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Senior Photo Planning Guide

By Elevate Photography • February 22, 2016 • Inspiration & Ideas
Senior Resource Guide

So, it’s time to start planning your senior photos. Well, we’ve got great news we’ve done this more than a few times and we have some great tips for you to make sure that they go off without at a hitch! From wardrobe help to location suggestions we’ve got your back.

Wardrobe Advice

The most important thing you should strive for when picking your clothes to be yourself. Keep in mind you’ll want to have at least two outfits. One that is more casual and one that is a bit more fancy. The main thing to keep in mind, is that you want your outfits to show off your personality.

Use accessories to add visual interest
Adding accessories is a fun way to take your photos to the next level. If hats are your thing or you’re really into shoes, be sure to bring them along for some of the photos. They can add variety to your photos and make them feel more personalized.

Accessiories
Find inspiration online
You’ll find no shortage of ideas for wardrobe out there on the internet. Googling “senior photo wardrobe ideas” yields 1,440,000 results! Consider creating a Pinterest board with ideas or searching Instagram for senior photos, they will give you lots of ideas.

Your wardrobe should match the location of your shoot
This should come as no surprise, but is often one of the biggest mistakes we see in senior photos. You chose your location for a reason, so make sure your clothing flows along with what you picked. For an urban shoot,  you could go super dressy or dress casually in a hoodie and Chucks. Pretty dresses and khakis or jeans and polos work great for an outdoor park or field. Unless you are trying to be ironic, it can look a little weird to wear an evening gown in a natural field of tall grasses. So, try to be season and location appropriate.

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Avoid busy patterns, logos and anything too trendy
We love trends just as much as the next person, but sometimes bold prints and patterns can distract from your face. Also, sometimes if you wear anything too trendy, it can really date your photos when you look back on them. If you want to wear prints or something trendy, wear some subtle prints or a style that is more classic. We suggest looking at our blog or Pinterest boards if you need any inspirations.

Patterns
Feel free to bring props
Skateboards, guitars, and ballet slippers are just a few of the props that can enhance your photos. The key with props is to choose items that don’t overwhelm you, but still tell us who you are. Don’t limit yourself – even bringing your pet can be the perfect addition.

Accessories

Make-up & Hair Tips

Make-up is an easy way to highlight your best features. Even if you don’t normally wear make-up we recommend that you use a small amount of mascara and lip gloss. Your features translate differently in a photo than they do in the mirror. Even if you think it looks like you are wearing a lot of make-up in person, in a photo it will usually just look like the normal you. Especially since lighting and on camera flashes can wash you out and a little make-up can go a long way. More than anything, we still want you to look like you! You can guarantee great make-up by hiring a professional and we have lots of great recommendations.

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Theme & Location Ideas

Who says that senior photos have to be in a boring studio? Not us! We have so many wonderful location options for you to choose from. Don’t forget though, the places that you already hang out at are perfect for senior photos. Pick a location that you have always wanted to have your senior photos taken or, pick a spot that says something about your hobbies and what you like to do.

Pick an activity
The possibilities are endless!  Why not go get coffee, spend the afternoon downtown with your friends, or pick up a game of basketball. You can even go to multiple locations for different looks if you want to combine a couple of different things. Below you will find some of our favorite themes and locations, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
Cars

2016-02-10_0002 Country/Barn
2016-02-15_00102016-02-15_0011 Dogs

2016-02-10_0005 Downtown and UrbanUrban Urban

Food and Drinks

2016-02-12_0005 Music, Theater and Art

2016-02-12_0010 Sports

2016-02-17_0002 2016-02-15_0002b 2016-02-15_0004 Winter

2016-02-15_0008

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Elevate Photography’s wedding photography team which includes McCory James, Ryan Erickson, Brooke Phillips and Sam Tennigkeit have photographed all over the beautiful state of Colorado and beyond!


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