GUYS Senior Portrait Prep

Tips and ideas for your session

CLOTHING: Wear what you love and be who you are! We want to capture your unique style and personality! Be sure to choose a variety of colors and styles. Vary the dress level: some dressy, some casual and some in between. Some shots are up close, others are full length. Plan outfits from head to toe down to your shoes. Don’t forget about the extras (hats, belts, watch, sunglasses, etc).

NOTE: Make sure your shirts are ironed. We can’t “photoshop” out wrinkles. Hang them on a hanger to bring to the session. This is the number one, most overlooked detail!

COMPLEXION: We retouch blemishes, so don’t worry about minor breakouts. Regarding scars and moles: we don’t remove anything permanent unless you request us to. Our goal is to create images that look natural. Just let us know your preference.

HAIR:Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Do it at least 6-10 days ahead of your photo session appointment.

GLASSES:Most prescription glasses glare. Some more than others. Consider checking with your optometrist because most can loan you an empty set of frames or pop out your lenses of your session. Of course, we want you to be able to see, so do what feels best.

BRING & WEAR THE THINGS THAT DEFINE YOU

WEAR WHAT YOU LOVE/ INCLUDE WHAT YOU DO

01: DRESSY

DRESS PANTS
BUTTON DOWN SHIRTS
JACKETS & VESTS
SUITS / TUX
TIES & BOW TIES
PEA COAT
BUTTON UP SWEATERS
DRESS SHOES

02: CASUAL

FAVORITE JEANS
CARGO PANTS
BOARD SHORTS
HENLEY AND TEES 
HOODIES
DENIM OR OTHER JACKET
SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS
SWEATERS

03: EXTRAS

HATS
WATCHES
SUNGLASSES
FLIP FLOPS
VARIETY OF SHOES
BOOTS
BELTS
SCARVES
COAT/ JACKET
ANYTHING THAT'S YOU

04: YOU

BIKE
YOUR CAR / TRUCK
GUITAR
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
DOG OR PET
SKIS / GOGGLES
HOBBY PROPS

05: SPORTS

SPORTS UNIFORM
EQUIPMENT
BASKETBALL
BAT / BALLS / MITT
FOOTBALL
LETTERMAN
HOCKEY STICK
JERSEY WITH JEANS
TENNIS GEAR
ANYTHING YOU LOVE

Portrait Perfect Make-up

10 Tips for Portrait Perfect Make-up

It’s time for Portrait Prep, don’t panic! We’ve got you covered with these simple tips for Portrait Perfect Make-up.

1. LIGHTEN UP. Avoid going too dark in your foundation shade. Have your shade professionally matched to your skin tone as close to the day of your shoot as possible. This really matters!

2. MATTE IS A MUST. Especially for your cheeks, stay away from shimmery powder (no exceptions). You may use shimmer for your eyelids ONLY.

3. PRIMARY FOCUS. Primer is essential for keeping make-up intact. It’s like the base coat of a nail manicure. Oil-free versions are best, even for sensitive skin.

4. SAY NO TO SPF. This is the only time you should leave the house without sunscreen. Primer and foundation should be SPF-free. Formulas containing sunscreen cast a ghostlike glow with the camera flash or reflector.

5. LINE UP. When lining eyelids, start n the center and work your way to the outer edge. Lining the entire lid will cause the eyes to appear smaller. Use a slanted brush with a dark, (but not black) shadow to line the lower lids.

6. MORE IS MORE. Camera lighting will wash out colors. Don’t be scared of a dramatic, finished look. it won’t photograph that way. Trust us on this. Your make-up should be darker than your every-day look.

7. BLEND, BLEND, BLEND. When it comes to concealer, cheek contouring, and eye shadow, The camera will highlight and pick up on unblended edges, creating a clown-like look. Unblended concealer will highlight fine lines.

8. MELLOW YELLOW. To set makeup, choose a yellow based powered rather than a translucent powered. Much like SPF formulas, translucent powders cast a white glow when photographed.

9. AU NATURALE. Always have make-up applied in natural light. This will be the best indicator of ow it will look when photographed.

10. PRACTICE RUN. Don’t let the day of your photo shoot e the first time to try new products. Consultations and trial runs are essential to creating the perfect final look.

Follow these tips, take a deep breath, and remember, the most important tip for a successful portrait session, is to come with your confidence- and ready to have some fun documenting this special time in your life.

Client Spotlight – Hailey Soroa

Say Hello to Hailey Soroa – 2019 Senior Model

Hailey is a Senior at Mckinney High School. She considers herself to be a “goofy” girl, and likes to keep clothing style comfortable (which we agree is the most important element in fashion).

At the end of the day, you will find Hailey basking in the love of her two favorite doggies, Rocky, her Siberian Husky – and Daisy, her miniature Yorkie.

She’s not a huge fan of school traditions, but she did really enjoy going to State for marching band. She stays busy working with her mom, hanging out with friends, and being active.

Post Malone tops her playlist, and Hailey totally geeks out on her favorite movie, “The Avengers.”

She draws inspiration from her sister, and her favorite quote is, “God gives us difficulties to bring out the best in us.” – Marvon J. Ashton

Hailey’s post high school plans are to discover what she loves, and become successful doing that!

We are all rooting for you Hailey!! Congratulations!

Bluebonnets – a Texas Tradition

“Where flowers blossom, so does hope.” ~ Lady Bird Johnson

Spring is just around the corner, and we are all patiently, (or in my case, not so patiently), awaiting her arrival. For Texan’s, the official announcement of spring will be broadcast by the spectacular Bluebonnets adorning our fields and roadsides. We’ve endured a wet winter, which should ensure massive amounts of bluebonnets to enjoy as the sun returns. Many Texas families have made a tradition of taking family pictures amongst the fields of blooms. If you haven’t joined in this fun Texas tradition, it’s never too late to start!

