After so many long years… hundreds of hours spent on homework and studying… and what feels like an entire lifetime… you have finally made it to graduation! I want to be the first to congratulate you on all of your hard work and achievements. Capturing the excitement of a new chapter opening is one of my favorite things to photograph! I make getting your graduation pictures easy and stress-free. After all, the hard work is already done, and now it is time to celebrate! Whether you have a couple of years of school left or are about to graduate, here are my helpful tips and tricks to get you ready for an exciting and fun photoshoot.
Wardrobe
When picking out the “perfect” outfits (yes, outfits), keep in mind that we want everyone to see YOU and not necessarily your clothes. I recommend shying away from busy patterns and bright colors as they can be pretty distracting. For girls, be aware that short skirts and dresses limit your posing options. A great test to see if something is “too short” is to try posing in a mirror, and if you feel uncomfortable or if you would be embarrassed to show your grandparents, you have your answer. Large logos across your chest can also be distracting as well as date your image. If you must wear a logoed shirt, make sure that your other options do not have logos. Adding a sports jacket is a great way to make any look more professional and comes in handy when applying to jobs in the future. My camera can pick up on the minutest of details, so please do your best to make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free, and when transporting your other outfits, keep them on a hanger. If booking a studio session, my studio does have a dressing room, so please bring your outfit changes with you. My last tip for choosing your outfits is to bring a large variety. Something casual, professional, and dressy.
Some of the most popular modern brands are H & M , Gucci & Nike. Girls, if you like to shop local & preloved check out Cru Boutique.
Accessories
Scarves, hats, jewelry, etc., are great ways to change up your entire outfit in a flash. The less time you spend changing, the more time we have to capture every moment. This is also a great time to wear special items with sentimental value to you (ex. class ring, etc.) or represent your high school or future college. To keep all jewelry organized, you can place it in separate baggies and hand over the corresponding outfit hanger.
Grooming
Nails and Polish – Both girls and guys should have clean and filed fingers and toenails. Girls, if you have chipped nail polish, remove it before your pictures. No polish is always better than chipped polish. Nudes, pinks, and French manicures are safe options.
Makeup – If you have oil-prone skin, wear foundation makeup that does not have oil in it and wear a translucent powder during the shoot. Face blotters also work well to absorb the excess oil and to keep your makeup intact. Girls, consider having your makeup applied by a professional. It's not necessary, but does photograph well. Ensure to moisturize your lips before your shoot & bring a bottle of water, your lips will thank me later!
Hair – Careful with using too much hairspray, gel, or other product in your hair; your hair should move with you when you tilt your head or if a pleasant breeze blows by. Don’t forget to take ponytail holders off your wrist the morning of your shoot. No last-minute haircuts! If you must get a haircut before your shoot, give yourself at least a week to grow it out some.
Tanning – Who doesn’t want a nice glowing tan when they get their picture taken? Unfortunately, I would advise against sun tanning for at least a week before your photo. Yes, tan lines can be edited, but I always prefer natural beauty. A safe alternative to suntanning is a spray tan...I highly recommend Royal Glow Spray Tanning, located in Canfield, Ohio.
My last and most important tip is to be YOU. Don’t try anything new for the first time on the day of your photoshoot. If you are uncomfortable, then everyone will see it in your photos. Be comfortable, and don’t forget to smile!
