Calling all SENIORS!

With the warm weather (hopefully) approaching and the 2018 school year coming to an end it is time for the class of 2019 to start thinking about senior portraits. When you think of senior portraits there is a lot that goes into planning the perfect session. How do I smile? Am I too awkward to get my photos taken? Where would be a good location? These are just a few questions that our seniors worry about when prepping for their experiences. Today we’re going to give you our Top 5 Tips to make your senior experience one you’ll never forget!

 

#1: LOCATION

Thinking about senior portraits means you’ll have to choose the perfect location. You’ll want to pick one that means something to you, but only if it is plausible. You need to make sure it isn’t too far away or too difficult to get to. The more meaningful it is to you, the more comfortable you’ll be in that environment. We can always help guide you to a location that works for you or something that we think will really catch your eye. Don’t be afraid to trust your photographer. A few of our favorites include downtown Grand Rapids, the many beautiful state parks (including the beaches) around Michigan, and many other private locations we keep under wraps for our clients.

 

#2: WHAT TO WEAR?

Clothing is one of the most important parts of your senior portraits. If you’re not wearing something that you feel comfortable in or don’t feel yourself in, your pictures will reflect that. It takes a lot to choose the right outfit and especially one that everyone can agree with. A few things to keep in mind:

• Color: Stick with solid neutral tones. Other bright or neon colors tend to cast harsh shades onto faces that you’re not going to want. In some instances like sports/school shirts or grandma’s favorite sweater, we will make work if we have to.
• Pattern: This is a tough one to pick out. If you’re unsure then stick with a solid colored shirt or simply send a photo to us and we’ll give you our honest opinion! If you do choose a pattern, make sure it’s not a BIG pattern. Keep it small, simple and not too bright. We don’t want the pattern to attract the eye over the important part of the image, which is you.
• Accessories: Bring them! Hats, sunglasses, necklaces, bracelets, etc. It’s always nice to have options! We might decide not to use any of them, but don’t kick yourself by opting out of bringing them along.

All of our seniors will receive a more detailed “What to Wear Guide” after they book their experience with us. Then we can help guide you in the right direction and plan your perfect senior portrait experience.

 

#3: DON’T OVER THINK POSING

Getting your photos taken can be a stressful and self-conscious experience. Here at Brick Street, we try to make our seniors feel as comfortable as possible. We want to make it a fun experience rather than an overwhelming one. Trust us, and we’ll be sure you get the perfect picture! Keep in that we are there to help pose and place you to make sure you can laugh and have a good time without having to worry too much about it. We do this every day. All that being said, don’t be afraid to try something on your mind. If it works, fantastic! If it doesn’t, no harm done.

Just relax, trust us, and we’ll have some fun.

 

#4: SEASON

Which season do you love best? It’s important to schedule your session in a season that you’ll be most comfortable in and that will suit your style. Some people photos on the beach and some love skating on a frozen pond. In the end, it is all about what YOU want. In Michigan, every season is beautiful.

Pick your favorite season(s) and go with it! If you love wearing boots and sweaters then fall and winter are for you. If you’re more of a shorts and t-shirt kind of senior, then spring and summer will work great. If you can’t decide, just ask us!

 

#5: PROPS, FRIENDS, & FAMILY

As I said earlier, being photographed can be a stressful thing. We want you to be comfortable, even if that means having your dog, cat, hamster, or other pet you love in your photos! We think doing a few family portraits can’t hurt either. If the senior is getting a new portrait for their wall, why shouldn’t the whole family?!

We don’t use props very often, but we do have some available. We could stick a chair out in the field for you, or give you an umbrella to hold onto on a rainy day. We also want to encourage our seniors to bring their own props. If you’re involved in sports, band, cheer, or other activities, don’t be afraid to represent that. We’ve even had a few lightsabers in the studio. We want to represent you, in whatever form that takes!

 

We’re looking forward to starting the 2019 Season with some new Seniors! Our fall dates are filling VERY quickly. If you want that prime autumn time slot, then get your dates scheduled! We do have a few summer dates still available and are accepting weekday appointments. Head over to our website for more information on our SENIOR EXPERIENCE.

We’d love to set up a consultation with you!

Thanks for reading <3

– K