A Guide to Your Senior Portrait Session:

Your high school years have been full of experiences. They are something to be proud of, to remember and to celebrate. When it’s time to commemorate this journey with a senior portrait, there are lots of things to consider. Your personality, wardrobe style, and prop choices are a few things to think about before you come in for your portrait session. This guide will walk you though the steps in preparing for, creating,

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

The Session:

Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your session time. This gives us time to get introduced and prepared. It also allows me some time to give you some "tips" for your session. It's important not to be late, but if you do run late please contact me at 508-397-4270.

Don't forget to bring along any helpful items for your session - a hairbrush, hangers, accessories, and a bag to carry it all. I always recommend brining some water along also - as a refreshment and in case we need to smooth some flyaway hairs.

It is my goal to make your senior portrait session a fun and memorable experience. Try not to stress!! Be candid during the session, and have fun. It's often those candid moments that come out the best - so don't be afraid to have fun, laugh, and jump for joy! I want to capture the TRUE you!

Locations:

A great location makes for a great photograph. Living in New England, there are so many beautiful places near us to choose from. Most locations require a photography permit. These are the locations I am currently work at: 

www.sarahmontaniphotography.com/Locations

What to Wear:

You will be able to change your outfit up to four times during your portrait session. Most students like to incorporate a casual and formal look as well as something unique like a sports uniform or something that adds more variety to their choices. Solids are great when you want to add drama with lighting or to highlight a prop like a musical instrument or sporting equipment. Patterns can be incorporated as well, to create a look that is all your own. Branded shirts and other apparel tend to create a less polished look, which doesn’t usually stand the test of time as well as other options.

When planning outfits, don't forget to include all the accessories to go along with them such as shoes and jewelry.

If you need more ideas on what to wear, take a look at some of my past clients: 

www.sarahmontaniphotography.com/Portraits/Seniors. 

Hair and Makeup:

Even if you prefer a more natural look, investing in a hair stylist and professional make up artist can take your senior portraits from ordinary to extraordinary. Though I do retouch portraits, nothing can quite replace that “glow” the right make up can bring out. You will be amazed with the results that you can get with the aid of professional beauty consultants. I frequently work with professional hair and makeup artists from Traveling Beauty. You can find out more at www.TravelingBeautyToYou.com

Keep your hands in mind as well -  a simple manicure can make those photos shine. Guys who are clean-shaven should make sure to get a close shave. Guys should also make sure their hand are well groomed!

Just for Guys:

If you don't want to bring along multiple changes of clothes, that's understandable. However, I strongly encourage you to being at least two different shirts to wear (more is always welcome!). It's often best to have one casual shirt and one more formal shirt. Please avoid logos, other than on team jerseys or school logos. Please keep spare shirts on a hanger, and not stuffed in a bag, to avoid wrinkles!

It is recommended that you get a haircut about one week prior to your session. If you wear your hair long, please make sure it does not cover your eyes. If you are clean shaven, please make sure to shave the morning of your session. If you typically have facial hair, please make sure it is neatly trimmed.

Don't stress about a break out - it is an easy fix in Photoshop.

Personal Props:

Adding props to your photos is fun and can add a lot of personality to your portraits .Of course the main focus of the session will be YOU . You can bring a few items to help express a variety of dimensions in your personality. Sporting equipment, musical instruments, a skateboard, or a car are a few Senior favorites. Get creative! You can wear your favorite medal, sketch in our portrait garden or play a song on your guitar. It’s your portrait, your memory, so make it true to you.

Family Members:

It is strongly recommended to bring in a family member or a friend (or both!) along to your session. They will have the benefits of helping put you at ease, they can check your hair, help you with props and/or pets, give you clothing advice, and in general give you moral support. Plus they get to enjoy the portrait session with you!

Family members are also welcome to participate in your session. It's ok to take a few shots with your parents, siblings, or the whole family! Some kids also like to bring along a pet for a few photos, just please make sure the location you have chosen allows you to do so!