WELCOME!

This page is your go-to resource for planning a personalized senior portrait experience. You’ll find helpful tips, inspiration, and all of my session planning guides linked below—everything you need to make your session uniquely you. If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to make the process fun, easy, and totally stress-free!


MY PROMISE

My biggest goal? To create a senior session that truly captures you—your personality, your style, and this unforgettable moment in your life. I want you to walk away feeling confident, radiant, and celebrated.

LET THE PLANNING BEGIN

Other than your amazing personality, your wardrobe is one of the key factors to having a successful session that reflects your true self. Please use the following information, links, and downloads to begin preparing your senior session wardrobe options. You’ll find everything from my Senior Style Survey to my What to Wear Guide. Learn what colors look best with your skin tone, what clothing styles look best with your body shape, and explore tons of styled outfits for you to use as inspiration when planning your wardrobe options.

PIN ASPIRATION

The most important thing you can do to help me plan for your session is to create a shared Pinterest board for your senior session. Start pinning the things that reflect your style and interests.  Pin anything from fashion styles to location styles you like.  The more you pin the better! Think of your Senior Session Pinboard as a direct line to getting the most out of your senior images.  Be sure to share your board with me:  @arphotographyllc

START YOUR PIN BOARD

WHAT TO PIN


Fashion style | hair style| makeup looks | textures | poses you love | colors you like | location ideas | something that you love to do...

MAKEUP PREP GUIDE


There are differences in the way makeup is applied for photography vs everyday makeup. Makeup that looks great for school, may not translate well for photos.

 

I highly recommend having your makeup and hair professionally done for your pictures. A professional makeup artist can apply your makeup with precision and accuracy for the camera so there isn’t too much, or too little.

 

And the best part is, it makes your whole session day such a treat!

Whether you hire a professional or decide to do your own makeup, be sure to check out these tips and advice for a camera-ready face that looks great!

AVOID SALICYLIC ACID


Try to avoid using products containing salicylic acid at least 3 days before your session. Those types of products can dry out the skin.

EXFOLIATE YOUR FACE


Exfoliate with a physical exfoliator at least 2 days prior to your session. It will help reduce dry patches and texture. It will also smooth your skin which will make your foundation apply smoothly to your face.

LIMIT YOUR SUN EXPOSURE


Don’t tan in the natural sun or tanning beds for an entire 2 weeks before your session. You could appear really red or even burn. Porcelain skin photographs best as it can actually reflect the light from your shoot beautifully.


GET YOUR BEAUTY REST


Be sure to get a good night’s rest prior to your session day. You want to avoid having puffiness or bags under the eyes, so rest up! Need extra help? Apply a cold compress to your eyes the morning of your session to reduce any puffiness or redness.


GROOM THOSE BROWS

Groom your eyebrows at least a week prior to your session. This allows any redness or swelling caused by plucking or waxing ample time to go away before your makeup application on session day.

MOISTURIZE YOUR FACE


Wash your face thoroughly before your session and apply a hydrating moisturizer. The foundation will apply more evenly if your face is prepped and ready before any color is applied.

PREPARE YOUR LIPS


for the entire week before your session, use your toothbrush to gently brush your lips. Then apply chapstick or vaseline and sleep in it. Chapped lips are not attractive on camera.

MOISTURIZE YOUR HANDS


Moisturize your hands for the entire week before your session with a heavy moisturizing cream. Rub the cream into your hands, nails, and cuticles to help heal any cracked skin or broken nail beds.


YOUR NAILS WILL SHOW SO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE


There’s nothing worse in senior portraits than chipped nail paint. 

Getting trendy with nail color can date your senior pictures and you want to remain classic and timeless with beautifully polished neutral nails.

DON'T FORGET YOUR TOES


Your toes need some love too. Especially if you’re going to show off your toes in open-toe heels or sandals. For an added treat, grab your mom or bestie and head to your favorite nail salon for a pedicure.

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR SESSION?


  • Your clothes ironed and on hangers to allow us to easily see each outfit together for efficiency
  • Your accessories – jewelry, under camis, strapless bras, “sticky boobs”, belts, scarves, hats, jackets, etc.
  • Shoes for every outfit and the socks to go with them
  • comfy shoes to walk in for senior and mom
  • stay hydrated and eat a light snack before your session
  • allergy meds 

If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to create some amazing memories for you! 🤍

— Ana