Bluebonnet Fun Facts:

In 1901, the bluebonnet was adopted as the state flower.

In the 1930’s, the Highway Department began planting bluebonnets along state highways.

Texas was the first state in the nation to plant flowers along the highways.

Texas State Wildflower Day is celebrated every April 24.

Bluebonnets peak bloom season actually is May to July

There are actually five species of bluebonnet, and all are accepted as the state flower.

In the 1970’s, Lady Bird Johnson, encouraged all Texans to scatter wildflower seeds along the highways, resulting in the remarkable display of bluebonnets along our roadsides.

This is the year to join in the fun, and document Spring with this longstanding Texas tradition.

Client Spotlight – Brelyn

Brelyn is a senior at Liberty High School. She has played piano for 14 years, and has used those skills in her transition into the percussion ensemble of The Redhawk Band. Brelyn now plays over 20 percussion instruments, and enjoys listening to, or playing music from memory! She has thoroughly enjoyed, and appreciated, the opportunity to expand her musical ability during her high school career. Brelyn is also a page designer and photographer on the Liberty Yearbook staff.

In her free time, Brelyn loves to play with her two beagles, Boone and Baxter, and spending time with her brothers. One of Brelyn’s favorite activities is to give back to her community, having been a part of the National Charity League for 6 years. Brelyn also loves to spend time with her friends, going on adventures, and reading. She is excited to be going to The University of Oklahoma will this Fall to pursue a major of Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in Music.

Congrats Brelyn!

Keeping your LOVE Alive in Portraits

February is upon us, and love is in the air. Everywhere we turn we see hearts, flowers, and chocolates. But do we see our love documented in current portraits? Or do we have to reach back through the years to that engagement photo, or wedding album? Of course we cherish those memories of days when our love was young, but what about now?

Years of marriage and togetherness have deepened our love, given us a new definition of romance, and probably a very different idea of what, “Happily Every After,” truly looks like.

Celebrate your love, at every stage.

How to Prepare for an ENJOYABLE Family Portrait Session

People tend to get apprehensive, anxious, even panicked when they decide to schedule a family portrait session. Sadly, many people chose not to document their lives, and milestones, because of the stress they feel it will bring. This is a decision that they will undoubtedly regret, when the kids have grown, and the time has passed.

We are here to tell you that planning, preparing, and the entire portrait experience can actually be enjoyable, and a whole lot of fun. We’ve been in this industry for 25 years now, here are 5 simple tips to take family portraits from stressful to successful!

1. Keep it SIMPLE : Clothing should be simple, no bold patterns or bright colors. Medium tones, such as shades of gray, blue, or beige are great choices. You can add accessories, such as hats, scarves, jackets, or, necklaces to make the wardrobe more unique.

2. Consider your home Decor: Your family portrait is a piece of artwork that you will proudly display in your home. Clothing choices that compliment your style, and color palette are ideal. Will you be hanging this portrait in a room that is formal with ornate decorations? Or will this portrait lovingly adorn the walls of your intimate living room that is very casual? Answering these questions will help you decide how to dress for your portrait.

3. No Coaching: Refrain from trying to prepare the kids with specific instructions for the portrait session. Our experience has taught us that kids who received, ‘smile coaching’ from loving parents prior to the session, don’t do as well as those who just show up, and go with the flow.

4. Give Yourself TIME: Allow plenty of time to prepare on theday of the session. Unnecessary stress prior to the session affects the entire mood of the family, and in turn, the feel of the portrait.

5. Unplug: Leave cell phones and tablets in the car. Sessions are only one hour. It is a great time to connect, reflect, and be present with your family.

Family Portraits can be an exciting, and fun experience. Step back and consider how precious capturing this moment, forever in time, truly is. Choose to make it enjoyable for yourself, and your family. Set the intention when you book to fully enjoy the process of documenting your legacy. That’s a choice you certainly won’t regret.

Maternity Session

Had such a great time capturing these photos in a field near Frisco. So cool that this week I met the Miller’s newborn baby girl, Sanaa Elise, and did portraits of her. She joins big brother Cameron to complete the family. The Miller’s ordered a really cool framed collage of these images and it turned out AMAZING! Next we are going to do a gorgeous, custom album mixing some of the maternity and newborn photos. Can’t wait to see the finished products!

The Family Photographer

I have been doing this family’s photos for 20+ years. Baby photos, children’s photos, family photos, senior photos and anything in between. I am their FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER. Having a photographer document your life, your love, and your legacy is important. The images created for this family tell their story and have engrained memories for all. I know each family member’s personality and this helps me successfully create images they will treasure. Just as a family chooses other professionals like doctors, dentists, etc., a family photographer should be considered. This is the generation that takes lots of photos- and that is great, however documenting milestones and family portraits should be left to the professional so that the images will become a tangible part of their history. Otherwise precious memories will literally get lost in the “clouds.”

Family photo on location in Fairview

Frisco Senior Photographer Photographs Amanda

Amanda was so natural, so fun to work with and I love the results!!!! She is a senior at Lone Star HS in Frisco who is involved with Varsity Cheer, NHS, Shattered Dreams, FCA, and Friends of Rachel. Her favorite subject is Physics (wow!) She loves country music, specifically George Strait and Thomas Rhett. The best movie she has ever seen is Hacksaw Ridge. Here are a few of Amanda’s favorites from her senior portrait session with Innovative Images.