Senior Photos

When you are a senior – you’ll want to have senior photos that will make your Mom happy – and amaze your friends!

And, you’ll find – like a lot of other things in life – that it’s a whole lot easier on you and a bunch more fun if you plan ahead.

So now is the time to do your research, decide on your photographer, and schedule your photo session during the summer months rather than waiting until school starts in the Fall.

What are Senior Photos?

There are actually two parts to what people refer to as “senior photos”.

First, there is the Yearbook photo. This is the most specific shot that must meet the requirements of the school’s yearbook staff – including such things as photo size, background, clothing requirements, file type, etc.

It is the photo that will appear in your Yearbook in the Senior section.

This photo must be submitted to the Yearbook staff by their deadline, which is generally between the end of September and the beginning of November.

Second -- in addition to the Yearbook photo, most seniors and their parents want to have a collection of photos that represent who you are, what you look like, and what your interests are at this moment in your life.

I like to refer to this collection as a “Photo Essay”.

It should include a variety of poses and images that will show your style and personality.

One of our typical sessions lasts for about an hour-and-a-half or more and it can include 3-4 wardrobe changes in that time frame. This gives us time to create more than 150 beautiful images of you that you’ll treasure for your lifetime.

I encourage you to bring props if you’d like to include them in your Photo Essay. And, if you have an animal or a truck – or just about anything in between – chances are I can work it into your photo session too.

I like to work on location at a park or school or other location that may have special meaning for you. I can also schedule your session at your home if that is more convenient.

Once your session is completed, I will color correct and airbrush all images if necessary so that your images will be ready to print. You will receive all images from our session on a DVD about 2 weeks after our session and you may make as many prints as you desire. You own the images. They are yours to keep and share with your friends and family.

I will also provide you with several dozen proof prints and extra DVD’s to share with your parents and grandparents – all at no extra cost.

If you schedule your summer photo session now, the investment is only $95.

This package includes:

1.  Up to a 2-hour, on-location photo session

2.  3-4 wardrobe changes with props
3.  DVD’s of all the images we create
4.  Two dozen prints
5.  Airbrushing if necessary
6.  150 to 200 images, fully copyright released so
     you may use as you want, post on FACEBOOK,
     make prints, etc.
7.  Image prepared for inclusion in Yearbook.

If this sounds like what you want, please contact me today!

Text or direct at:  (253)579-4040 or email at:  getmedana@gmail.com

Mr. Dana Kehr

Master Photographer

Northwest Senior Photos

PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373

What to Wear for Your Photo Session ...

Here are a few ideas that will help you choose the BEST clothes to wear in your Senior Portraits.

1.  We suggest that you choose a VARIETY of outfits. It's a good idea to include both casual and more formal outfits in your senior portraits. You choose a couple and let Mom choose one or two, that way everyone is happy.

2.  Also bring a variety of colors ... for example, if you bring a black, gray and white outfits for a 3 outfit session. Your previews will be really drab and boring. These are all good choices, but include some items of color too!

3.  Stay clear of stripes! (large bold ones of 5+" are tolerable. Small thin ones will not photograph well. It's best to not use any stripes or solids with 1-2 stripes or lines.

4.  Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits.

5.  The most common problem we see is sunburn! and tan lines from the tanning salons! Everyone please keep out of the sun a week or two before your session. We often see uneven sunburn from guys who wear ball caps, peeling skin on noses from recent burns, raccoon eyes from those who were burned while wearing sunglasses. Or strap lines on the shoulders of gals who wish to be photographed in a strapless formal dress or top. Sunburn, uneven tanning and tan lines cannot be retouched easily. So, your session may need to be rescheduled.

6.  Second biggest problem is clothes that are wrinkled or don't fit. Gals, don't bring your clothes rolled up in a ball in a backpack. They'll be a winkled mess and they will photograph that way. Guys! we see over and over that their shirt collar and sleeves do not fit. Often due to a bad fitting or borrowed suit items. It is imperative that your shirt and tie are properly fitted and that your suit/sport coat is the proper size.

