Before you Graduate: Tips for planning your BFF session

Ideas for Planning for Your BFF Session

Senior year is a time when you make all of your last high school memories before graduation and enter your new life. As time goes by, life will get hectic and crazy and these memories will start to fade. Planning a BFF session will help preserve these memories forever and help create some new ones during this fun photo shoot! Below are some tips to help you come up with a plan for your session:

• Location

Choose a location that means something to you and your bestie. If you like to hang out at the local skate park or walk around the town square, these are places we could go for your session. We can also talk to your school about setting up there. If you are in drama club and want to recreate some memories in the theatre or have a special lunch table or a joint locker, etc., we want to incorporate these things as well. 

• Props

Now it’s time to think about props. Do you want to bring your sunglasses because you guys are obsessed with oversized shades? How about a copy of your favorite magazine so you can look through it and get all the latest celebrity gossip during our session – talk about multi-tasking! Are you planning on going to the same college after graduation? If so, you can bring some college swag to your session! You can bring your graduation caps/gowns if you’d like. We can even stop by and grab some props during your session – if you are coffee lovers, we can take some photos of you and your BFF at your favorite coffee shop, or we can stop for some ice cream cones for some super cute shots. Think about the things that you guys like to do together and bring items that will reflect it in the photos.

• Clothing

When it comes to clothing, you don’t want to be completely matchy-matchy (unless you are going to the twin BFF look). However, you don’t want to clash either. Choose a color palette that looks good on both of you and coordinate your outfits with colors from that scheme. Don’t forget to bring matching shoes and accessories.

New Year, New You: 3 Essentials to Nailing the Perfect Headshot Outfit

Amazon #1 Bestseller in under 4 hours “Unchain My Legacy”, Author, Tonya Renada Moore

Are you feeling overwhelmed about what to wear for your headshots? No worries, we’re here to assist you with every step of the way. We know that getting ready for your shoot can be nerve-wrecking, but we will do everything we can to make sure this day goes as smooth as possible for you. Here are 3 essentials to nailing the perfect headshot outfit:

Define your Style

To start off you want to think about your style and the image that will represent your persona. Be careful to choose colors that best suit you skin tone. For instance, if you have fair skin, avoid super light colors, if you have medium, or dark skin tones stay away from colors that resemble your skin tone too closely because this too can cause some clashing in camera.

Keep it Simple

You know what they say sometimes less is more. With this in mind, keep it simple. Patterns and textured items tend to be distracting and take away from the main attraction, which is you. Bold is okay, but you don’t want your clothing to distract from your face. Jewel tones do compliment all skin tones. Wearing V-necks are a great way to show off your décolleté. If you want to keep your neckline slim and simple, try pairing a collarless shirt underneath a jacket. Wearing just an ironed shirt frames the face very well. By pairing statement pieces like earrings and necklaces this will add a nice touch to your headshot, however you don’t want to wear jewelry that’s too flashy.

Look the Part

It is very important to look the part, this can make or break your shoot. Men should take care of any grooming needs such as hair cut and shaving. If your skin gets irritated easily it would be best to find a professional barber to assist or shave the night before using a fresh sharp razor. Ladies make sure your hair and makeup represent the best version of yourself you would like to display to new clients and contacts. Your headshot session is not the time to play with fire by trying new looks. Color matching your foundation to match your neck is important. Avoid make up that has SPF because this can reflect with the studio lights. We want your natural beauty to radiate through your headshot and not be all about your makeup. If you need assistance with hair and makeup, we have trusted professionals available to assist with your look.

Bonus

The Dont’s of Headshots

-Avoid baggy or bulky attire even, if it’s in style

-Stay away from patterns or stripes that are too busy

-Leave the Logos out (unless it represents your business)

-Wrinkled, stained, or torn clothing

-Light-reflecting clothing and accessories including but not limited to metallics, sequins, sparkles and glitter. If you do wear them, remember to keep them to a minimum.

The Do’s of Headshots

-Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before your shoot

-Arrive early so you wont look rushed in your photos

-Iron your clothes the night before so that they are ready to go for your shoot

-Always remember: Relax and have fun

-Eating beforehand is good to keep your energy up

-Bring water and snacks to stay well-nourished if needed

-Bring extra attire to have a few different options

Now that you are Engaged: The Importance of Timing your Engagement Session

Perfect Timing for Your Engagement Session

When planning your engagement session, you want to get the timing just right and there are many factors to consider during this process. We’re here to help! Here’s a list of things you need to take into consideration when picking a session date:

1. If you are going to display your engagement photos at your wedding, and you are doing outside portraits, try to plan your engagement session in the season that you are having your wedding. This way, it matches your wedding décor. 

2. Keep in mind that whenever you are planning your portraits is probably a busy season for photographers. Be sure to book early so you can get a good spot. You also need to remember that if you’re doing outdoor photos, you have to cater to the weather. Sometimes the weather is crazy and we have to reschedule. We’ve had clients have to reschedule four times before due to rain, etc. Be sure to book a backup date in case your first one gets rained out.

3. Remember that you and/or your fiancé may need to take some time off of work for the session. We may not have any availability when you’re available because, even though we try to be accommodating, we don’t shoot every day or may already be booked on your day off. 

4. Book early enough to use your photos for Save the Date cards, etc. Don’t forget about editing, printing, and mailing times. Allow enough time for the whole process and still have them to your guests on time.

5. If you’re doing a slideshow at your wedding and want to use your engagement photos in it, don’t wait until a month before your wedding to take your engagement photos and then stress and worry as you try to hurry to get them back and into the presentation. You have to allow editing time in your schedule.

Now What?

Congratulations! You are ENGAGED! Now what? Call SmartShot for your FREE ENGAGEMENT SHOOT! No obligation and no strings attached! This is your chance to interview this husband and wife team. We are very personable and would love to meet you. Your wedding day is a reflection of family and friends and your need someone who "gets you" on your big day! Call (757) 667-9796 to schedule your FREE Engagement Shoot!