More Tips for Better Senior Pictures ...

Here are more portrait tips to help
you plan for your photo session:

1. Plan several outfits to bring.

You should arrange to bring several outfits to your photo session in a variety of colors, not just your favorite hue. (We usually suggest  three or four – but include different styles, such as casual, semiformal, formal or casual). And, remember to bring accessories for all outfits, from footwear to jewelry and hair accents. Since several full-body shots are also taken be sure to check your shoes to be sure they are clean and that both socks match – that full-body shot could end up being your favorite pose.

2. Keep your clothing visually simple.

Don’t bring outfits with words or designs, stripes or pictures, except possibly your school logo. You want your face, eyes and expression to command attention, not the words on your shirt.

3. Give consideration to color.

Solid colors are recommended for most or all outfits. Darker shades tend to make people look slimmer.

4. Use clothing to accentuate your best features.

Girls may want to forego short sleeves or spaghetti straps if their arms are heavy, since these styles will only accentuate that feature. Turtleneck tops look best on people with long necks. Round and square faces look good in a square-neck top, while thin faces or pointed chins are attractive with rounded-neck tops.

5. Go easy on the jewelry.

Avoid wearing attention-grabbing jewelry. The photograph should accentuate your face, eyes and personality, not draw unwarranted attention to your jewelry. Also, jewelry can date a photograph very quickly. Classic jewelry pieces are best.

6. Apply makeup normally.

It’s tempting to get very “glam” when having pictures taken, but this could very well make you look like a stranger in your senior portrait. So, apply your makeup as you normally look on a day-to-day basis, but bring your makeup with you. If we feel you need a touch more blush or eye-shadow, we will let you know. Avoid glitter or sparkly anything (powder, eye shadow, blush) – it tends to reflect the flash and leaves white spots. Also avoid too much lip gloss. It can also leave white spots from the flash or make you look like you’re drooling.

7. Bring powder.

If you have it, bring along some translucent powder. While in real life, a bit of shine to the face gives that “dewy glow,” it unfortunately can look like “too much glow” in photos. We will direct you if you need to dab some powder on your forehead or nose.

8. Go with practiced hair styles.

Getting senior portraits done is not the time to leave your hair uncombed for that “natural” look. Also, avoid experimental hairstyles. In general, friends and family prefer to remember you as you looked most of your senior year, not just during the period when you had your pictures taken.

Get a haircut at least a week in advance to give your hair a chance to adjust and look natural. Girls having their hair styled for a formal picture can, of course, wait until the photo session day to get their hair done, but they should practice with their hair stylist beforehand so there are no surprises on picture day.

9. Guys need a fresh shave.

A fresh shave for guys is recommended, and moustaches or beards should be neatly trimmed.

10. Don’t worry about blemishes.

Don’t worry about a blemish. Using a good foundation will cover most … and we digitally airbrush each image -- so in most cases, it is not a big problem. Relax. We’ve got you covered!

OK. 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 the day before your senior photos ...

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 1:
Get plenty of sleep the night before your Senior Pictures. That way you won't have bags under your eyes, you'll be alert and responsive to your photographer, and you'll be in a good mood. Naturally, it will show in your senior pictures!

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 2:

Prepare your outfits. Make sure your formal outfits have been pressed or dry cleaned. Pack them in an appropriate carrier. Tossing all your stuff in a clothes basket and showing up unprepared will not return satisfactory results.

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 3:

Contact your photographer to confirm your appointment. Just a little precaution in case there may have been a booking error.

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 4:

Does your car have enough gas for the trip? That may sound like your Aunt Edna's advice, but you don't want to run late because of something so simple.

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 5:

Got reliable directions? Mapquest. Google Maps. Whatever. Make certain you know how to get to the location where you will be shooting.

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 6:

Check the weather forecast -- especially if your session includes outdoor senior photography. Call the photographer to find out what we’ll do if it is raining.

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 7:

If you are having a friend or relative being photographed with you, be sure to contact them ahead of time to remind them of the senior picture appointment. The photographer you choose may not offer a reshoot if they don't show.

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 8:

Arrange to have a friend or family member come with you to your senior picture appointment. They can help with last minute ideas, carry clothes and props, help tend to your pet or props so you can be more relaxed and natural.

Day Before Senior Pictures Tip 9:

If you feel your mom or dad will make you nervous or uneasy, kindly and honestly ask them ahead of time to wait in the car while you are with the photographer. Have them contact your photographer for their professional opinion if you are afraid of unnecessary conflict or of hurt feelings.

If you are ready to schedule your senior photos, please give us a call or text at: 253-579-4040. Or, send us an email at: getmedana@gmail.com

I would love to be your photographer for this important photo session.

Dana Kehr

Northwest Senior Photos
PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373

Make Up and Hair Tips for Better Senior Pictures ...

Senior Picture Hair and Makeup Tip #1:

Don't try a completely new haircut or style for senior pictures. Getting a "make-over" for Senior Pictures can backfire. You may find that you don't like your new look because "you don't look like yourself". Do what comes natural and the results will be more to your liking.

