Birrell Signature Photography Inc - Seniors Getting Ready

We will send you this information AND MORE when you schedule your session, so you will have a printed copy for reference and to use as a check list as you prepare.

Arrive On Time
We schedule an "arrival time" and a "session time". This allows you to get everything set up in the dressing room before your session time.

Clothing
Group your outfits together ON HANGARS. Make sure clothes are IRONED unless you (and mom) like the wrinkled look.

Solid colors or muted plaids & prints photograph better than large bold prints.

Bring a variety of color; don't bring all blue outfits even if it is your favorite color.

Vary your style; all one look (like tanks) gets boring.

Vary the dress level, bring some dressy, some medium and some casual.

Be careful of baggy clothes that will make you look larger than you are. If you think you have large arms, avoid sleeveless styles, they will make your arms look fuller.

Some images are close up, and others are full length, so plan outfits completely

The black and white "magazine style" look is best photographed with you wearing black & white clothing. Longer sleeves are best, and an interesting neckline can add impact.

Hair
Avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your session. Bring your hair care tools and products with you.

Jewelry
Best tip here: keep it simple. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU.

Props
Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: sports equipment, uniforms, musical instruments, art materials, & vehicles.

Sunburn/Suntan
AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well. Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top or use a tanning bed to minimize any tan marks. Remember not to overdo your tanning; skin that looks like dark leather is not attractive.

Blemishes
We retouch blemishes; so don't stress over breakouts.

Tattoos & Piercings, Scars, Braces
Tattoos and piercings can be retouched/removed if you desire. Scars are not automatically retouched, but can be removed or softened at your request. Braces? You could have the tops taken off for your photo session, or we can retouch them out by computer. But don't fight smiling; a braces smile is better than a holding-back-a-smile look. Talk to us at your session, we will give you an estimate for these types of extended retouching costs.

Pets
Pets are OK as long as they are house broken. It is a good idea to have someone else brings the pet, then leave with the pet afterwards. Or bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them.

JUST FOR GUYS
We recommend a dark t-shirt to wear under dark shirts. A white t-shirt triangle under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb, so bring a black or gray.

Please make sure you are clean-shaven. Got a goatee that mom hates, but you love? Want some stubble for an edgy session? Do your casual shots first with it on, then bring a razor and shave it off for mom's formals. Everyone is happy that way!

JUST FOR GIRLS
Please do wear make-up. Makeup should be slightly heavier than normal. About like you might wear in the evening. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. You want a fresh, clean look for your images.

NAILS SHOW! If they have the color partially chipped off, it WILL show. A "French manicure" or clear neutral color will look best. Many casual shots are done barefoot; so don't forget about those toes!

Wild to mild. We don't really tell you what you can and cannot wear. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. You are in charge of "your look".