First and foremost, bring outfits that make you feel great. It's best to bring in a variety, from dressy/formal to casual, traditional to funky... anything that expresses your unique personality. Some suggestions could be: long sleeved shirts, sun dresses, shorts, leather or denim jackets, hats or scarves (if you normally wear them), and sports uniforms. Consider the specific props you wish to bring (such as your pet, sporting gear, car, etc.) and bring some outfits that coordinate. "Too many" outfits are certainly much better than not enough. We may not photograph you in all the clothes, but bringing a variety can definitely be a boost to creativity and allow us to capture the many subtleties of your unique personality.
Typically, photographers will tell you not to wear bold patterns, stripes, shiny materials, sleeveless (unless your arms are evenly tan and thin), mini-skirts (unless your legs are evenly tan, thin, and fit) and no baggy or white jeans (they add weight to the thighs). Also, no stark contrasts such as a white top with dark pants ... we believe these are GOOD guidelines, but for every guideline there are exceptions. If you're really psyched about an outfit, it doesn't hurt to bring it along. Your letter jacket, cap and gown, and class ring should be on your list. Also, don't forget your cosmetics. You will certainly want to retouch your hair and makeup several times during your session. You may even want to bring a stylist, or at least a helpful friend or your mom. This may help you feel at ease as your session begins. They can help you by making sure your hair, makeup and clothing are perfect throughout your session. They can also tend to your pet if needed.
Aside from your clothing, hair and makeup, the success of your photo session depends largely on your attitude. It's a good idea to have a good night sleep before your photo shoot, and come in feeling rested and enthusiastic. Feel free to bring in your own CD to listen to during your session, or you may be stuck with our musical tastes (BTW..censored music is best for a family oriented studio). If you still have questions or concerns feel free to call or email us.
First and foremost, bring in a wide variety of clothing that expresses your unique personality. It's generally best to wear solid, medium-toned shirts, plain t-shirts(no strips or prints or bold patterns), long sleeved dark shirts, and bring one solid white shirt if it's something you would normally wear. Jeans, leather or denim jackets, and sports coats are nice, and sports uniforms and hats are great. Think about what personal props you will bring in and how the clothes you will be wearing will coordinate with them. For example, you may not want to be wearing a sport coat and dress pants for shots with your skateboard, or bicycle. But then you wouldn't want to wear your hippest jeans and hoody for a shot with your golf clubs. Just think about the shots you want with the props you love and bring outfits that are appropriate. Typical guidelines for what not to wear (according to most portrait photographers) is: anything with stripes or bold patterns,sweaters or t-shirts with obvious logos, words or pictures, vests and cream or light pastel sweaters or shirts. A fresh shave and a week old hair cut photograph best! If you wear a mustache or beard, please have it trimmed.
Aside from your clothing, much of the success of your photo session really depends on your attitude. It's a good idea to have a good night sleep before your photo shoot, and come in feeling rested and enthusiastic, and ready to go. It's good to bring in one of your own favorite CD's or two to listen to during your session, or you may be stuck with our musical tastes (BTW...censored music is imparative for a family oriented studio). If you still have questions or concerns about how to prepare for your session feel free to call or email us.
Please arrive at the studio (or location) 15 minutes prior to your session time. This allows you a moment to settled in before your session begins. We want you to relax and have fun during your photo shoot, and we will never rush or pressure you. That being said, we are very busy and we appreciate you honoring our busy schedule ... please don't be late! We also strongly discourage missed, cancelled, or rescheduled photo shoots. If you need to reschedule your photo shoot due to a personal crises, we expect that you will give us as much notice as possible. If you need to reschedule your senior session more than once, you will forfeit your deposit and we will require a $50 rescheduling fee.
Pertaining to the everchanging Houston area weather...
Partly overcast days are great for outdoor photography. If it's raining (an afternoon shower ... not a raining day and night pattern), we wait until your session time to determine whether to continue or reschedule. Since the weather can change quickly, it could be raining on your way to our studio, but then turn into perfect photo-op conditions. In fact, just after a shower can be the sweetest light conditions in outdoor photography.
When do I see my images?
We will schedule a presentation appointment for you to view your images (about 7 business days after your photo shoot) at our studio. We will help you with the multitude of decisions. There will be a lot of tough decisions for you to make at this meeting but it is exciting. Whoever comes in for the presentation appointment must have the authority to make all ordering decisions without having to get approval from someone who is not present. If the presentation appointment is missed or another one is needed, a fee of $30 will be charged. At this meeting you will also decide which 6 of your images we will use to create your gallery for the "Senior Portrait Star" contest. Make these choices with care ... it could mean a lot of money or cool prizes for you. Your contest gallery will be presented in the the next month following your photo session.