he guid
the ultimate senior portrait guide by Destinee Stark
01
HELLO & WELCO ME
01
welcome "Let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are." -Brené Brown For a long time, I tried really hard to fit in with the crowd. Growing up I was told I was too bossy - too loud - too opinionated - too much. I thought I had to change myself to be worthy of love and respect, so I became a chameleon adapting to different environments in an attempt to blend in. I wish someone would've told me of the power hidden in my "too much" personality, then maybe I wouldn't have spent so much time trying to change, and could've been my authentic self. That's my approach to senior portraits is to create images that are natural, authentic, and real. So, I am over-themoon excited that you decided to book your senior portrait session with me!
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
01
Welcome Letter
Page 1 // Just a little intro message from me, to get you excited about your senior session!Â
02
What to Expect
Page 5 // Here is where you can find all the details about what to expect from start to finish.
03
The Editing Process
Page 9 // All about my shooting and editing style, and what's included with each edit.
04
What to Wear
Page 12 // Tips and suggestions for things to keep in mind when choosing your outfits.
05 06
What Not to Wear
Page 14 // Here you can find things to avoid when choosing outfits for your senior session.
Hair & Makeup
Page 16 // Tips for doing your own & references for who to hire if you'd rather go pro!
07
Get Inspired
Page 18 // A series of mood boards to get inspiration on different styles of fashion.
08
Tips & Hacks
Page 28 // Extra tips to keep in mind while prepping for your senior session.
09
Thank you!
Page 31 // Just a thank you to you for hiring me. You have no idea how much it means to me!
02
WHAT T O EXPECT
02
01
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR SENIOR SESSION
AFTER BOOKING
4-6 WEEKS BEFORE THE SESSION
If you're reading this, you've already
I've tried to include as much
completed the booking process and
information in this senior session
have filled out your senior session
guide as possible, but I'm sure there
questionnaire. Go you! I will use the
will still be questions I didn't answer
information you provided to help plan
here, along the way. I will be available
your portrait session from start to
and accessible to you during business
finish - including locations based on
hours, should you have any questions
your style preferences, as well as any
or would like input on outfits you are
requested locations you may have. You
considering. Feel free to send photos
will have from now until your senior
or screen shots to me at 330-807-6076.
session, to pull inspiration from the
If there is an urgent matter, you may
mood boards in this guide, plan your
call, however, text and e-mail is the
outfits, as well as make arrangements
quickest way to get in touch with me.
for professional hair and makeup, if you wish. WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 6
If you haven't started already, I recommend finalizing your outfits,
hat to expec
TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE SESSION
getting everything washed or dry cleaned, and hung up. You can use the tips on pages 12-15 and mood boards on pages 18-27 to help you get
started. If you get stuck or need more ideas, let me know and I will help! ONE WEEK BEFORE THE SESSION
About a week or so before your portrait session, I will send your parents an email confirming your appointment time and meeting location. Your
parents will also receive a reminder email two days prior to your portrait session. If there are any weather concerns, we discuss those at that time as well. DAY OF THE SESSION
We will meet at the first photo location a few hours before sunset, when
the light is soft and golden. We will go through your outfits, and I'll make a loose game plan for pairing your outfits with specific spots at the chosen location at that time. Then, we will spend the next 1-2 hours
having so much fun - laughing, dancing, and being totally goofy. Allowing
for up to 2 hours of shooting time gives me the ability to photograph you
in multiple, unique locations from the urban city streets to a lush, natural field, with more outfit changes than you could ever imagine! AFTER THE SESSION
Within 2-3 weeks, your online gallery and exclusive phone app full of the absolute best images from your senior portrait session will be available. From the online gallery, you will be able to view, download, and share. Just be sure to download the images and back them up on ideally two
forms of storage, like an external hard drive and cloud storage. At that time, you will also receive a digital catalog of products and portrait
collections to order from. Ordering from the catalog is totally optional, but definitely encouraged because your images deserve to be seen in
print! If you place and pay for your order within 30 days, receive $50 off orders of $200 or more.
