WELCOME
I am so excited about your upcoming session with Angie Fuller Portrait, and that you are officially one of my #AFP seniors!! Below you will find information regarding hair and makeup, outfit selection, and what to expect at your senior session. Please take the time to read this guide, as it will help to make your senior portrait experience the best it can be.
On the day of your session, we will meet approximately 5 minutes early so I can help you organize your outfits to each location. To get the best possible light, your session will be scheduled according to the time the sun sets, so do your best to arrive on time. If you arrive even 10 or 15 minutes late it will affect the amount of time we can shoot and the length of your session.
O U T F I T T I P S
BE COMFORTABLE
#1 rule is to bring outfits that you are comfortable wearing. Try to steer clear of any clothing pieces that are super tight or fit awkwardly. Choose outfits that don't make you feel self-conscious. Also, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, squatting, and walking around quite a bit, so you want your clothing to be appropriately comfy, or your posing options might be limited.
TEXTURES
Textures like sequins, fur, lace, etc... can sometimes be considered over the top, but in portraits, they are AMAZING! Adding texture to your outfits can make a really big difference in the look of your portraits, and combining textures that you may not normally wear together can be even better! Don't be afraid to step outside of the box, and if in doubt, bring it, and I will help you decide.
BE BRIGHT
On camera, black and white can sometimes make skin tones look a little washed out. So, try to choose colors that compliment your hair and skin tone. Colors like red, royal blue, bright purple, pinks and oranges really pop! Sometimes, color combinations that may seem strange in person, end up photographing beautifully. So again, bring it, and I will help you decide what will look best.
ADD LAYERS
In the cooler months, adding layers to your outfit choices will look stunning in your portraits. Vests, jackets, sweaters and scarves will add so much dimension to your pictures and make for super fun posing options. Even in the warmer months, you can add layers by wearing a tank top under a cute sheer shirt or cardigan, or by throwing a vest or light jacket over a dress.
ACCESSORIZE
The more, the merrier! During your senior session, don't forget to plan accessories! Long necklaces, bangles, scarves, hats, statement pieces, bright shoes, etc... will all help to make a big difference in bringing your looks together. You will not believe how much more amazing your outfits will look in your photos with the right accessories.
CHANGE IT UP
When you are planning your outfits for your senior session, make sure you have a variety of looks. I tell my seniors to choose from the following categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school-related, and edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and choosing outfits accordingly. This will ensure that you get dramatically different looks.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
I highly recommend that all of my senior clients invest in professional hair and makeup. Hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a drastic difference in the quality of your photos and also in your senior portrait experience as a whole. You are already making a sizable investment in your senior portrait experience, so why not make it the absolute best it can be.
So, why exactly is it so important?
YOU LOOK YOUR BEST
When you invest in a professional photographer, you want your images to look their best. Professional hair and makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair and makeup that photographs well. While your makeup may look amazing in person, it will look different on-camera. Professionals are trained to know what will look the best in every light and ultimately translate to the most beautiful portraits.
YOU HAVE LESS STRESS
This one is a given. Preparing for your senior session can be a little stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair and makeup by yourself can make things even harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image (even details the eye can't see), so hiring professional hair and makeup artists is the best way to go!
YOU GET PAMPERED
I don't ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait experience is just taking pictures. I want it to be an amazing experience that you will remember. So, if you arrive after an hour of being pampered, the entire experience has already started off on a good note. On the other hand, if you arrive frustrated and stressed, it can affect the entire experience for you, including the way you look in your photographs.
DON'T NEGLECT THE NAILS
One last tip! In all of the chaos of prepping for your senior portrait session, don't forget to pamper your nails. During your shoots, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands in the shot, and sometimes close to your face. So, it's really important that your nails look just how you want them to look. Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, and light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all will photograph best.