7.  For outdoor portraits, be careful of bright greens as they often clash with the greens of the leaves and grass. Black, Khaki, pink, orange, navy, tan, gold, burgundy, dark yellow are good outdoors. We recommend staying away from white, light/pale yellow or other very light/pale colors outdoors.

8.  Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come. So try and use styles and looks that will be in style "next year" as well as this summer. Otherwise you're portrait will look dated and out of style in a year or two.

9.  Classic solid sweaters will always be in style. Trendy summer tops will look out of place next summer.

10.  Some poses will show your shoes so don't forget to bring shoes and socks for each outfit that you plan to wear. Barefoot and sandals! No problem for your casual clothes. And though white socks are in, they don't photograph well. So bring darker ones too. (just in case they show!) Guys don't forget those belts and Gals, don't forget your jewelry,

11.  Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits. Avoid large and bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face.

When you are ready, please contact Northwest Senior Photos and we will schedule your senior portrait session. You’ll have fun and create images that you will be proud of for years to come.

Dana Kehr is a master photographer who has been creating outstanding portfolios for more than 18 years. You can call or text him directly at: (253)579-4040 or by email at: getmedana@gmail.com

Mr. Dana Kehr

Northwest Senior Photos
PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373

What to Bring to Your Photo Session ...

Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in. Be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session.

Here are some ideas:

1.  Musical Instrument

2.  Vehicle (car/truck/bike/cart)
3.  Leather Jacket
4.  Uniform/ball/helmet/shoes/stick/bat the more the better!
5.  Hats
6.  Sports Equipment
7.  Sunglasses
8.  Poms/megaphone, cheerleaders don't forget your lollies.
9.  Pets
 
Here are a few additional tips …

·        Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait. That and all the little elements that come together to create the end result. Each thing you do right will make a major difference in the end product.

·        Contacts can be worn, but often your eyes will be less red and will have more sparkle if you can get by with your contact lenses out.

·        Long sleeve dresses and shirts are MUCH better than short sleeves ESPECIALLY for your head and shoulder/traditional poses.

·        Coordinate your outfit from head to toe.

·        Darker clothes minimize body size.

·        Keep the tonal range of clothing in the same group, don't mix lights and darks in the same outfit.

·        To assure a successful portrait, it is best to bring along several additional clothing choices and let the photographer help you choose.

·        Don't forget to bring your jewelry, especially your class ring. If you're in sports don't forget, helmet and ball, hockey stick, etc. You often need to contact your school/coach weeks in advance to get jerseys and helmets during the summer. (don't delay in doing this)

·        You should wear your hair in your regular style. Guys should NOT have a fresh haircut, but should have a fresh shave! 5 o'clock shadow will show and can't be touched up! If you need a trim, have it done about a week before. Gals, don't go get a new style or go to a new stylist that you've never used before.

·        A little Visene will "get the red out" if you have allergies!

·        Heavier thicker materials will photograph and lay better for example, a sweatshirt is much thicker and will photograph ten times better than a t-shirt or button down cotton shirt. Guys, button down shirts are fine if you put a sweater or suit or sport coat over them.

·        Having your clothes fit and ironed is very important!

·        Get a good night's rest, relax and be ready for a great portrait session!

When you are ready for your senior photos, please contact Northwest Senior Photos and we will schedule your senior portrait session. You’ll have fun and create images that you will be proud of for years to come.

Dana Kehr is a master photographer who has been creating outstanding portfolios for more than 18 years. You can call or text him directly at: (253)579-4040 or by email at: getmedana@gmail.com

Mr. Dana Kehr

Northwest Senior Photos
PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373

15 Make Up Tips for Better Senior Photos ...

OMG! Don't get caught looking like a nightmare for your
Senior Pictures! Follow these simple tips and you'll be Fabulous!

