Graduation Session Guide
I'm so excited to take your Graduation Portraits! Your session is going to be fun and together we are going to create some amazing photographs of you! But before your session there are a few things to think about and a few things you need to bring to your session. This is a very special time in your life and I want your portraits to capture who you are. How you dress is a reflection of your unique personality so I really encourage you to give your clothing choices some thought and planning. I want you to look your very best, so to help you with this I've compiled this guide to help you prepare for your session.
What to Wear to Your Session
Clothing Style
For an in-studio graduation session I usually suggest bringing 2 or 3 different outfits.
For an on-location graduation session I usually suggest only one outfit, because time and changing facilities are an issue when outdoors. A second outfit can be added if there is time.
For your first outfit I would suggest bringing something dressy. If you are doing your session in the fall of your Grade 12 year you may not have your prom gown yet. If you do, it would be great to wear, if not then I recommend wearing another dress or something dressy. If you are doing your session in the winter or spring of your Grade 12 year then definitely wear your prom gown!!
For your second outfit I usually suggest something casual, like jeans and a pretty blouse, or a cute sundress and jean jacket. You could also bring along another dressy dress if that's what you like. I specialize in creating very feminine portraits and dresses are always a great look, but the choice is totally up to you and what you feel most comfortable in and something that reflects who you are.
If you choose to be photographed in a third outfit it can be whatever you would like, but a good choice would be a sports or dance outfit if you are involved in those types of activities, or you can even choose to wear one of my cap & gown sets. I also can create a special couture / fashion for you if you would like to try something different.
One very important rule is to only bring outfits that are fitted. Fitted clothing is better than loose, flowing clothing because fitted clothing shows your shape, whereas loose clothing can actually make you look big and bulky. Try to avoid bulky sweaters and loose flowing cardigans.
If you aren't comfortable with the way your arms look arms choose clothing with sleeves, at least 3/4 length. Bare arms draws attention away from your face and can make your arms look larger.
Choose clothing that you love, make you feel and look good, and expresses your personality!
Clothing Color
I highly recommend choosing solid colored clothing most of the time. The right pattern can work, but in general, patterns tend to draw attention away from your face. If you aren't sure please feel free to send me a photo of your outfit and I can help you decide. Please avoid clothing with graphics on them, such as cartoon characters, big logos and labels. These definitely draw too much attention.
A simple rule to remember is that white and bright colors stand out and makes things look bigger, but black and dark muted colors hides things and makes them look smaller. This means that dark clothing is slimming and doesn't draw attention.
Feel free to choose clothing in your favorite, most flattering colors. Really bright colors, neon colors, as well as red, orange, and hot pink don't photograph well, so try to avoid them.
Neutral colors always photograph well. I highly recommend them especially if you are being photographed outdoors!
Textures, Layers, Props & Accessories
When choosing clothing think of adding textures, layers and accessories because they show off your personality and add visual interest to the portrait. They can also provide a way to create a variety of looks during your session. The challenge is to have these things complement you but not overwhelm, so don't overdo this.
Choose clothing with textures such as: denim, leather, lace, knitting, embroidery, fur, tweed, smocking, ribbons, buttons, ruffles, etc.
Create layers with sweaters, hoodies, jackets, vests, etc.
You can also bring accessories like hats and scarves if you like them and if they complement your outfit.
Jewelry that complements your outfit is recommended, but again, be careful it doesn't draw too much attention away from your face. I generally recommend not wearing a watch unless it's really important to you.
Bring any props you would like to include in the portrait, like musical instruments, sports equipment, books, dance shoes, etc. I often bring flowers to sessions.
If you are having an outdoor session don't forget about footwear! Boots are a great choice and come in a variety of looks. I really discourage runners, sneakers and white socks. If you are having an in-studio session you don't need to worry about bringing footwear.
How Will Your Portraits Be Displayed?