Senior Picture Hair and Makeup Tip #2:
Girls: Trends change, but right now just add a little makeup for color and to even out skin tones. If you just add a bit of lip color and some touch-ups on any acne breakouts you should have natural results without looking "made up". If the makeup looks good in the mirror, it should look fine in your senior pictures.

Senior Picture Hair and Makeup Tip #3:
A regular can of 99 cent hairspray can save the day if your Senior Pictures are being taken outside on a hot summer day or in a stuffy studio space. DO NOT spray it directly on your hair! Just spray a little bit on your hands and pat down your "flyaway" hairs to make them lie down - you will save yourself the headache and embarrassment of crazy "fly-away" hair in your senior pictures.

Senior Picture Hair and Makeup Tip #4:
If you want to give a little more "zap" to your Senior Pictures, use a hair product that has a higher shine rating. It will make the texture of your hairstyle stand out better.

Senior Picture Hair and Makeup Tip #5:
Ladies. AVOID ultra-high-shine lip gloss. That stuff will make big white "blob" reflections appear on your lips from the gloss. Use a "lustre" or similar if available.

Senior Picture Hair and Makeup Tip #6:
(Ladies: This is THE best tip for Black and White photography!) If your photographer is taking your Senior Pictures in Black & White, wear very Red lip color to make your lips appear darker and more dramatic. Pink-ish shades of lip color will really make them look gray and dull in the photographs.

Senior Picture Hair and Makeup Tip #7:
Guys and girls: Dab some makeup or cover up on acne breakouts prior to your session.

When you are ready for your senior photos, just give us a call or send us a text. 253-579-4040 … or, please contact us at: getmedana@gmail.com

We have special pricing and packages available now to meet every budget. Don’t put this off – we’ll work with you so you can afford it.

Dana Kehr

Northwest Senior Photos

PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373

Choosing Outfits for Your Senior Photos

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #1:

Wear the clothes you like and are comfortable wearing for your Senior Pictures. If you have to wear an outfit to please your parent/grandparent, make sure you wear another outfit that's YOU. For example, if you never would wear khaki pants with a denim shirt, then you definitely won't like to see pictures of yourself wearing them.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #2:

Girls: Don't forget your camisoles! That's the one simple item that can make-or-break the outfit.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #3:

Guys: Don't forget your dress shoes! It will be impossible to take full length poses in your suit without them.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #4:

Guys: wear a belt. Every outfit could benefit from the appropriate belt style. Tradition dictates the color of belt should match the shoes.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #5:

If you wish to wear an outfit that compliments your school spirit, be sure you bring it to the session. For example, if you wish to be photographed in your high school soccer jersey with a trophy and soccer ball, make arrangements with the coach to get the current year's uniform and all props checked out prior to your appointment. Return it to the school/coach in a promptly after being photographed so others in your senior class can use them for their pictures, too.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #6:

Generally, darker long sleeved clothing works better for "traditional" looks.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #7:

Sleeveless outfits can make your arms look big. Maybe some guys would like this effect, but we don't recommended these outfits for girls.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #8: Don't wear your glasses if you normally wear contacts. Likewise, don't wear your contacts if you normally wear glasses. Doing a couple of each if you do both is OK.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #9:

Generally, bright patterns and colors can be distracting - especially for outdoor senior pictures. If you must wear a bright, colorful outfit ... make sure you do another outfit with muted colors and tones for variety.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #10:

Accessorize! Make sure your senior photographer lets you bring extra stuff. Sunglasses, hats, scarves, necklaces, shoes, flip-flops, pets, jackets, hooded sweatshirts, belts, ties, musical instruments, books, and any other type of prop. Use them in moderation. Having more "stuff" is not always a good idea.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #11:

Layer your outfits! Wearing clothing that you can layer will get you more variety. Example: Wear a sweatshirt hoodie with a different top, polo, or t-shirt underneath. That way you can get senior pictures in the hoodie outfit, take that off, and get some more shots in the shirt or shirts underneath without wasting an outfit change.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #12:

Hang your shirts inside-out on their hangers. That way you won't get those weird little bumps from the end of the hangers on your shoulders when you put the shirt on. Turning the shirt inside-out forces those indentations to smooth out instantly when you wear the outfit.

Outfits for Senior Pictures Idea #13:

Make certain your clothes are clean and pressed – that cuts down on the expense of excessive airbrushing to get the wrinkles out.

When you are ready to have your senior portrait taken, just contact us at:  253-579-4040 unlimited text or call direct; or at our email: getmedana@gmail.com

Dana Kehr

Northwest Senior Photos
PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373

Ten Tips For Better Senior Pictures ...

1. Shop Around – Take a look at what’s available out there. Some photographers’ styles are more retro, some may be more “sexy,” some edgy like in a magazine, some photojournalistic, some more classic and clean…which appeals to you? Really look at the person in the photograph. You may think, "Oh, that’s a pretty good picture," but would you be happy if it was YOUR image? Looking at others’ senior photos will also help you notice the differences in photographers’ skills.

