We want your senior portraits to be the best they can be and we want you to have fun during your session. Having fun is just as important as the pictures! Take a few minutes to read the following tips and make sure to read them all! Take notes and make a checklist of tips you want to be sure to remember for yourself.

Feel free to give us a quick call or email with any questions prior to your session. 970-259-5442; info@carolcardwellphotography.com

{MAKE-UP}
An appointment to have your hair and makeup done by our makeup artist really adds a finishing touch to your session. You won't regret it! She really knows how to bring out the best in your features. Your eyes, lips and bone structure will look their best with her expertise. Make-up and hair enhancement is only $50. (Make sure your hair is clean for your appointment and make sure you wash and exfoliate your face, then apply moisturizer. (Exfoliation = using a wash cloth or scrubber to gently remove dead skin and flakes from your face))

If you're doing your hair and makeup yourself, apply your makeup like you're going on a really important date. You want to arrive at the studio with your hair ready to go, clean, in your favorite style and your first outfit on.

{STYLE & CLOTHES}
You are not limited to the amount of clothing you bring during your session but the more organized you are and the faster you change, the more photographs we can take. Make sure you bring more than enough, if you arent sure of your final decisions, we will help you decide.

Bring at least ONE outfit that your parents love and you hate. Also bring at least one outfit that you love and your parents hate then, everyone is happy!

Accessories take your session from blah to FABULOUS!
Bring everything from JEWLERY, prom dresses, cheerleading outfits, sports gear and uniforms, raggedy jeans, novelty t-shirts, party dresses, boyfriend's jersey, bandanas, favorite college gear, baseball caps, hats, heels and boots, layers, jackets, sweaters, gloves, skirts, dresses, pants, capris and shorts, jeans, winter hats and scarves, coas with hoods and fur.

Variety is key in texture, shape, color and style! Prints, solids or patterns are all great, just make sure you bring a mix. We recommend staying away from striped polos. Bring long sleeved shirts too. Sleeveless and cap sleeved shirts make arms looks bigger, so bring long sleeves for longer looking arms. A few quick shots in a favorite winter coat, especially one with a cool furry hood is great!

Make sure everything is ironed and on hangers. Do not shove everything in a gym bag! We cannot fix wrinkles in the editing process.

Place each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit. This will save you time and we will get to shoot more if you arent having to untangle your necklaces or locate one missing earring.

Bring the proper undergarments for each outfit.

{NAILS}
Your nails will show so make sure your nails are clean and manicured. Natural colored nails or French manicure is best. This way your nails go with everything. No black, no red, no bright colors!

{HAIR}
Don't try anything new with your hair right before your session. This means color or cut, and this goes for both guys and girls. One to two weeks before your session is fine. Make sure your hair is clean for your session! Remember to bring a comb or brush and any hair products you may need. Hair spray can be very helpful for those stray hairs that won't stay down.

{TANNING AND SUNBURNS}
Please avoid trying to get some last minute sun, either naturally or in a tanning bed. Tans photograph well, sunburns do not! Too deep a tan will actually make your face look fuller, aged and your skin can have a dull appearance. If you are badly sunburned or heavily peeling, especially on your face, you may need to reschedule your session. You also need to be very careful with self tanners and spray on tans. We cannot retouch out the orange and streaky results of poor application of self spray tans, or burns.

{FACIAL HAIR AND 5:00 SHADOW}
Guys, we can fix acne, scabs or sores in Photoshop. However, there is no way to take care of five o'clock shadow. Your wiskers will show and can't be removed in the retouching process. Please make sure you shave before you come to the studio.

{PERSONALITY}
First of all, relax! There is no need to be nervous. We dont bite, we love what we do and we really do want you to look your best! Make sure you browse through our galleries and plenty of magazines to get inspired to rock it out. Check out facial expressions, practice in your mirror for different looks. Prepare and just relax and have fun! We are fun, we are goofy, we dont bite! We're just people, just like you just with really big cameras and a really cool studio!

{PROPS}
Bring it all! Anything that shows off who you are and what you love.
Shopping bags. Sunglasses. Shoes. Heels. Boots. Purses. Guitar. I-pod. Headphones. Bible. Uniforms and sports gear. Baseball. Bat. Glove. Helmet. Football. Cleats. Pads, Dance shoes. Volleyball. Soccer. Swimming goggles. Medals. Snow Skis. Snowboard. Roller Blades. Skateboard. Pets. Horses. Truck. Car. Motorcycle. Musical Instument.

We're excited! How about you!?
Come Rock Out with us!

TIPS to ROCK OUT your SENIOR SESSION!!!!