Your face:

#1 -- Want a Quick Way to Remove Blackheads?

Steam your face for a few minutes and exfoliate immediately afterwards! Finish by closing pores with a cool compress.

#2 -- Large Pores?

To take care of enlarged skin pores you need lemon juice and orange juice. Mix the juices and apply all over your face in upward and outward stokes. Wash it after 10 minutes. This is also a good facial mask for oily skin!! Also try: Ingredients: -one green tomato -one teaspoon of honey. Directions: using a blender, puree the tomato with the honey, apply to a clean face and leave on for 20 minutes, then wash.

#3 -- Moisturizer, Primer, and Oil Blocker in One!

To create your own multitasking product, mix a pea sized amount of Vaseline with your moisturizer. It creates a dewy finish without looking greasy. The jelly also doesn’t clog pores! The molecules are too large to get into pores!

#4 -- Over-treated a Bad Pimple? Flaking and Scaling on a Random Patch of Skin?

Instead of panicking or slathering on moisturizer over your make-up, reach for your lips’ best friend. Use a good waxy lip balm, apply it to the dry patch and lightly rub with your finger. The ingredients in the lip balm will moisturize the spot while the wax will hold the moisture in place without affecting your makeup!

#5 -- Foundation Perfection!

When your foundation is applied correctly, it should look like you aren’t wearing any at all! First, test the color of the foundation on your jaw line. It should disappear into the skin and blend well between the face and neck. Then, apply the foundation to the face, starting in the center and blending it over the nose working outwards. You can apply this with a foundation brush of your fingers. Finally, brush the whole face with some translucent powder to keep it set.

#6 -- Stressed? It Will Show!

Here are a few suggestions on how to detox for senior pics: Natural aromatherapy oils or candles in the home - Listen to calming music at night - have a massage at least once a month - exercise at least 30 minutes a day - take a 20 minute walk in the evening - take all natural vitamins daily - And don’t forget to smile!

#7 -- Don’t Brush Your Hair!

Try not to brush your hair so much. Too much brushing or combing will stimulate the glands to produce oil.

#8 -- Let Those Dull Nails Shine!

If you find your nail polish has become dull, coat polished nails with a drop of olive oil. Rub it in to your cuticles as well. Your nails will be shining again in no time. (We suggest clear nails or French style … not brightly colored).

#9 -- Eye Liner and Lip Pencil

Before sharpening your eyeliner or lip pencil, place it in the freezer for around 10 minutes. They will harden slightly and not break when sharpened.

#10 -- Fix Chipped Polish on the Quick

Use a file and smooth out the chipped polish until the ridge is even with the nail. Apply polish on to the chipped area, and then let it dry. Afterwards, re-coat the entire nail.

#11 -- No Pumps!

Don’t pump the brush in and out of the mascara tube, the trapped air will dry the mascara out.

Lip Service:

#12 -- Slipping lip gloss?

To stop your lip gloss from slipping, rub an ice cube over your lips after applying.

#13 -- The Flaky Pout

Make a lip scrub: mix granulated sugar with petroleum jelly (aka: Vaseline). Rub on your lips and apply lip balm.

#14 -- Make Your Lips *POP*

Line lips with a liner, and then dip a Q-tip in a similar color powder, and run along the line. This will create a mouth that pops out.

#15 -- Want to Create Your Own Lip Color?

Create your own lip color by using a sheer lip-gloss and mixing it with a favorite eye shadow.

When you are ready to schedule your senior photo session, please contact us at: 253-579-4040 direct or text … or email us at:  getmedana@gmail.com

We would love to be your photographer!

Dana

 
Mr. Dana Kehr
Northwest Senior Photos
PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373

P.S. Schedule your session now and receive 10% off on your order! Early Bird Special!

Ten Tips for Better Senior Photos

Here are some new ideas to help
you prepare for your senior photos:

1. Don’t worry about braces.

Your braces are a part of the high-school “you” and shouldn’t be avoided or hidden.

