Now that Summer is just around the corner, the time to start thinking about your senior session is NOW! We receive a lot of emails from our clients with questions on how they can best prepare for their pictures, so we decided to pull together our top Ten Tips for a Fabulous Senior Session! We believe that the more prepared you are for your shoot, the more relaxed and at ease you will be in front of our camera. We hope this helps to take the stress out of the prep and adds some fun to the entire process!

1 TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER: Trust me, this is so, so important! We totally know and understand that this is most likely the first time you’ve ever worked with a photographer 1-on-1. Not knowing what to expect, how to pose or even what to really do in front of the camera, it only makes sense that you would be uncertain and a little apprehensive about the whole thing. But, while this is your first experience, this isn’t our first rodeo. We have years of experience working with seniors, in fact, we’ve specialized in senior photography alone for six years now. We will guide and coach you every single step of the way, ensuring every last detail is covered. Sometimes you might feel a little silly or have no idea what we are thinking, maybe the pose feels unnatural or the location doesn’t look that pretty to the naked. But, we promise, if you put your trust in us, you won’t be sorry because your pictures are going to blow you away by how gorgeous they are!

2 BE IN THE MOMENT: This tip pretty much goes hand-in-hand with Tip #1. There’s a great saying, “the eyes are the window to the soul“, and we believe it. Your eyes give away so much, especially how you’re feeling. So, if you’re lost in your own headspace, if you’re overthinking things or if you simply feel nervous about your pictures, we want to help you let go of it all. Focus in on the moment, the fun, the beauty of where are and the awesome experience you’ve waited years for. Let’s talk, engage, laugh and create a beautiful memory that we get to celebrate through pictures. We are all-in with you, your senior session will be catered specifically to you, so be all-in with us and let’s do this!

3 HAVE FUN: Um, in case you haven’t heard yet, we’re fun to hang out with! Like, really fun! And we just want to have fun with you! This isn’t your stuffy, run-of-the-mill photo shoot, this is a celebration of who you are, in this moment. So, get ready for some serious laughter, an impromptu dance party and truly experiencing what Young & Free is all about. We thrive on capturing the real, uninhibited you. We want to see how your dress twirls, how the wind blows through your hair and what true happiness looks like on your gorgeous face. So, yeah, get ready for some fun!

4 CREATE AN INSPIRATION BOARD: Let your mind wander as you curate an inspiration board for your senior session. If you aren’t sure how to say what you want, an inspiration board can help you- and us- see what’s in your head. Pin everything! Location ideas, the kind of lighting you are drawn to, outfit options, makeup and hair ideas, quotes that inspire the mood of the shoot you’d like to create, etc. There are no limitations, whatever inspires you, add it. Just remember to share it with us so we can see it and be inspired, too!

5 PLAN YOUR OUTFITS FROM HEAD-TO-TOE: When pulling together looks for your senior session, don’t just consider the threads you’ll be wearing- think about your entire outfit from head-to-toe. We recommend bringing a little bit of everything so we can help you piece together a complete set of looks for your shoot. For pictures, details are everything and every little element matters. Mix it up with your wardrobe: colors, patterns, florals, solids, skirts, dresses, jeans, shirts, jackets, sweaters… Create distinct looks that will give you a variety of options. And don’t be conservative with your accessories, shoes and bling- bring all of it! You might be surprised with how it photographs and pulls everything together in the images.

6 CHOOSE UNIQUE LOCATIONS: We live in a GORGEOUS place, so don’t settle for mundane! Choose a location that makes your heart skip a beat, a location that you LOVE, that excites you. From our breathtaking beaches to exploring our lush forests, splashing beneath an incredible waterfall or bundling up for a senior session in the snow, the possibilities are endless. So, let’s dream up a one-of-a-kind senior session and get out and find the perfect location for your photo shoot!

7 GET YOUR MAKEUP & HAIR PROFESSIONALLY DONE: Having professional makeup and hair styling truly elevates your senior portrait experience. It’s absolutely vital to have photo-ready makeup and hair, which is one of the many reasons why we decided to add this service complimentary with all of our senior collections. Our licensed MUA & Stylist is highly skilled and has a strong understanding of our shooting and editing style, which only elevates the end result. She will take into consideration where we’re going and what you’re wearing to create the perfect look for your session. Plus, this also takes the stress out of the day-of prep, all you have to do is sit back, relax and let the glam begin.

8 LET YOUR PERSONALITY SHINE: Our style isn’t overly posed and the last thing we want is for our clients to feel like they’re playing a part in a role. This is YOUR senior session, which means we want to showcase every side of your personality. We pride ourselves on offering authentic senior photography, this means we want to document the way your nose wrinkles and your eyes squint shut when you laugh too hard or expose the dimples in your cheeks when you smile. We want you running, dancing or skipping across the waves, a field or down the sidewalk. We encourage you to embody the spirit of Young & Free, to move and play and have the time of your life, just being perfectly you.

9 SHOW YOUR SERIOUS SIDE: Yeah, we’ve been talking about the fun and the laughter and smiles and the carefree attitude A LOT. With that said, we don’t want you to feel like you have to be giggling and grinning from ear-t0-ear in every shot- where’s the variety in that? As mentioned before, we want to capture every side of who you are, this includes your serious side. To be totally honest, this expression is one of the hardest for us to capture. The key is to think about someone or something that you love and let that love translate through the eyes- not through a smile. Again, we ask that you trust us with this one because the results are beautiful!!

10 BRING THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU FEEL MOST COMFORTABLE: Whether it’s a parent, a best friend, your girl squad, a boyfriend or anyone in-between, as long as they make you feel comfortable, you can bring your entire entourage to your senior session. We’ve had everything from just our senior client flying solo to a huge family gathering who was there for moral support. We want whoever you want there, the choice is totally yours. Our only advice is this: this is YOUR special moment, really think about who you want to celebrate it with.

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