Fashion trends come and go, but here are some tips to rock your senior photos session:what to bring to your senior photos photography session

Remember Who You Are

This is your time to shine.  Whether you are Earthy, Urban, Chic, Funky, Sassy, Bold, Modern, Dreamy, Edgy, classic or a mix your clothing and accessories should reflect your personal style and should tell the story of who you are today as you begin the journey towards following your dreams for the future.

Pre-plan Outfits

Use Pinterest and Ssense (formerly Polyvore) to create great looks online and put stylized outfits together.  We have a stylist on staff to help you achieve those looks you love.  We can help you create your own personalized board and even pin ideas for you.

Check out our high school senior photos boards here:

High School Senior Styled Sessions

pinterest-senior-photos

High School Senior Guy Photos Inspiration:

Practical Wardrobe Ensemble Pieces

It is important to create complete, multi-piece looks for your senior pictures.  When planning for your photo shoot, consider purchasing a cropped blazer, fitted leather or denim jackets or throw-over pieces you already own and cuff the sleeves for a fresh look that will keep its modern edge years after your pictures are taken.

Statement jewelry can speak volumes about your personality.  Go all out with a colorful necklace, chandelier earrings or stacked bangle bracelets.  Worn with a simple tee or solid tank, the jewelry takes center stage.

Wicker and straw accessories are perfect for summer.  Spruce up your pretty sundress with a trendy straw fedora or floppy sun hat.  These must-have accessories look adorable in photos taken on the beach, in a open field, or in the park.

And don’t worry if you don’t have all of these–we have many accessories that you can borrow for your shoot!

Don’t Be Afraid to Over-pack

When it comes to your senior session, it is always better to pack too many options, than too few.  Bring an oversize black or brown belt to help cinch dresses and blouses so you don’t look bulky on camera.  Bring hats, shoes, accessories that complete your look.

Don’t Forget the Shoes

Sometimes we forget that our feet may be in pictures too. It’s important to bring a few pairs of shoes–different options that go with your outfit selections. If you don’t have a ton of shoes just let us know and you can borrow from our wardrobe library. Or sometimes, barefoot works with the look you’re going for!

 

Bring Your Healthiest Self

The right clothes, makeup, and hair-styling can help highlight your natural beauty, but do you know the best possible beauty secret? It’s taking care of YOU!

  • Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the day before your shoot.
  • Drink lots of water (stay away from alcohol or substances).
  • Eat healthy foods–including veggies and fruits, rather than fried, fatty or salty foods that can make you look puffy or bloated.
  • And for those of you with allergies, don’t forget to take your allergy medicine. You don’t want an itchy nose or watery eyes for your session!

Bring a Friend for Senior Photos

senior photos orange county friendsDid you know that you can bring a friend to your senior photo shoot and get pictures together? It’s true, when you call or email to book an appointment, or learn more, we’ll give you all of the details.


Want to know more secrets to making your senior photography session the best ever? Download my free Senior Portrait Style Secrets Guide!

model-for-day-favoritesOne of our most popular photography promotions is our Model for a Day sessions. Every year we offer this wonderful photography package that’s perfect for treating yourself or someone special. Over the years, we’ve had so many wonderful shoots and we’ve featured a few of them here on the blog. Here are some of my favorites. Be sure to click through to see the beautiful photos.

First up is stunning Abby!

Abby’s Makeover and Headshots

One of my greatest joys is showing people how amazing they can look in a photograph, especially women.  In fact, I really love working with gals of all ages.  From the preteen that is just learning how to wear makeup and do their hair to helping create a fresh new look for Moms, I just really love making people feel beautiful. View the entire post, with all of the photos.

Dancing Beauty Headshots

We had so much fun at this session working with my longtime clients—the Hulley family—to perfect their daughter’s headshots.

Orange County Modeling Headshots: Teagan and Jade

I cannot believe this session is from all the way back in 2012. It seems like just yesterday, and these beauties look as fresh and gorgeous as ever. View the entire post and the headshots.