2. Stay away from tans.

Don’t overdo the tanned look. For one thing, it looks unnatural. For another, your pictures could reveal peeling skin or a cherry-red nose.

3. Help your glasses avoid glare.

Here’s a tip for those who wear glasses: Either buy or borrow a pair of suitable frames without lenses to prevent glare and reflections from the glass. If that isn’t a good option for you, just remember we will be checking the glare and will ask you to tilt your head sometimes to minimize it.

4. Make sure your hands are presentable.

Like shoes, hands can show up in some of your favorite poses, so be sure to take the time to make them presentable – guys should trim their nails, and girls might need to touch up their manicure. We do not suggest bright purple or flaming orange nail polish. Sorry. Clear or French style nails are best for photos.

5. Practice your facial expressions.

Before you go to the photo shoot, practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror at home. You can try various smiles, serious but relaxed looks, and animated expressions for action shots (with sports gear, for example). Lots of expressions will give you lots of fun images.
 
6. Work on your poses.
We will arrange your standing and sitting positions for a variety of shots, but you can try out different stances and positions at home, in front of a mirror, or by asking for feedback from a friend or family member. The overall goal is to appear natural and upbeat. If you see a pose you like in a magazine, bring that to your session and we will try to re-create it with you as the star!

Popular poses include a seated shot that highlights your face. A recent adaptation to this style is to depict the face as half in light and half in shadow.

Full body pictures are taken, as well, showing a person standing, sitting, or crouching in a relaxed manner. Outdoor shots typically make use of background fences, trees, and attractive or interesting doorways. Black and white, color, and sepia are also traditional options for your pictures.

7. Personalize your photos with props.

We invite you to bring favorite props to the shoot, such as sports equipment if you are a team player or fan, musical instruments, or hobby items. You can even bring your pet to appear in some of the shots with you.

8. Become comfortable with the photographer.
Visit our blog or email or text us to find out how we work with students on their senior photos. Look at our posted photos and imagine your picture included there. If the pictures just don’t appeal to you, keep looking for the right studio.

We like to talk with our seniors to find out beforehand what they want to have in their senior pictures.

This will give us a chance to hear your ideas and suggestions. We like to work together to create beautiful photography that will please everyone.

So, don’t be shy about asking questions, even during the actual shoot. If you don’t feel comfortable with a certain pose, say so. If you’d like to try a different pose, just let us know. Bring in samples too if you would like to imitate them. We want the session to produce images you will love.

9. Bring someone with you.

We encourage you to bring a friend along if that person can help make you relax and take a more natural picture. Your friend can also help with clothing changes and “double check” you while you’re being photographed to make sure your clothing hasn’t taken a turn for the worse or that your hair hasn’t come all undone.

10. What if you are not feeling your best?

When the big day comes, if you’re not feeling your best due to a bad cold or too little sleep, call and we will re-schedule your photo appointment. We want you to look your best and we will simply set up another appointment time.

When you are ready to schedule your photo session, please call or text us at: (253)579-4040 or email us at: getmedana@gmail.com

We are eager to discuss options and schedules that will work best for you.

We want to be your photographers!

 
Dana

Mr. Dana Kehr

Northwest Senior Photos
PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373
 
P.S. Refer a friend who schedules with us and receive a $25 credit on your order!

What to Do at Your Photo Session ...

Appointment Tip 1:

Ladies, if your photographer doesn't catch it, make sure you take the hair bands off your wrists. You'll be disappointed in the fees they'll charge to remove what they should have warned you about.

Appointment Tip 2:

A little bit of hairspray can make a big difference.

Appointment Tip 3:

Cut out posing samples from fashion and clothing magazines to take with you. Your photographer should be able to recreate some of your pose ideas and create some wonderful senior portraits for you.