My goal is to create 20-30 different images of you so you can create a beautiful keepsake album of your portraits. With this in mind I like to photograph you in at least two different outfits to create a variety of looks so you have a good selection to choose from. If you are planning on creating a wall portrait then you want to take your home decor into consideration. Choose clothing colors and style that match the room you want to hang the portrait in.
Inspiration & Ideas
Hannah chose to have an outdoor session in September of her Grade 12 year. She wanted a casual session so she wore jeans and brought several tops in a variety of styles to create several different looks. I brought a fresh flower crown and some silk flowers to use as props. Location - Confederation Park, Calgary.
Petra had an outdoor session in the fall of her Grade year. She had a semi-casual session. Her first outfit was a pretty dress. For her second outfit she wore jeans and a casual top, but she also brought a wrap to change up her look. I brought a flower crown and candles for her. Location-Confederation Park, Calgary.
Kristina always dreamed of having winter graduation portraits so we did an outdoor session in January of her Grade 12 year. She only wore her grad gown, but she brought a warm fuzzy coat to keep her warm and to change up her look. I even brought a few flowers to match her dress and the winter theme. Location-Griffiths Park, Calgary.
Miranda came to see me in March of her Grade 12 year. She chose to have an in-studio session. She mainly wanted portraits of her in her gorgeous prom gown. For a second outfit she brought a formal long black dress because she is a musician and wanted portraits in her performance outfit. She also brought her flute!
Jacey had an outdoor session at the end of May of her Grade 12 year. She chose to wear only one outfit, her grad gown. She's a musician so she brought her cello. Since the lilacs were in bloom we used them in her portraits. I made her a flower crown and a bouquet. Location - Baker Park, Calgary.
Hannah came back to do an in-studio session in June of her Grade 12 year, about two weeks before her graduation. She had her hair and makeup test that day so she booked her portrait session for the same day. She only wore one outfit, her grad gown, but we did some of her session indoors, and then went outdoors on-location to a beautiful rose garden. Location - Lougheed House, Calgary.
Emma had an outdoor session in July after her graduation. She wore two outfits. For her first outfit she wore a pretty casual dress and then changed into her prom gown. I also brought flowers to her session. Location - Riley Park, Calgary.
Jessica had an outdoor session in late August after she graduated. She really enjoyed wearing her beautiful prom gown again for this session, and chose to only wear one outfit. I brought fresh flowers to use as props. Location- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon.
Alisha had an in-studio session in October, after her graduation. For her first outfit she wore her prom gown. Alicia is a dancer, so for her second look she brought her leotard and wore my studio black tulle skirt to create a dance look.
For more more inspiration you can do a Google image search for "senior portraits", or "senior photography". Look at the images and you will usually get an idea of what you like and what you don't. Another place you can go for inspiration is my Pinterest page where I have lots of articles and clothing color examples.
In-Studio Background Choices
Outdoor Location Ideas
These are just a few of my favorite locations. Ask about other locations.
Baker Park - Calgary
Riley Park - Calgary
Lougheed House - Calgary
Edworthy Park - Calgary
University of Saskatchewan - Saskatoon
Downtown - Calgary
Hair & Makeup
Personal Grooming
Professional makeup can be added to your session, but some people prefer to do their own. I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing makeup to your portrait session. It really does make a huge difference in how your portraits will look. If you don't normally wear makeup that's okay, however I highly recommend that as a minimum you wear a good foundation (not a tinted moisturizer) to even out your skin tone and cover any blemishes, as well as lip balm to make your lips look soft and moisturized. If you have chosen to do your own makeup please click here to access The Makeup Guide with step by step instructions to help you apply makeup for your photo shoot.
If you have chosen to use my professional makeup artist, please arrive to your session with a clean, lightly moisturized, but make-up free face, ready for the make-up artist to work her magic.
Professional hair styling (a wash and style) can also be added to your session, but if you prefer to do your own I recommend wearing your hair in a style that is normal for you. Keep in mind that if we are doing an outdoor session that Calgary can be a windy place, so take that into consideration and come prepared for fix ups.