2. Ask to See It All – As you shop around, be sure and ask for samples of entire senior photography sessions (like an entire album). This will help you see if a photographer lacks consistency in the quality of the images … and if the images suddenly start to look alike.

Photographers typically shoot about 150 images, but only display the three that are good. And, you  don’t want to be limited to just three choices, do you? That’s why you need to see an entire session, so you can tell if the photographer is consistently good … or just lucky every now and then.

In addition, seeing more image samples can show you how creative the photographer is. You don’t want to see everybody standing by the same tree.  You want a uniqueness in the images so yours don’t look like everyone else’s.

3. Look to Connect – Find a photographer you can connect and be yourself with. Feeling comfortable during your photo session is the number-one most important thing if you want to have great, relaxed photographs. When you’re relaxed and comfortable around someone, you become more natural in front of the camera, allowing for even better pictures. So look for the photographer whom you click with as a person!

4. Seek Out Service – Yes, you want great photos, but don’t dismiss the importance of finding a photographer whose service is outstanding. Great customer service can include anything from emergency kits during the session (hairspray, water, pins, etc.) to making sure your hair and clothes are just right. It’s anything that helps you enjoy your session and not worry about it.

But it’s harder to learn about the quality of a photographer’s service than it is to learn about their photography. This is where testimonials and reviews come in handy.

You might even want to simply ask the photographer. For instance, ask what their policy is if you don’t feel well the day of your senior photo session. If you don’t feel 100 percent, can you rebook your photo session? If you broke up or stayed up late studying, if you feel crappy on the day of your session … it will show. You won’t like your photos. So find a photographer willing to reschedule if necessary.

5. Take a Survey – This may seem like an odd tip, but the point is to look for photographers who want to know about YOU. Some may give you an actual survey to fill out, others may simply ask questions about your likes and dislikes. Their goal is the same, though: to make your photos reflect you.

6. Get the Parents Involved – No way, you may think — but hear us out. Your parents have different tastes, yet they do want what’s best for you, and they are paying for those pictures (usually)! Plus, they have the perspective of time. You may want to wear every trendy outfit for your pictures, but parents know you’ll regret it in the future. You need at least one outfit that will stand the test of time, one you can look back at and not be embarrassed!

That may be hard to visualize as a senior, but your parents most likely have experienced it. What was trendy to wear in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s doesn’t always look so cool now … so, be stylish but not outlandish.

7. Be Outfit-Savvy – This may seem like a simple task, and it is. The main thing you need to do is be yourself and try on your outfits ahead of time. Layering your outfit is a good idea, too. It gives your photographer many options and gives you many different looks—taking off or putting on a scarf, jacket, hat, etc.

And just say no if you are tempted to hit the stores and buy stuff you’ve never worn before. Why? The main regret we see in our senior clients is someone who was talked into a new outfit, then looks at her images and says, “That’s not me.”

So instead of shopping, look in your closet. Consider outfits that you live in, things that people would recognize you in. Try it on and see if you feel good in it. If you don’t feel good in that outfit, you will project it in the photos.

8. Pay Attention to the Details – You may be a procrastinator, but don’t try to rush through your senior portraits. Just as you need to try on your clothes before the session, you might want to test-run other things so the session goes as smoothly as possible.

For example, don’t over tan! If you tan before your portraits, don’t do it the day before. Build it up slowly, so the look is more natural … and you don’t burn. If you do your hair just before the session, you’ll be concerned about it the whole time (especially you girls). That’s why we suggest doing a test-run with your hair and makeup at least a week before the photos.

9. Think About the End Result – What do you want to take home with you? Part of your photographer search and planning should include what portrait products you want. Do you want something for Facebook? Ask the photographers what they have to offer for online use. And don’t forget about what you want in print. Do you want something a little different? Something more than the usual wallets?

Some photo products that are hot right now are senior albums/storybooks and video slideshows. The slideshow of images (incorporated with video clips) is great for open houses, and don’t underestimate the custom-designed portrait album, which can contain quotes and other items to tell your story. Albums are a great way to keep a collection of your favorite images without breaking the bank on piles of wallets you may end up shoving in a drawer.

10. Compromise Smartly – Remember that your senior photography choices don’t depend solely on your desires. Who is paying for the photography? If your parents are, you should definitely consider their thoughts, which may include a certain type of product they want, their favorite pose and, of course, the budget.

One of the best pieces of advice? Discuss a budget beforehand. Then gather information—based on the tips above—to support your best choice. When you look at the budget again, your research in quality and service may help sway your parents if needed.

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is often misunderstood and leads to major issues later. For instance, some photographers offer a low “sitting fee” – usually around $19.95 – to get you in the door. But when it comes time to select prints and products, they jack up the prices sky high. (One local studio that does this, estimates that they will make at least $1,200 per student). This is outrageous! DO NOT FALL FOR THIS.

Please contact us and let us show you what we can do.

Thanks.

Dana

Mr. Dana Kehr

http://northwest-senior-photos.blogspot.com

getmedana@gmail.com

253-579-4040 unlimited text and direct

Northwest Senior Photos

PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373