Appointment Tip 4:

Ask for a drink! You'll get better smiles when you "wet your whistle" from time to time. A dry mouth will actually make your lips stick to your teeth and make your smile look funny. Funny Fact: Top models and pageant contestants use petroleum jelly products to keep this from happening!

Appointment Tip 5:

Relax! Enjoy your time in front of the camera. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Smile. Laugh. Make some silly faces. You may find you’ll like some of those images better than all the rest.

When you are ready to schedule your senior photo session, please give us a call or text us at: (253)579-4040. Or, email us at: getmedana@gmail.com

We want to be your photographers!

Dana Kehr

Northwest Senior Photos

PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373
 

More Make Up Tips for Your Senior Photos ...

OMG! Don't get caught looking like a nightmare for your
Senior Pictures! Follow these simple tips and you'll be Fabulous!

#1 -- Make Your Eyes POP!

Dab some glimmery white eye shadow on the sides of your nose, at the bridge.

#2 -- Supa-size Your Eyes!

Draw thin lines of black eyeliner along the top and bottom of your lash lines. To elongate your eyes, extend the line slightly past your outer corners. To add depth, sweep a dark eye shadow along your creases with a pointed brush. Then, rub a shimmery beige eye shadow on your lids under the creases. Apply a bit in the inner corners of your eyes as well as below your brow bone. Rim the inside of your lower lash lines with a nude eyeliner. Curl your lashes and finish it off with some mascara!

#3 -- Smokin' Eyes!

Make the smokey eye look easy to do. A smokey eye look can sometimes be hard to achieve, especially if you don’t have a steady hand. Instead, dab a tiny bit of foundation on to your eye lids to create a base, then apply a soft gray pencil on top and smudge in your eyeliner by using tiny circular motions near the lashes to blend in the color. This makes it easier to blend and gives you a silky finish.

#4 -- Care for Your Lashes!

Never use your eyelash curler after applying your mascara! Always use it before or you may pull out your eyelashes!!

#5 -- Want Perfect Lashes?

To get that perfect lash look, heat your eyelash curler with a blow-dryer for a few seconds (make sure it is not too hot before curling). Heat will lock in the lengthy curl.

#6 -- Time to Re-Define Your Eyes

Give your eyes the great definition they deserve. Define the bone structure in the eye area using bronzer. Brush on bronzer from the inner corner of your eye towards bridge of nose.

#7 -- Thick to Thin!

Eyeliner should be applied close to base of eyelashes to make them look thicker. Start with a thicker line on the outer edge of your lid with elbow on table for stability, draw the line towards inner corner of your eye, thinning the line as you go.

#8 -- Make Your Eyes Look Less Tired

Dust a strip of gold eye shadow on to the center of your eyelids from lash lines to creases. Use one with a hint of shimmer- to make it more appropriate for daytime of course.

#9 -- Tired Eyes? Here's a tip!

To fake awake and wide eyes after a long night apply a light eyeshadow in bright tones such as whites or golds to the inside corner of the eyes. Blend a bit up to the brow and down under the eye.

#10 -- Fixing Dark Circles

Many women make the mistake of using a concealer that is lighter than their skin tone. Use an illuminating concealer in the same color as your foundation. By using the correct shade, you will hide shadows, and the light reflecting particles will help brighten up those eyes.

#11 -- Best Way to Reduce Puffiness
Take a couple of green tea or black tea bags and soak them in hot water for about 15 seconds. Then place them in the fridge for 20 minutes to cool them off. Next, lay down with your head elevated for about 5 minutes with the tea bags on your eyes (you may want to set a timer). Before you do anything else such as cleanse your face, make sure you let skin dry completely. You should feel the skin tightening as it dries.

When you are ready to schedule your senior photo session, please contact me at: 253-579-4040 direct or text … or email me at:  getmedana@gmail.com

I would love to be your photographer!

Dana

Mr. Dana Kehr
Northwest Senior Photos
PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373
 
P.S. Schedule your session now and receive 10% off on your order!