Haircuts should be done at least 2 weeks before your session. This gives your hair to grow back slightly. I don't recommend making any drastic changes at this time. Just stick with a trim and a color touch up if necessary. Don’t color your hair right before the shoot. Freshly colored hair can look too vibrant and unnatural on camera- drawing more attention to your hair than your face. Colored hair looks more natural after 1-2 weeks’ worth of shampooing.
Prepare for your portraits by taking care of yourself in the weeks leading up to your photo session. Get started on a good skin care routine if you don’t already have one. Click here to access The Makeup Guide, where I give tips and recommendations for a good skin care routine.
Exfoliate! It will smooth your skin if you exfoliate a few times the week before your session, but DO NOT exfoliate on the day of your session! Use moisturizer on your skin daily, even your hands. Also use lip balm regularly the week before your session. This will also make you look healthy and glowing for your photographs.
Don't worry about any pimples or skin flare ups. These things happen! Having a great makeup application will hide any imperfections, plus your images will be fully retouched, so your skin will look beautiful in your finished portraits!
Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, and drink plenty of water for a few days and on the day of your session. This will make your skin very hydrated to fill in lines and wrinkles, undereye circles, and give you a healthy glow. Get plenty of sleep the night before your photo so you're rested and ready to go.
Tweeze your brows the day before your session.
If you want to whiten your teeth before your session, start as early as possible and use a natural whitening method, or have your teeth whitened with your dentist. If you don't have time, then rest assured that your finished portraits will be retouched which includes subtle teeth whitening.
Do not apply self-tanner. It will make your skin look orange in your portraits. If you normally get a spray tan book it a couple of days before your session.
Don't shave on the day of your session. If you want smooth legs and arm pits, shave 2-3 days before your session to give your skin time to recover before your session.
Don't forget about your nails. Get, or give yourself a mani-pedi. Choose natural or neutral colors that will go with all of your clothing and not be distracting.
If you have chosen to add professional hairstyling and makeup come to your session wearing something casual and comfortable, and bring the clothing you want to wear during your session separately. I also recommend coming to your session in a top, or blouse that zips or buttons up so that you can easily remove it once your hair and makeup are finished.
What to Bring To Your Session
Any additional clothing and accessories that we discussed in your pre-session consultation.
Your lipstick, and your lip balm or lip gloss for touch ups.
I sometimes use fresh flowers as props, and I always bring water and snacks, so if you have any allergies I need to be aware of please let me know.
Any personal props you would like included in your photograph, such as musical instruments, books, etc.
For outdoor photo shoots please bring a comb, or hair brush and hairspray for touch ups. For in-studio photo shoots I’ll have these supplies on hand.
For outdoor photo shoots please bring comfortable shoes for walking. We will be walking around to various locations during your session so if you are not wearing shoes that are suitable for this please bring along an extra pair of comfortable shoes that you can slip into. For in-studio sessions you can bring the shoes you’ll be wearing with your prom gown, but other shoes aren’t needed. You may also want to bring a water bottle, snacks, and bug spray.
For outdoor photo shoots please bring a jacket. Outdoor sessions are scheduled 2 hours before sunset, so by the end of the session it can be cool, even in the summer, so bring a jacket. During the spring and especially in the fall the weather can be changeable here in Calgary, so please dress for the weather. You probably don't want to be photographed in bulky sweaters and coats, but bring one along so that you can slip into it when there is some down time during your session. I want you to be comfortable!
For outdoor photo shoots please be aware that your session will take place in fields with grass and various trees and flowers, so if you have any allergies you may want to take allergy medication before the session.
For in-studio sessions please be aware that cats live in my home, and although they won’t be around during your photo shoot you may be sensitive so please take medication or bring it with you. You don't want to be sneezing, itching and have red, watery eyes during your session.
Please feel free to bring one guest along with you, like your Mom, sister, or a best friend. It's always nice to have someone there to visit with during down time. And I’m always happy to take a few pictures of you with your guest! I do not allow any cell phone photos taken of my sets during the session, so please make sure your guest is aware of this.
