your senior portrait session from the planning to the session.
Top 14 Questions....
What do I wear?
When you book your session, we will chat about the vision for your senior photos. What inspires you? How would you describe your style? In preparation for your photo shoot, feel free to send me your outfit ideas and I will help you narrow them down and what will work best for your vision. You will also receive links to all my Pinterest boards with outfit ideas, hair styles, and makeup photos. I am a firm believer that it is better to be over-prepared than underprepared, so bring your favorites! We will typically shoot between 4-6 outfits, but every package does include unlimited changes so do not feel like you must keep it at a max of 6!
Where will my session take place?
Along with getting to know your vision for your senior portraits, we will chat about location. I have an assortment of location ideas; I just need to know your style! If you love an urban feel, we can go to a Downtown area where it feels like city living. Like nature? We can go to the lake, river or to a park in a natural setting. If you love a mix of both, we can do both. You have the freedom to choose a location that really matches your personality and style.
What is a session like?
We will meet at the location and begin the shoot. I will coach you through posing, so don’t worry about a thing! We will shoot until sunset or whenever we run out of light!
How would you describe your style?
My style is a mix of editorial and relaxed posing. I want to photograph you just as you are. Do not worry if you do not know how to pose, I will coach you through all the poses – how to sit, stand, and lay down. You’ll be a pro by the end of your shoot. I’m inspired by lifestyle photography, so there will be a mix of posed and candid photos. You will never have to worry about “what to do with your hands”. Also, feel free to bring your ideas as well. I want your photos to be yours, so if you have a Pinterest list of poses and ideas ... Bring 'em!
How long is a photo shoot?
We will shoot about 1.5 to 2 hours. Sometimes it is a little shorter, sometimes it’s a little longer. It depends on how many outfits you have and how much available light we have. Rest assured that if you want to wear five outfits, we will get through all of them! That is why it’s super important to be on time, so that we’ll have enough time to get to your location(s) and for all your outfit changes.
What do you include in the session fee?
Your session fee books your date, gets you on the calendar and includes your photo shoot and all edited images on a private online gallery. You can order prints, announcements, canvases, photo books and much more directly through your online gallery.
How much is a session?
I offer two different packages, depending on which route you wish to go with sessions are between $400-$650. I do require a 25% non-refundable deposit at booking, which is credited towards your package.
Does the session include digital images?
Yes, you will receive an online private gallery where you will be able to download all edited images with a copyright release to print. You can also order prints, announcements, canvases, photo books and much more directly through your online gallery.
How do you edit your photos?
I always want you to look like yourself! My editing is minimal and natural. I’ll adjust the color, brightness, and contrast. So, no worries about over-processing or your skin looking like plastic. I do not use Photoshop to change you, I use it sparingly to remove blemishes and skinned knees or elbows from sports/activities. Feel free to check out my portfolio to see more of my editing creativity.
How long until we get to see our photos?
About two to three weeks after your photo shoot, you’ll be able to see all your photos when your online gallery is delivered. When you receive your gallery you will be presented with all your gorgeous senior portraits and I am more than happy to help you decide what you’d like to do with your photos.
What products are available?
Our most popular products are prints, canvas, storyboards, albums, graduation announcements, and digital images.
Do I have to place my order right away?
Yes and no. You will have your online gallery available to you for only two weeks. You will have a discounted rate on most items through the gallery. If you need more time to order I can certainly extend more time. Remember though you do have the print release and you will be able to download all the edited images and print where you would like. However, I do strongly recommend printing directly through my lab or other professional labs and to avoid quick print companies such as Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart, the colors will not match because they are not calibrated for professional high-resolution prints.
When will you deliver my order?
I will deliver your order about three weeks after you place your order, depending on the products that you have ordered, either through direct shipping to you or a product drop off at your door.
How will my order be delivered?
Depending on when you need your order, either I will personally drop off your order or I will have it sent directly to you.
Beautiful Miss Kaitlyn rocked her Senior Session! Her styles were absolutely perfect! We incorporated all of her favorite sports, activities and even her flute!
The session started with a gloomy overcast, which created some amazing sky backgrounds. Towards the end, it was starting to get dark but God blessed us with one of the most beautiful Nebraska Summer Sunsets! We quickly took advantage of that beautiful sunset, where we came across a small patch of sunflowers next to the Loup River. It was everything Kaitlyn had dreamed of for her senior portraits!
If you're in need of some senior photography in the Columbus, NE area please feel free to contact me. I'd love to get you on my books!
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