Senior Photos Planning Guide by Holly Nylund Photography

STYLE SENIOR PORTRAIT GUIDE

PLANNING THE PERFECT SHOOT WHAT TO WEAR BEAUTY TIPS PROP IDEAS ROCK YOUR SHOOT

BEST DAY EVER

DOCS=yes sundresses forever vintage vibes

a little drama

casual cool

what to wear

trends to try

beauty tips

prop ideas

timeline

emergency kit

FAQs

rock your shoot

What to WEAR Wear what feels like you, but don’t be afraid to make it a little “extra!” VARIETY is key. Don’t bring all dark tops, or all short dresses. Switch it up so each outfit has a different vibe/color/style/fit. ACCESSORIZE to take it to the next level. Add a hat, a hair clip, or fun earrings. Highlight your ASSETS. If you have great collarbones, wear something off shoulder. If you love your eyes, pick a color that makes them pop. If you are self conscious of your arms, don't sleeveless tops. I like WEIRD. Socks with heels, giant poofy skirts, polka dot jumpsuits, suspenders and shorts, flowers in your hair, ripped up band tees, retro glasses. If there’s ever been a time to have fun and PLAY with your wardrobe - now is the time! DETAILS I LOVE: Texture (lace, fringe, furry, chunky sweaters, ruching, textured fabric), layers, fabulous boots, ruffles, bell bottoms, balloon sleeves, sheer fabrics, hats, bold lips, FLOWY MAXI DRESSES, and anything unique. Pro tip: You may worry that your photos will look dated if you don’t keep it classic. In ten years, I guarantee your photos will look dated no matter what you wear. Might as well go all out!

shoulder ties

dresses with movement

off shoulder

headscarf

hats!

cute boots layers

BELL sleeves or Bellbottoms!

boyfriend jeans

fun & BOLD

Tone on tone. As much as I love bold looks, I'm also a sucker for a monochromatic look in neutral hues. Pick a color and add various shades of the same color family to your outfit, shoes, and accessories.

RACHEL ZOE:

STYLE IS A WAY TO SAY WHO YOU ARE WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEAK. Let's create portraits that tell the story of you, right now, in this moment.

Dare to be DIFFERENT I get GIDDY when my seniors bring clothing choices that break the mold. If your personal style is anything but mainstream, you've come to the right place! Let's get weird and create photos that will be unforgettably YOU.

BEAUTY

TIPS

TO SELF TAN OR NOT TO SELF TAN? Just don’t. Even the best self tanners get streaks and blotchy spots, and it will show in your photos. Go au naturale, you’re gorgeous! WHAT ABOUT FAKE LASHES? Totally up to you! They look great in photos as long as they aren’t overpowering. It’s not included with hair and makeup, so bring your own if you’d like to wear them.

IS LIPSTICK A GOOD IDEA? YES! Your makeup artist will help you choose a color that complements your features. Bring something bold to add for the last outfit!

DO I NEED A MANICURE? A fresh mani in a neutral color is a great idea, but not a deal breaker. Your nails should be clean and no old chipped polish, which probably goes without saying!

CURLY OR STRAIGHT? Personal preference here. Beachy waves or big loose curls are great, but don't fight your natural texture. You know I love variety, so we can add a messy top knot at the end of your shoot or pull the sides back for a sweet look.

WILL MY TAN LINES SHOW? Yep. And that's okay. However, if you don't want tan lines try to vary your top styles in the month before your shoot. Tan lines can't be easily corrected in photoshop. Remember - NO SUNBURNS!

