Photography By Joel's
What to Wear or Bring
to my Senior Session
What to Wear or Keep In Mind
We want this to be an extra special session for you so please bring everything (almost everything) that reflects the things in your life that you are excited about or involved with--both in school & out of school activities. Remember, for most people this will probably be your last professional portrait session of you alone for the rest of your life, so let's do it great!
HELPFUL HINT: Think about what set design you would like & the outfit that would best go with it. Remember we offer: formal with dark blue backgrounds, barn, attic, white wicker swing, outdoors, split rail fence, white picket fence, brick wall and a koi pond with a waterfall.
We will narrow down your selection of clothes to approximately two or three outfits that will bring out your very best. Anyway, here's some helpful hints on what to bring:

1. Formal--Very Important. Ladies, bring a formal dress & accessories, ideally dark tones, that you would wear to the prom or winter formals.
Men, if you have a suit & tie bring it along. We also have several tuxedos, tuxedo shirts and bow ties that fit most of the guys.

2. Informal. For the men & the women if you are involved in sports, band, etc. bring your varsity jacket, awards along as well.
Ladies: from jeans with light colored tops to summer dresses that clip in the back, etc.
Men: jeans & nice looking shirts or jackets, etc.

3. Your Interests in Life: Musical instruments, surf boards, dirt bikes (must schedule an outdoor session), sports, etc.

4. Makeup, Hair, Changing Hair Color & Shaving. Ladies: please do your makeup & hair before your session. If you like to wear your hair up for your formal portraits (we usually do formal portraits first with all sessions) let Joel know that you want the informals with your hair down.
Men: please don't do a radical buzz cut or color your hair radically just before your session, unless it is mutually agreed upon with your parents. Having a hair cut approximately two weeks before your session for the men usually works out best. 
Also, shave an hour or two before your session--unless you & your parents want the unshaven look. Remember, a 5 o'clock shadow can not be removed. Shave carefully, nicks and cuts are disasters. If you can see these nicks, cuts and 5 o'clock shadows you can be assured that the camera's eye, which is much sharper than the human eye, can see them as well.

5. Additional Helpful Hints about Clothing. Long sleeves photograph better than short sleeves or sleeveless, particularly in head and shoulder poses. It is true, the camera can add pounds and even the slimmest arm can look pudgy in a sleeveless shirt, blouse or dress.

We will adding additional helpful hints from time to time, but this should be a good starting point. Also, when you book your session at Photography By Joel you will be receiving additional helpful hints as well. Thank you & we look forward to seeing you soon.

To Great Portraits,

Joel & Company