Five Easy Tips for a Fantastic Senior Session in the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco Bay Area Senior Pictures
There are so many feelings that build up to your senior portrait session. Excitement is a given and there may be even a little shock that you’re finally a senior (did these 17 years fly by or what?!?). There are often all kinds of other feelings as well, such as being nervous or maybe even a little stressed because you don’t know what to expect. It is a big day and a milestone moment that you and your family have invested in. All of these feelings are 100% valid and normal! But guess what? I am here to guide you along the way and am ready to be so much more than just your photographer. Hopefully all the other feelings except for excitement are diminished but the time your session day rolls around. With all these emotions in mind I want to share five tips that will help you love your Bay Area senior portrait session:
TIP 1: YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A SUPER MODEL!
There are two big sources of stress with most portrait sessions. They are posing and clothes (we will get to the second one in a bit). These are what get my clients, and even myself, get all nervous and jittery about before a session. I expect every client that walks through my door to know NOTHING about posing. Because I specialize in senior portraits I have studied posing for a long time to ensure you will look your best. I want you to feel confident so we will talk about different poses during your session and why I am pose you the way I do, what to do with your hands, how to stand, etc. You also have carte blanche to veto any pose that you don’t want to do which brings me to tip 2…
TIP 2: PLEASE KNOW THIS IS A SAFE SPACE AND YOU CAN SPEAK UP
In fact, I encourage it! I know first hand how vulnerable it can feel to be in front of a camera. You can feel exposed and awkward, or you may not be sure what to do. That is not fun! This is why building a relationship with you is so important to me. I want you to feel comfortable and safe so your natural personality shines and you build confidence. Therefore if I suggest a pose and you’re just not feeling it I want you to be comfortable with speaking up. I won’t be offended if you voice your thoughts or ideas, I promise! And if you’re on the more introverted side please know that from one introvert to another this is YOUR safe space. Yes, lovely pictures are awesome, but giving you the opportunity to just be yourself and build a positive experience is my jam!
TIP 3: HAVE A VARIETY OF OUTFITS & PROPS THAT YOU LOVE AND REPRESENT YOU
When you book a session with Pixel Pages Photography you will get a copy of my comprehensive welcome guide that gives tons of tips for what to wear. We will go over your outfits, accessories, props, and questions during your style consult. However, I can’t overestimate this tip enough: wear clothing that you love, represents you, and what you feel comfortable and confident in. We all know the power of a good outfit. It makes you feel amazing and oftentimes helps us stand a little taller. These are the outfits that you want! In addition to clothes, I always encourage seniors to bring items they love as well. Do you have a stack of cherished books? What about any sports equipment or musical instruments if you are in sports or band? What about your family's hot rod or sports car? And most importantly, what about your dog? If you want you want to bring along Fido I have some tips HERE on including your fur baby in your portrait session
Variety is also key because it will give you a lot more photos to choose from at your session premier. If you’re a passionate athlete and worked hard for that varsity letter and letterman jacket let’s show it off! If you are in band bring along your instrument or if you have a favorite dress that is your go-to outfit bring it to your session. A quick note about variety too: mix up the styles of your outfits. For example, don’t bring only dresses or all pants. Have a combination of dressy and causal, pants and skirts/dresses, and sporty and preppy. Don’t stress too much over all of this. The welcome guide and style consult will help you get these ideas flowing. In addition to that I have lots of tips and inspo in my IG highlights and on my Pinterest boards.
TIP 4: PLAN AHEAD
OK, OK, OK, I know, planning isn’t always fun or a sexy buzzword, but it will help you feel prepared and more at ease going into your session day. We have all heard about shipping delays and the phrase “broken supply chain”. Don’t wait until the last minute to order something because these days there is a possibility that it may not arrive in time. There is also the chance you could order clothes and they don’t fit right. If you’re like me, a bundle of anxious nerves, new things can ramp up the stress levels. One way I combat this is to get things prepped in advance and write lists. It helps me feel in control, prepared, ready, and confident.
The day before your session make sure that all your clothes have been tried on with undergarments, are ironed and on hangers, have all accessories, props, and undergarments in a bag ready to go with your clothes, have directions to your session location in your GPS and have checked the traffic (drive times are so unpredictable here in the San Francisco Bay Area and surrounding counties!), and you have packed some snacks and filled up your Hydroflask or water bottles.
That saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of effort” is annoyingly true lol!
TIP 5: KNOW THAT WE ARE GOING TO RELAX AND HAVE FUN!
In addition to some rad photos, this is my ultimate goal for you. I just want you to relax and have a great time! We are here to have an awesome experience and to celebrate you and your senior year. This is a milestone moment that you have worked so hard for and it is important to me that you let loose, laugh, and enjoy your session. Don’t stress over the photos. You will look amazing! And if all else fails, remember this quote by Randy Pausch, “Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun.”
Looking for a senior photographer in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, or the San Francisco Bay Area? I would love the opportunity to get to know you and work with you to capture this once in a lifetime moment for your child! My clients come from all over the Northern California and the Bay Area - Pleasanton, Fremont, Danville, Dublin, Walnut Creek, Castro Valley, San Ramon, Livermore, Lafayette. Book a consult with the button below so we can get to know one another and start planning your senior's bespoke portrait experience.
0 Comments