03
THE EDI TING PROCES S
03
The Editing Process Words I would use to describe my portrait and editing style are clean, modern, and real. The goal with my editing is simple: keep it real. While of course there will be light retouching to remove noticeable blemishes and adjustments to exposure and color, there will be no over-processed skin that lacks texture or color. There will be no blinding teeth whitener applied or shaping your body to resemble a smaller version of yourself. I will never, ever do this. Hear me when I say this: You are perfect just the way you are and your body is the least interesting thing about you. I mean that. You are a strong, smart, and resilient human with so much more to offer the world than what you look like. I say that with the straightest face, because our society puts so much pressure on people, especially women, to live up to a false standard of beauty. And I wish someone would've told me that when I was younger. Y
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 10
02
THE EDITING PROCESS: BEFORE AND AFTER
The Editing Process A typical edit includes a few general adjustments to really make ya pop, as well as some light retouching. That's it! I want you to look like you (because you are BEAUTIFUL!). I'll clean up any noticeable blemishes, but things like freckles, birthmarks, moles or scars that make you, YOU, typically stay - unless you request otherwise.
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 11
04
WHAT TO WEAR
04
What to wear Reflect your personality. It is important to wear clothing that
Nude undies. Wearing nude colored, smooth undies helps to avoid any bright colors or rough textures showing through sheer clothing.
you're comfortable in, but your outfit
Texturize. Colorize
selections should still reflect your
Texture can be a really great way to add
personal style and personality.
dimension to the images without taking
Started from the bottom, now we're here. Don't be afraid to layer tops with denim or leather jackets, open sweaters, vests, scarves, and other accessories.
Function > Trends. Choose functional clothing over trendy pieces. You need to be able to sit, squat, stand, and lay comfortably in all of your
attention away from your portraits. Consider velvet, twill, denim, chambray, sequins, leather, tulle, furs, knits, etc. Color palettes can be a great way to tie your entire session's looks together!
Accessories are key. Whatever your style - bohemian or classic, jewelry and accessories can really help tie every look together. Consider adding bracelets, dainty necklaces, earrings, scarves, hats, floral crowns,
Where to shop local outfits.
statement pieces, or a family heirloom like your great-grandmother's ring.
MAPLEWOOD BOUTIQUE
PRIM AND VIOLET
@maplewoodboutique
@primandvioletboutique
JEAN + LOU
SUGAR LOVES SPICE BOUTIQUE
@shopjeanandlou
@sugarlovesspice
THE DISTRICT BOUTIQUE
INTRO BOUTIQUE
@lovethedistrict
@introboutique
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 13
05
WHAT NO T TO WEAR
05
What not to wear Too matchy-matchy.
Wearing the same outfits of the same
Something you've never worn before.
style over and over again. Wearing 3
I'm all about shopping, but don't let your
dresses to your senior session may not show enough variety in the final images.
photoshoot be the first time you're rocking a new trend! You'll want to feel
Avoid like the plague.
comfortable and confident, and if you're
Wrinkled, dull, boxy, baggy, or draped
when you're focused on your poses, it's
clothing. Also avoid stand-alone, busy
best to wait.
patterns like camo, plaid, stripes, etc. Balance patterns with solid pieces for the best overall look.
Too much skin. Short length skirts, dresses, and shorts that expose too much when sitting, squatting, or bending over should be
unsure of how that new skirt will act
Don't neglect the nails. Avoid chipped, bright, patterned, or neon polish. French manicures or neutral polish photographs best. Try to choose polish that will coordinate well with the color palette of your outfits.
Where to shop local cont. avoided for your senior portraits.
GROOVE BOUTIQUE
VERNACULAR
@groove_boutique
@shopvernacular
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE
OCÉANNE JEWELRY
@mainstreamnorthcanton
@oceannejewelry
FETCH & CO.
SELENE STONE | JEWELRY
@shopfetchandco
@shopselenestone
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 15
06
HAIRÂ & MAKEUP
06
Hair + Makeup Now that we've talked about what to wear and what not to wear for your senior session, it's time to talk about the finishing touches: hair + makeup. Whether you are doing it yourself or bringing in the pros, it's best to choose makeup and a hairstyle that you would actually wear on a normal day - just a little glammed up. Remember, the goal is to look like yourself, just a level up. Think - going out to dinner with your best friends on a Friday night. A little more done up than what you'd wear to school, but not as formal as senior
If you're doing it yourself and you
prom - unless ultra glam is your thing,
don't typically wear makeup, I suggest
in which case - you do you, boo. This
focusing on the brows, adding a
means wearing a little bit heavier
lipstick that is slightly darker than your
coverage makeup for the camera.
lip color, and mascara or false lashes.
