Tips to Rock Your Senior Portrait Session
1. WARDROBE: Jaymel Molina Photography will be photographing you in a variety of compositions, from closeups to full body, so feel free to bring a variety of whole outfits and a random top that you love. Try on each outfit, and pack the items together in sets the day before your session.
- THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Colors that compliment your tones, bring out your eye color, etc.
Layers to add dimension (jackets, sweaters, etc.)
Variety of necklines.
Variety of fabric textures and weights
Accessories if you wear them (hats, scarves, sunglasses, etc.)
Flatter your shape: This may be counter-intuitive, but no matter your body type, tighter-fitting items through the bodice will photograph in a more flattering way. Flowy skirts are a blast though so do feel free to bring those if you wear them.
Undergarments/shoes/socks/etc. to accompany every outfit.
- THINGS to GENERALLY avoid, unless you’re known for these things, then do feel free to bring them, just perhaps not for every outfit: Big bold patterns, logos, and bold stripes will draw attention and focus to themselves and away from you. If you are pale-skinned and/or blonde, generally it’s best to avoid having all of your tops being all black. Try to have other options.
- HOW MANY: Photographing (4-5) outfits during a session is average, more if you’re a fast changer (or bring outfits that allow you to change without stopping to find a restroom (a tank under a few outfits allows for quick changes in an alley). You’re welcome to bring 5 or 6 outfits, just know that we might not get to all of them.
- PORTABILITY: We’ll be walking around, so please bring clothes in a rolling suitcase so that it can sit on a sidewalk (or on dirt or grass) while we take photos. Organize each complete outfit in rolled groupings within your suitcase.
- CHANGING: Since every change takes session time, being prepared to do quick changes on location is helpful. Wearing a light tank top under outfits can allow you to change in public, and bringing a sheet that we can hold up can allow you to change quickly in an alley or behind a tree.
2. MISC: It’s a great idea to also bring the following:
- Brush or comb for hair touch-ups (or hairspray, bobby pins, clips, etc.)
- Any necessary makeup for touch-ups.
- Lip gloss/chapstick (guys) or other makeup you’d like for touching up after changes.
- Water bottle - stay hydrated!
- Snacks (especially if you are prone to low blood sugar).
- Hand sanitizer.
3. PLEASE DON’T BE LATE: Session times are chosen to optimize the best light. Please familiarize yourself with our meeting location and plan for traffic and parking. If you arrive late, you’ll cut into your session time, the number of photos, and also the best, sexiest, most flattering light.
4. FINALLY: If you’re nervous, that’s ok! We’ll be directing you throughout this process, so if you’ve done your prep work, there’s no need to worry about a thing once you arrive. Photographing high school seniors is one of our very favorite things to do and when we’re out there together, you’ll see why. I can’t wait to work with you!