michael lentz photography


Senior Session Tips


Your Session can offer great variety: in-studio, outdoors or at your special location. Color, black and white, and different effects. Let us know if you have something special in mind. Bring in photos or magazine clips if you like. Also, feel free to bring in your music (although our music service probably has what you want).

Tip #1
Please be on time. Arrive up to 15 minutes early if you want.

Tip #2
Relax. Get rested. Don't make drastic changes in your appearance right before your session.

Tip #3
Put yourself into a good mood. It's your senior year, have fun. We're very laid back here, so no worries.

Tip #4
Retouching is included. Don't worry about blemishes, cuts, mosquito bites, etc.

Tip #5
Do watch out for tan lines and sunburn! Don't over-tan, we use special lighting techniques to give you a warm and healthy glow.

Tip #6
You probably don't want to experiment with new hairstyles right before your session. Guys (and maybe girls), think twice before agreeing to shave your head with your buddies. Hair can take quite a while to grow back.

Tip #7
Makeup - just what you normally where is fine, not too much. Remember, retouching is included.
Shave - unless that's the look you're going for, guys should get a good shave.

Tip #8
Clothes - bring all the clothes you want. We don't have to use them all, but at least we'll have a good selection. At the very least, bring a casual and a formal outfit (one light and one dark in color). Bring coordinating shoes and you can go barefoot. I've offered much more advice in the past regarding clothing, but I soon discovered that just about anything can work and look good. If you like it and feel comfortable in it, bring it. "Simple" does normally work well in portraiture though. Watch out for wrinkles.

Tip #9
Bring any props that you like or have special meaning. (Sports and musical equipment, your car, pets, your silly boyfriend, etc.) Bring your stuff, it can enhance your portraits.

Tip #10
"Nothing is set in stone" and "rules are made to be broken" - let us know what you want. We're willing to experiment and try new things. Our goal is to make you look your best.


Session FYI

When? Usually the summer after your Junior year. Some like to wait for fall, while some do both. Some Seniors wait until spring of their Senior year - it's never too late.
Note: Spring of your Junior year seems to early to me, you're appearance really changes a lot between your Junior and Senior year. Many studios push Senior portraits earlier and earlier each year, normally to benefit their "Ambassador" marketing program, not you. Check out our pricing, specials, and referral bonuses and see if you're really getting a "deal" by having your pictures taken way too early. 

Basic Portrait Styles

Studio High-key: White or light background with like colored clothing.
Studio Low-key: Black or dark background with like colored clothing.
Window light: Natural light portrait indoors.
Outdoor: Portrait in a natural setting outside.
Environmental: Surroundings unique to the subject purposely included (such as home, golf course, etc.)