Congratulations on your decision to book a Graduation portrait photography session! You will walk away with a wonderful memory for your senior year. We’ve got some tips on how to maximize your photoshoot. Here are some helpful tips.
You’ll find all the information you need here, from picking the perfect outfit to how the session is going to unfold! It is imperative that you read this completely when you receive it and a few days before your shoot! The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your shoot will be! Prepare to have fun!
1. Bring Comfortable Shoes to walk around
We will be walking around and if you planning to wear High heels, please plan to bring comfortable slippers so we might go around more easily.
Bring flip-flops to change into when changing locations.
2. Bring as many Props
Props could include anything from sashes from clubs/organizations to cords and any decorative things you may have for your Graduation.
If you would like to write something on a board, you can buy many things at Hobby Lobby or Walmart! Let me know in advance if you planning on bringing things like Smoke Bombs.
-Party poppers
-Cheer or sports gear
-Something silly like HUGE glasses or a unicycle
-Textbooks (have a friend carry them around for you)
-Best friend or significant other
3. Bring Something to Pop
Not always Required but beautiful when added, most of the exciting ones are the ones with a bottle of champagnes (non-alcoholic, since UCA is a dry campus) or just confetti! So feel free to bring as many ideas of celebration popping as you can! Confetti or glitter (edible, dissolving, or biodegradable please)
4. Share Locations&Photos ideas with me
Take a look at my UCA grad locations guide and choose the crucial places you will like to take the photos at! Depending on your packages you might have more location choices. Make sure you put them in order of priority! I will make the Call for which ones to start with depending on availability or the position of the sun so we will get the best photographs with great lighting.
Also, feel free to scour Instagram, and Pinterest and screenshot the photos or, send them to my Instagram @valenthino_photography if you want to re-create them.
5. For Ladies: Plan what to Wear
When it comes to your grad session, it’s a good idea to have a few outfit options. It’s obvious that you’ll want your fancy grad dress, but don’t forget to wear something casual too, like jeans and a T-shirt, to express another side of yourself.
Feeling comfortable in your clothes is going to make such a huge difference to how you act in front of the camera.
– Do not wear tight-fitting clothes that might draw attention to areas you’d rather not have drawn attention to
– Take the weather into account! Dress warmly if it’s cold by wearing cute coats
– Don’t wear matching clothes— no more jeans and matching shirts these days! Instead, wear colors in a complementary color palette, such as earth tones and neutrals. –
– Keep your jewelry simple – you don’t want anything to take away from capturing your personality.
– Make sure your clothes are in good shape and wrinkle-free.
In case you plan to show off your underarms or legs, make sure they are shaved to your preference.
6. Makeup: Plan Early
Makeup is an essential part of your portrait session that cannot be stressed enough.
Try not to overdo your makeup, just as you wouldn’t overdo your clothes or hairstyles. If you want to slightly enhance your normal look, do not overdo it and end up looking unrecognizable. Make sure to stay away from eyeshadows and lip gloss that are super sparkly or shiny. Take your makeup with you (especially powder) so you can touch up your makeup if needed.
Message me if you would like a Makeup artist recommendation!
Every little detail counts during your photoshoot! Besides your make-up, you should also take care of your nails. Have your nails cleaned and manicured!
***Plan to have your MakeUp Done on Time Before your session!!!!!
7. For Guys: Personal Grooming and Outfits
You guys should shave the night before your session if you plan to do so. You may find that your skin is red or irritated after doing it right before. It gives you a chance to get rid of that redness the night before you go in front of the camera. Bring medium and neutral-colored suits or shirts for the traditional graduation session as they photograph well. Wear jeans, shorts, and shirts you really like for casual and on-location photos.
- Avoid distracting colors and patterns – zebra stripes, busy prints, and shirts with logos or pictures are out.
- Make sure your clothes are in good shape and wrinkle-free.
8. Preparation the Day Before
Make sure you stay hydrated. Get plenty of rest the night before. Eat 1-2 hours before the shoot so that you’re not hungry.
9. Plan to come with a Friend or significant other
It is always great to have emotional support around lol, If you would like to take photos with few people please let me know in advance
10. Get Ready to Shine
A great idea is to practice your smile, poses, and expressions even if you are a natural in front of the camera. In this way, you’ll learn how to look more authentic when you’re looking through that lens.After you’ve done your part to prep, relax! Come to your session after a good night’s sleep and get ready to have some fun.Thino can make your senior portraits as unique as you are. Contact us to learn more and schedule your session.
If you haven’t Book your Session here is our Sessions Packages you can Book