Professional Model-type Headshots

Meet my friend Lori.  As it goes with most stories, her passion for nutrition (especially for kids) was the result of a scare in her own life.  Lori is a beautiful, fit, energetic gal with a wonderful, loving energy.  She was working lots of hours and raising her four boys.  Out of nowhere, Lori had a stroke.   She is not what you would picture in your head as a person at risk for any type of health scare, but it happened.  Lori was inspired to change her life, to be there for her family. And Lori knew that the key was good nutrition and that it needed to begin in childhood.  So Lori created the website and blog called www.juicebuds.com.  There she provides great recipes, life stories that include her four amazing boys and lots of inspiration. She is also now a holistic health coach to help others achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Lori and I got together to do a fun photography session to celebrate her!  Here are just a few of my favorite images from the day. View the whole post and her healthy beautiful headshots.

Modeling Headshots Styled Session

In 2016, we decided to do a fun, collaboration styled session with Breathe Autumn Rain jewelry, with makeup by Brittany Norton (brittanynortonartistry) and myself all contributing to a photography session.

We were extremely lucky to get several beautiful girls to volunteer their time to model for us in exchange for providing professional headshots for them.  We all consulted together on wardrobe, overall style and also how to best give everyone involved an opportunity to do something a little different and creative. View the entire post and the modeling photos.

I hope you enjoyed this little flashback to some of my favorite model shoots.

The best places for senior photos in Orange County, CaliforniaI know how nerve-wracking it can be to try to figure out which clothes to wear, which accessories, and shoes, let alone what you want your senior photos to look like. When brainstorming senior photo locations, I always keep your personality, interests, and style in mind. Here are just a few of the best Orange County locations I use for high school seniors photography.

Let’s start with a photo at the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach.

1. On a Boat (aka Balboa Fun Zone)

We often take for granted the beautiful waterfronts we live near. Of course there’s always the beach, but if you’re in the mood for something a little more unique, a little more nautical, the harbor at Newport Beach’s Balboa Fun Zone is a great place for modern high school senior photos.

Best Orange County Senior Photo Locations - Fun Zone

2.  The Studio (Blue Sky’s, that is)

We’ve recently added some great upgrades to our Blue Sky’s Studio “studio,” including a white leather couch/ottoman, clean white brick wall, and even a makeup and hair station where our stylists will make you picture perfect. Clean white backgrounds, props, furniture, and wardrobe options can give your photos a high-end look.

3.  Laguna College of Art & Design (LCAD)

Just a quick walk from our studio is the picturesque nature-meets-art landscape of Laguna College of Art and Design.

Senior Photo Locations - LCAD

4. Balboa Pier

The oceanfront is such an important part of life here in Orange County and if you want that beachy feel with a little more sophistication, Balboa pier and the surrounding area is a great place to take your senior photos. 

5. James Dilley Preserve

This gorgeous wilderness area is not just a great escape from busy city life, but is also frequented by hikers and painters. The afternoon light is just wonderful for senior photos.Best Orange County Senior Photography location - wilderness area

 

6. Mission San Juan Capistrano

For a change of pace and old world feel the mission at San Juan Capistrano is a great place for seniors who want more texture and a rustic feel to their senior portraits.Best senior photo locations -Mission San Juan Capistrano

 

7. San Juan Open Space

Believe it or not this high school senior photo was taken in the San Juan Open Spaces near an old metal sidewall. There are so many hidden gems at this location, like the field of mustard flowers in the photo after this one.

best senior photos-san-juan-open space

 

8.  Your Own Home

Sometimes the place you feel most at home, is well, in your own surroundings. And sometimes the best way to show your unique personality is to have your senior photos taken on your own family’s property, like these two were.High School Senior photos locaitons

9. The LAB

This “anti-mall” in Costa Mesa is a fun place to shoot senior photos because it has a great variety of modern/vintage art everywhere you look, like this fountain.

Best locations senior photography

 

10. Table Rock Beach

This Laguna Beach location is stunning place for a variety of natural light photography options. The cliffs and surrounding area have a wealth of places to find just the right pose for your senior photos.Best senior portrait locations - orange county table rock beachhigh school senior photography at orange county beach

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of just a few of my favorite places to shoot senior photos. If you’d like to learn more about our senior photography packages check out the Blue Sky’s Studio senior photography website or sign up for my email list to get the latest news on promotions and giveaways.