Tips for Senior Sessions
Guys
YOU are the main subject during this photography session! How you feel about your hair, make-up and wardrobe reflects through to the camera. For some people, it takes a little time to get comfortable in front of a camera; for others, it comes naturally. Don’t worry, don’t stress! In the beginning of our session, I will take a few shots to help you overcome any anxiety you might feel and to check my camera settings.
For the purposes of this photo shoot, I ask that you print and fill out this form and bring it with you on the day of the session.
Hair & skin
Louisiana weather is famous for humidity. For some hair types it’s not a big deal. For others it can cause undesirable effects. The wind can be a factor also. We will keep these things in mind when choosing our location.
Skin & complexion is more important than you may realize. Oily or shiny finish to skin is difficult to photograph and can cause bright spots on the face. If you have oily skin or sweat a lot, I’d recommend bringing some blotting papers or something for touch up.
Lips can dry out fast when taking photos outside. Please bring chap stick or something to keep lips moisturized.
Nails: Fingers and hands will most likely be photographed. Keep in mind, I can’t clean fingernails in the editing process.
Wardrobe
Bring more than less! We may not use it all, but, it’s best to have more options.
Make sure your outfits are wrinkle free, lint free and spot free. Wear your dressiest outfit first. Most sessions average 3 outfits. Most importantly, you need to feel comfortable to move and bend in the outfits that you bring. I will have you sitting and standing for various poses. You will need to do this without feeling uncomfortable. Shoes are important! Dress shoes, cowboy boots/boots, sport shoes, etc. are all welcome. I may even photograph you barefooted.
Props
- Please wear or bring your graduation ring. If you have your diploma/diploma case and tassel, bring them. Letterman jacket is a must!
- Any equipment and uniforms for sports/band/ROTC/Eagle Scout, etc. can be used. If you are members of any clubs and organizations, bring anything that can be used in photos to represent that.
- Any awards that you have, bring them if you want.
- Pets are allowed. I just ask that you have someone that can care for them when they are not being photographed.
- If you want to be photographed with your car/truck/motorcycle, etc. Not a problem!
***If you have a cap & gown you can use, bring it. It is easy to put on over one of the outfits for some fun photos. If you cannot find a cap & gown to use, we can help!
Additional Senior Session Tips
Location
There are several locations available for our photography session. I have several locations I can suggest. Some locations have fees and may require appointments. These fees are not included in my session fee. They must be paid to the venue prior to our session start time. If an appointment is required it is your responsibility to coordinate that. I do have contacts at some locations and I’ll be happy to contact them for you. Up to 2 locations are allowed. Travel time cuts into photo time.
**There is $25 for each additional location.
*When choosing the location for our session, keep in mind the weather, time of day, and temperature. The amount of rain fall can have a huge impact on outside sessions. Time of day is very important when it comes to sun light for outside sessions. I recommend session start time be 3-4 hours prior to sunset. Noon is NOT good: the sun is straight up and too bright! Temperatures impact sweat factor! Shade is helpful with this.
Who should come with you?
My focus during this session will be on YOU! This is a special time for you as well as family members and friends. Usually the person(s) who is paying for this session is very interested in being a part of the session and are very helpful with props, wardrobe changes, as well as another pair of eyes. A sibling or friend can be helpful also. They know you and know what you like. They know what you don’t like when it comes to photos of you. Their ideas are sometimes very helpful.
However, too many people at a photo session can cause stress. When asking someone to join us for the session, make sure you will be comfortable with them there. Stress shows in our faces more than we think.
Final Notes
**NO cell phone or other camera photos are allowed during our photo session.**
*I welcome any ideas you have to make this session successful. If you have any questions or have seen photos that you like please share those with me by text (225)205-9137.
***I do not copy work of other photographers. However, I can use this information for inspiration. It helps to know what your style is.
*Session fee is due on the day of our session. Cash, Debit/Credit cards, or checks are accepted. Make checks payable to cst photography, LLC or Cheryle S. Totten.
*After our session I will sort through all the photos we took that day. I will create a gallery for you that will contain two albums. One album will have some of my favorite photos edited. This will give you a sneak peek of the finished photos. The other album will contain “Proofs”. From this album you will choose photos that you like. I will edit them and add to your “Edited” album. Once you have looked, re-looked and maybe re-looked again, it’s time to order prints, a book or both!
*Print’s take up to a week to come in. I will contact you once they are ready for pick-up.
Thank you for choosing cst photography, LLC!