Leave it to the pros JANA MICHELLE
TEXTURA CURL STUDIO
MODERN HAIRITAGE
Brow Specialist @vanitybrowandbeautyroom
Textured Hair Specialist @texturacurlstudio
Hair Salon @modernh_salon
ALY HAMEISTER
ANGEL DAVIS
SIERRA RICE
Esthetician & Makeup Artist @vanitybrow_aly
Esthetician & Makeup Artist @glambyangel
Licensed Nail Artist @lacquered_nailz_sierra
ALYSSA MARIE
AMARIS BRIANNA
BLOOM & CLOVER
Hair & Makeup Artist @hairandmakeupbyalyssa
Makeup Artist @amarisbriannamakeup
Wax Studio @bloomandclover
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 17
07
GET INS PI RED
07
Bohemian Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 19
Edgy Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 20
Cali Cool Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 21
Preppy Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 22
Comfy Cozy Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 23
Eclectic Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 24
Scho l Spirit Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 25
Glam Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 26
Southern Charm Mood Board
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 27
08
TIPS & HACK S
08
Tips & Hacks for your senior session Make a list of everything you need to pack and bring with you to your senior session. I suggest bringing a small rolling suitcase to hold your shoes, special undergarments, and accessories. Hang clothing on velvet hangers, so they don't slip off during the car ride. I have a pop up dressing room for changing too! Even if you don't normally use hairspray, consider bringing some for your session - especially for all those little fly aways. Just try not to over do it with sticky products. Bring a small bag or pouch with extra hair pins, a lint roller, or anything else you might need to touch up your hair or makeup, like a brush/comb, extra lipstick, powder, etc. Avoid using self-tan products for your senior session. The last thing you'll want to deal with is an orange tint to your clothing or hands. Embrace your natural skin tone - no need to change it!
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
Hire a professional hairstylist and makeup artist to help you feel extra special for your senior session. Check out my list of exclusive, recommended pro's on page 17 to get you started. Just be sure to thoroughly coordinate timing with your hired professional to ensure you won't risk having to reschedule your senior session if your appointment ran over. Since we shoot so close to sunset, once we run out of available light, the session is over.
PAGE 29
Get plenty of rest the night before
Stay hydrated! Not only does
your senior session. Don't
hydration help with promoting
underestimate how much a full
clearer skin, but it helps keep your
night's rest can affect your
body functioning the way it should,
confidence level. Go to bed early!
and again, you need all the energy you can get for your senior session!
Make sure to eat all your meals well every single day - but be extra
If you need more inspiration for
intentional about eating enough
hair, makeup, and outfits. Check
throughout the day of your portrait
out my high school senior pinterest
session. Bring snacks and water
boards: https://bit.ly/2GnJYiq
with you to your session. From posing, changing, and walking, you
Don't stress! Have fun! You only get
can get burnt out quickly. You need
to experience senior portraits once!
all the energy you can get!
WWW.DESTINEESTARK.COM
PAGE 30
I am so excited for your senior session and cannot wait to make magic together! And if it weren't for each of my clients referring their friends and family to me, I wouldn't have such amazing clients at all! I am so grateful for you!
Thank You!
LET'S CONNECT OUTSIDE OF WORK! Even though I'm a professional portrait photographer by day, I'm a human too. I'd love to keep in touch with you on social media and cheer you on in your future endeavors! I share bits and pieces of my life there as well, so if you want to get to know the human behind the business, you can find me over on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram under my name, Destinee Stark!
KEEP IN TOUCH
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS For clients that book their senior session with me, they have access to book me for other portrait opportunities like prom, homecoming, cap and gown sessions, and other occasions. I don't open these portrait sessions up to the public. They are only for current and past clients, so think of it as having a an exclusive membership forever (well, as long as I'm still taking pictures.)
EMAIL HELLO@DESTINEESTARK.COM
COPYRIGHT NOTICE I kind of have to say this, but I spent hours and hours creating and writing copy for this guide for my clients, so please don't send it to anyone else. It's just for you!
PHOTOGRAPHER | GRAPHIC DESIGNER | WRITER | CREATIVE