Top Tips for a Sensational Senior Photo Session

It’s totally normal to feel a bit awkward when taking senior portraits. Many seniors tend to feel self-conscious about their appearance because they feel uncomfortable posing and taking photos in front of other people or in an unfamiliar location.

Below are some tips for doing your senior session with grace and confidence and getting senior pictures that you will love for years to come.

1. Use your eyes.

Use your eyes to express emotion. When you smile naturally your whole face lights up and your eyes look bright and awake. Before the photo session practice smiling in the mirror and use different expressions to see what looks best. I will help you with smiles by talking and joking with to you and asking for different types of expressions that will make you laugh.  I use extra lighting or position you in natural light to ensure your eyes are well lit and that there are no shadows under your brows. I always focus the camera on the yes and allow everything else to fall out of focus to achieve an artistic effect.

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2. Relax.                                                                                                                                                           

Great Photos happen when the subject is relaxed and confident. Let the excitement of your photo session show through the lens as you take a moment and breathe, relax and just have fun. You may feel silly during this process but we will do everything we can to help you feel more comfortable. I will help with natural poses and simple movements that will help you to relax and look natural.

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3. Breathe.

This may sound obvious but breathing is key to capturing a natural look. Take time to practice taking a deep breath while smiling in front of the mirror.  Slowly release the air while holding the smile and notice how your face and eyes settle into a natural and relaxed expression. Allow your eyes to “smile” by focusing on the apples of your cheeks pressing upwards. When in doubt, just relax as you breathe.

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4. Move.

Staying stationary can sometimes produce a very staged and cheesy look. Just because you are sitting or standing still doesn’t mean you can’t change the angle of your body to create a look that is fresh and inspired. Try leaning into the camera slightly to appear more engaged, shift your weight from left to right, or simply move your chin slightly up and down for different shots as this gives us a variety of facial expressions to work with.

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5. Beautify.

This goes for everyone. Get plenty of sleep the night before your session. Start getting ready for your session early. Ladies, spend some extra time getting your hair blown out, get your makeup done and choose outfits that make you look and feel your best. As for the men, take a shower and shave. When you look your best, you feel your best and when you feel your best, you are naturally more confident. Go the extra mile to walk into your senior session feeling confident, attractive, prepared, and inspired.

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