Senior Session Mistakes | Elk Grove Photographer

BUT DON’T WORRY IF YOU MAKE THEM… I GOT YOUR BACK!!!

Hey there, seniors and parents! As your Elk Grove Photographer rocking the Sacramento scene for over a decade, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of wisdom about the senior photography world. And guess what? I’m here to spill the beans and make sure your senior session is an absolute blast with stunning results!

Let’s jump right into some tips on how to avoid common session mistakes and jazz up your senior portraits:

1. IGNORING SESSION PREP MATERIALS? BIG MISTAKE! Psst…wanna know the ultimate secret to having the most epic senior session ever? It all boils down to PREP work, my friends! How you prepare for your senior session will shine through in every single one of your portraits. That’s why I take immense pride in giving my clients an unparalleled session prep experience. At Colehearted Photography, we offer guides and resources to make your session day a breeze and stress-free! Trust me, after helping hundreds of seniors over the past 11 years, we’ve mastered all the tips and tricks for an unforgettable senior session!

Curious about what our senior clients receive when they book a session with Colehearted Photography your Elk Grove Photographer? Hold onto your hats, ’cause here’s a sneak peek:

• What to Wear Guide: This little gem covers everything from determining your skin tone to rocking different styles, dressing for your body type, and much more! It’s an absolute favorite among our clients, and trust me, it’s a game-changer!
• Face Prep Guide: Ready to dazzle with a radiant complexion on your big day? This guide spills all the beans on what to avoid and what to do to achieve smooth, fresh, and glowing skin for your airbrush makeup application!
• Nail Prep Guide: We all know that attention-stealing hands can be a real bummer. Fear not! This guide will help you whip those nails and cuticles into shape for a portrait-perfect look. Plus, we’ll even let you in on the best nail polish colors our clients have rocked in the past!

And there’s more! We’ll also provide you with a Session Day Packing List so you won’t forget a thing. Trust us, we’ve got your back, and we’ll make sure your session day is nothing short of incredible!

2. CHAPPED LIPS? PUCKER UP, BUTTERCUP! Ah, chapped lips, the bane of every fabulous smile! With the cool air and gusty winds making their grand entrance, your lips might be feeling a tad dry and neglected. But fear not, my friends, for I have a secret session prep tip that’ll have your lips looking luscious on your big day, regardless of how they looked last week!

For one whole week before your senior session, make it a nightly ritual to gently brush your lips with a toothbrush and slather on your favorite lip fix. Oh, the wonders it’ll work!

Now, let’s talk about some lip balms that are absolute winners:

• Burt’s Bees: Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment: Let those luscious lips luxuriate in the magic of Burt’s Bees while you catch some Z’s.
• Blistex Intensive Moisturizer: Say goodbye to parched lips and hello to moisture heaven with this little savior.
• Aquaphor Lip Protectant: Your pout deserves all the TLC, and this lip protectant is here to deliver!
• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: Dare to dream of velvety soft lips with this overnight lip mask. It’s like a bedtime fairytale for your smackers!
• Vaseline Lip Therapy: Good ol’ Vaseline to the rescue! Say goodbye to chapped lips and hello to a silky smile.

Remember, chapped lips can be real party poopers, especially when it comes to lipstick and gloss. And let me tell you, Photoshopping chapped lips is a task and a half. So follow these tips, give your lips some extra love, and arrive at your session with a picture-perfect smile!

3. FAUX TANNING? AVOID THE STREAKY SITUATION! I get it, you want to rock that stunning bronzed goddess look for your senior session. But hold your horses before you rush off for a spray tan the day before your session and find yourself in a blotchy, streaky nightmare.

If you’re determined to go faux-tan, here are a few lifesaving details to keep your skin (literally) out of trouble:

• Don’t get a spray tan within 2 days of your session. Give your color some time to develop and settle. Patience is key, my friend!
• Lightly exfoliate your skin 24 hours after your spray session and generously moisturize to help that tan settle in like a pro.
• Scrub away at your wrists, ankles, knees, and knuckles religiously if you opt for a spray tan. These sneaky areas tend to collect extra tanner, giving you a not-so-glamorous dirty look. After a good scrub, hydrate these spots with a heavy-duty moisturizer.
• Consider using a slow build self-tanner in the month leading up to your session. These daily moisturizers with gradual tanning solutions will give you a natural bronze glow over time without any blotches or streaks. The secret? Layer them over a base lotion for maximum awesomeness.

4. DON’T WAIT! BOOK YOUR SESSION EARLY, MY FRIENDS! Repeat after me: Senior pictures are NOT a last-minute affair. You need ample time to make other appointments with your hair stylist, nail artist, aesthetician, and all the other fabulous people who’ll help you look and feel your absolute best on your session day.

So, here’s the bottom line: If you want to send out graduation and party invitations, book your session a good 9 weeks in advance to allow ample time for invites. For a late bloomer, book your session no later than mid-April, 6 weeks

Wherever you decide to do your session, make sure that it captures you at this time in your life. I want you to look back on your photos and smile, and be proud to show them off.

Your senior year and your senior portrait session are your time to shine! As an Elk Grove Photographer I want to capture YOU! Just as you are at this moment in time!

I have been photographing seniors for over a decade, and I promise you an experience you won’t get from anyone else!

Alisha Cole is a photographer based in the Greater Sacramento Area, serving Northern California for all your photography needs. She specializes in family, graduates, and maternity photography.  Contact Alisha today!

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To book a senior portrait session with Colehearted Photography please click the link below.

As seen on Good Day Sacramento!