HObbies & sports

chaiRs old camera instrument

fResh floWers

PROP IDEAS Basket or purse

disco ball

Retro cars

books

flowers In your hair

TIMELINE TWO MONTHS OUT: Schedule any appointments you'll need before the big day. Hair? Nails? Browse for outfit ideas. ONE MONTH OUT: Kick your outfit planning into high gear. Shop online, shop local, browse your friend's (or your grandma's) closets, scour the thrift stores, or set off on a shopping road trip. TWO WEEKS OUT: A fresh trim will get rid of dead ends that will weigh your style down. If your hair color needs a touchup, 1-4 weeks before your shoot is the perfect time. ONE WEEK OUT: Be mindful of your sun exposure and skin health. No facials, no sunburns. Stay moisturized. Keep your lips moisturized too. Chapped lips is not a good look. Exfoliate dead skin. Brows - shape them up. Do any waxing a few days before your shoot to avoid redness. DAY BEFORE: If you don't have a mani/pedi scheduled, give your nails some love today. No chipped polish! A neutral color (dark or light is fine) is a great choice. Lay out your outfits, steam as necessary. Send outfit pics to Holly! Hang each outfit and add a shopping bag with the coordinating accessories to each hanger. Load up your car and get a full night's rest. DAY OF: Don't forget to eat a light meal before your shoot - you will need the energy! Do a last minute check of your wardrobe. Relax! Show up 10 mintues early to your appointment.

EMERGENCY KIT

WATER MAKEUP WIPES BOBBY PINS NAIL GLUE

STRAPLESS BRA MAKEUP FOR TOUCHUPS LIP GLOSS OR COLOR HAIRSPRAY

QUESTIONS SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL I GET MY BRACES OFF? Probably, if they are coming off soon. They can be photoshopped, but there is a $50 per image fee because it's a job! CAN I WEAR MY GLASSES? Yes, BUT - to avoid glass glare, it is best to bring a pair of empty frames with no glass. Pop the lenses out of a scratched up pair, or ask your eye doctor to borrow some empty frames. I like to get some photos without glasses too for variety. SHOULD I CHOP MY HAIR OR GET A PERM OR BANGS? No big changes before senior pictures! It's a recipe for regret!

ARE THERE ANY COLORS TO AVOID? I can't get down with neon. Other than that, the sky is the limit. Earthy neutrals are great for nature locations, and something bold is great for an urban or alley look. Wear colors that complement your eyes, skin tone, or hair. You'll also want to avoid super busy patterns unless we are going for a fun wild look.

WHO SHOULD I BRING TO MY SHOOT? Most seniors bring mom, but some prefer to come solo. Whatever makes you the most comfortable! Besties are welcome too, and I'm always happy to grab a few extra photos of you and your favorite people. Don't bring an audience, though.

I'M SO NERVOUS I COULD PUKE Relax girl! You just have to show up and breathe. The rest is up to me. I will tell you exactly what to do - I won't expect you to know how to pose. Shoots are laid back and fun. I'm bubbly and friendly and I'm totally going to be your hype girl.

DO I PAY THE STYLIST? If it's included in your session, I'll take care of the payment. A tip to the stylist is always appreciated though!

WHAT IF I WAKE UP WITH A ZIT? Easy photoshop fix - don't stress!

MORE QUESTIONS? Text me or email me and I am happy to help!

BE YOU

hOW tO ROCk YOur sHOOT

Don't worry if you're shy - I promise you will

warm up fast! What will make your photos really special is if you can let your guard down and let me get to know the real you! Just let loose and pretend you're truly a model for the day. DON'T BE AFRAID TO LOOK SILLY

I might ask you to twirl, walk, laugh, etc. There is no way to do it wrong, and there's nothing you could do to look foolish. If something looks awkward I will simply delete it later! Don't be afraid to laugh big and be goofy. PRACTICE EXPRESSIONS Use a mirror or your phone camera to practice different expressions so you know what YOU like DE-STRESS Have a chill day - don't hang out with anyone who sucks your energy. You have nothing to worry about because it's my job to make sure your photos are bomb! WATCH MODELING VIDEOS This is totally optional and just for fun, but some of my girls have found it super helpful to watch modeling videos to get some insight on how to move in front of the camera. I particularly like following Coco Rocha's Modeling Camp on Instagram - it's so fun & inspiring! BRING YOUR MUSIC Another optional idea is to bring your jams with a

XO,

little portable speaker. We can listen to your favorite songs on location to help you feel at ease. HAVE FUN! WE ARE MAKING MEMORIES!

Holly