How to Prep for your Professional Pictures so you'll look like a Boss - Denver - Fort Collins - Colorado - Lifestyle Senior & Branding Photographer

Do you want to NAIL your Senior Session? With Senior Photos, there are no re-dos. Prepping for your session is just as important as picking out the perfect outfit for your Senior Photos and can make a huge difference in the outcome of your photos. Here are some tips to make sure you look like a boss for your Senior Pics!

1. Hair

The Problem: We've all been there, we get a hair cut and *gasp!*, she cut too much off! Ugh, now it's not going to look perfect for Senior Pictures... 
The Solution: I always recommend getting a hair cut (and color touch up) at least 2 weeks before your Senior Session. This ensures that you're hair looks clean and chic even if it was accidentally cut too short. 

2. Eyebrows

The Problem: I don't know about you, but I inherited my DAD'S EYEBROWS! Bleh... So unless I tweeze everyday, they get severely out of control. 
The Solution: Getting your eyebrows professionally waxed 2-5 days before your session can be a real confidence saver when it comes to your Senior photos. Try NOT to wax your eyebrows the day of your photoshoot. If you've ever waxed before, you know that your skin becomes red and irritated right after waxing and this can be a nightmare to try and cover up with makeup!

3. Tanning

The Problem: So you want that "just been to the beach" sun-kissed glow?
The Solution: Try tanning by laying outside or going to a tanning bed for a few weeks before your photoshoot. I suggest staying away from self-tanning lotion because, unless you are a pro at applying them, they leave your skin unevenly orange. And no one likes looking like an Oompa Loompa...

4. Dry Skin/Chapped Lips

The Problem: With Colorado's dry climate, I always find my skin and lips to be extra dry.
The Solution: Exfoliate 1-2 days before your Senior session and make sure you moisturize as much as possible leading up to your session. Use a moisturizing lip balm and bring extra lotion and lip balm to your shoot just in case you need it!

5. Oily/Acne Prone Skin

The Problem: No one wants shiny skin or acne for their Senior pictures. I had terribly oily and acne prone skin up until about 4 months ago when I switched my facial care routine. Let me tell you, it's been a life changer. The reason your skin is oily is because it has been trying to overcompensate for all the dryness. Your oil mixes with sebum to create acne.
The Solution: Now this might not work for everyone and it seems VERY, VERY counterintuitive, but trust me, your skin will be oily no more! I've been oil free since I started this routine, and I only get 1-2 pimples per month. You'll want to try this at least 1-2 months before your session in case it doesn't work for you. NOTE: your skin will continue to overproduce oil for a few days, but it will stop overproducing after a few days. Keep up this routine for at least 2 weeks to see the full result!
Fill a small jar or old soap container (thoroughly cleaned out) with olive oil, then add 5 drops each of lemon and lavender essential oils. You can also add 2 drops of Tea Tree oil if you wish. The olive oil moisturizes the skin while the lemon essential oil cleanses and the lavender reduces inflammation.

It's easy to slay your Senior pictures if you follow these tips and prep properly before your photoshoot. You'll stand out from the crowd, wow your friends, and capture once-in-a-lifetime memories that will last forever.