I’m SO excited about your upcoming senior session with Blush Photography by Bryana, and that you are officially one of my #blushbybryanaseniors!! AH!! Attached to this guide is a senior questionnaire to help me learn a little more about you! This will assist me with choosing your locations, helping you put together your outfits and making your session experience customized to fit YOU! Below is lots of information regarding hair and makeup, outfit selection, what to expect at your session, and more. Please read it thoroughly! Neglecting to read this guide can result in a poor senior portrait experience, and most frequently asked questions are answered right here in this guide!

Your session will begin at a predetermined location based on your answers to this questionnaire. Generally, I like to find at least 2-3 locations that best fit your choice of session styles. We will decide on outfits, accessories, props, any composite needs, and finally any group or styled session plans ahead of time. With the help of this guide and our session consultation we will be set for success! If you have any specific locations you’d like to shoot at, let me know that as well so we can plan the best timeline for your session(s)! We will meet there approximately 15 minutes before we plan to start shooting so please try your absolute best to arrive on time. As a natural light photographer, your senior session is scheduled around the time that the sun sets. Once the sun is set, we can no longer shoot. Therefore, if you arrive to your session even 10-15 minutes late, it will affect the amount of time that we can shoot and the length of your session!

Senior portrait sessions are supposed to showcase one thing...the SENIOR in them!

For our sessions I request that you bring what makes you, YOU. That may mean you bring your favorite pair of sunglasses and we shoot in the middle of a sunflower field while you dance to some crazy tunes. That may mean you bring all of your medals and trophies to have laid out in circles around you to showcase your accomplishments. That may mean you bring a shirt from your choice of college and we showcase your pride in your university. Anything goes! With one caveat - sessions are split into Portrait sessions and Activity sessions because they require different planning, equipment, and time allotment.

In your questionnaire you will decide if you want a traditional Portrait session, a fun Styled session, or an Activity session - or a combination of the choices! For whichever session you choose be sure to bring extra outfits and props so we have choices. In regards to extra people, if you wish to include a pet, sibling, significant other or best friend - it must be pre-approved via your senior contract. I do provide styled senior group sessions if you wish to have a session with all of your friends all together - so please be sure to sign up for a styled group shoot if you wish to take advantage of that opportunity!

Stuck on what to wear? I’m here to help! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you guide your outfit choices!

Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision that can make or break your senior portrait session! I know that sounds dramatic… but, if you accidentally wear something that isn’t flattering on camera or something that you don’t feel confident in…it can ruin the experience for you! So, here are some of the best ways to choose what to wear.

1. B E C O M F O R T A B L E

If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are super fitted in any of the “problem areas” you feel may make you self-conscious (don’t we all?). So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!

2. B E B R I G H T + T H I N K O U T S I D E O F T H E B O X

On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look very washed out and unflattering. So, when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera!

3. A D D L AY E R S

In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer) you can add these layers + dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress!

4. P L A Y W I T H P A T T E R N S & T E X T U R E S

Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered “daring” or “over the top” but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding a bold pattern such as leopard print or argyle stripes to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs!

5. D O N ’ T B E A F R A I D T O A C C E S S O R I Z E

During a senior session, or any photo shoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes and other add-ons can make or break an outfit!

6. M I X I T U P

When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks dramatically different! You can also get some “what to wear” inspiration on my senior Pinterest board HERE.

Additionally, I highly recommend all of my senior clients invest professional hair and makeup. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a drastic difference in the quality of your photos and senior portrait experience. You are already making a large investment in your senior portrait experience, so why not make it the best it can be?!

So, why exactly is it so important?

1. THEY ARE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS

When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. Professional hair + makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair + makeup so that they photograph well. While your makeup may look AMAZING in person, it will look completely different on-camera, and these professionals are trained to know the difference! They will conceal spots you don’t like, contour your face so it looks the best in every light, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes + shadows, manicure your eyebrows to perfection and more!

2. LESS STRESS

Preparing for a senior portrait session is stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair + makeup by yourself can make things ever harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image (even details that the eye can’t see) so hiring a professional makeup artist is the best way to go.

3. WHO DOESN’T LIKE BEING PAMPERED!?

I don’t ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait session is just simply “taking pictures”, I want it to be an EXPERIENCE. So, if my seniors arrive after an hour of being pampered + beautified, the entire experience has already started on a good note! If a senior arrives frustrated or stressed, it can affect the entire experience, including the way you look in photographs!

If this is not in your budget, plan to wear slightly heavier make up than normal, including blush and lipstick/gloss that are at least slightly darker than your lip color. I also highly recommend false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices at CVS or any pharmacy in the area.

And, one last tip - In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!!

Feel free to email me if you have any additional questions at bryana@blushphotosbybryana.com. I am SO excited to work together!!!