Hooray! You've Made It!
Welcome to your senior year headquarters just for ABP seniors! This is your help page with all you need to know to have a fabulous senior experience.
This is the process
1. Book the date.
You're here, so that means you're booked and the first thing we do is choose a date. Don't worry- if it rains, I always have some rain-dates built into my schedule just in case. If you are getting a hair cut or color before the shoot, schedule that ASAP- ideally 1-2 weeks before the shoot.
2. have fun Taking photos.
Between now and your shoot, we plan. You choose outifts and share them with me (just lay them out and text a pic) and I'll be planning the flow of the shoot, and I will also map backgrounds to go with your clothes and style. About a month before the shoot I'll check in, and then a week before, too. I'll be prepared so you can just show up and have fun.
3. Receive Awesomeness.
A couple of weeks after the shoot, I'll send you a link to your private, password-protected proofing gallery. You'll see unedited photos and choose your favorites for finishing. About two weeks after your selection, you'll receive your favorite photos on your device, as digitals to print and share as you like.
What to Bring- the day of
ABP Seniors get the royal treatment- everything's taken care of! You only need to bring:
- Outfits- unwrinkled, on hangers.
- Layers for each outfit (underlayers, too: bras in a non-textured skin tone and adjustable straps if needed)
- Accessories- jewelry, watches, hats, sunglasses
- Personal/Hobby Props (sports gear, dance shoes, collections, awards, instruments, etc.)
- Shoes you can walk in (you can put on the photo-shoes on location and carry the uncomfortable ones)
- If you wear contacts: eye drops and a spare lens
- If you have allergies, bring the medicine, or take it beforehand
- If you are unsure about an item or outfit- just bring it! You never know.
Friends & Fam
It's your senior year- and after this, the next time you'll be looking at professional photos might be your wedding. NOW is the time to get your favorite people together for a few photos. You can bring them to your shoot for great photos and a few laughs!
THE SALON APPOINTMENT
Whether you adore salon visits, or you've never had pro-makeup before, the stylists who work with ABP seniors know EXACTLY how to make you feel great! Whether you want to go all-out glam, or prefer the no-makeup makeup, they'll listen to your request and get you camera-ready.
We work with Hair by Ellie, 121 N. 2nd Ave, right in downtown Alpena.
You can park in the lot behind the Centre Building, and enter the salon from there. The studio is right there too, so you don't even need to move your car.
Hobbies
YES, PLEASE! I love when seniors bring their unique interests to sessions- athletes can bring their jerseys, readers can bring books, artists- grab those paints, and dancers... just dance! Make the session a statement about who you are, and let's take pictures of you doing the things you love!
What to Wear
Variety First. Think of your clothes as "types" and "colors."
So- types might be: formal, trendy, casual, fall, edgy, ripped, classic...
This means- ONE formal look, ONE ripped jeans look, ONE fall look, ONE sporty look.
Same with color- try NOT to repeat them.
Here's a list that can help- just stick to ONE per category.
Baggy or ripped jeans
Colorful/Bold Pants
Dark or dressy denim
Dressy Shorts
Casual Shorts
Long skirt/dress
Short Skirt/dress
Athleisure/Sweats
Flannel/Fall
Sweater
Hoodie
Jean Jacket
Suit/Dress shirt
Tee shirt
Colors, Patterns & Clothing
I always recommend solids or classic patterns (such as a plaid flannel, or a floral sundress). Stripes can be tricky- too small or too big can be distracting, so approach stripes with caution. You can never go wrong with solids- and you can add layers or texture for interest.
Simple, classic clothes win.
For a timeless portrait that's about YOU and not the clothes, go for the basics. Flattering jeans and a tee always work. Girls- a body-skimming dress in a classic cut, Boys- at least one button-down shirt or sweater and non-jean pants. Trends are fun, but in 30 years, the classic look will still look stylish.
I've Got My Outfits... Now what??
Lay them out on the floor, take a photo and text it! That way, on shoot day, your session will be mapped out and the outfits will be perfectly paired with different locations and poses to give you a lots of variety and a streamlined shoot that's been pre-planned.
Camera-READY Skin & Nails
The Details that Count
It's time to take care of your skin!
*No more sunburns, no fake tanner- even out those tan lines from sunglasses, ball caps, golf or baseball gloves (sunscreen is your friend!)
*A GENTLE exfoliant or toner can give your skin a fresh glow- a few days before your shoot- but don't do any new treatments the week of the shoot.
*No chipped polish- and if you're painting your nails, neutral colors work with everything and never go out of style. But polish isn't necessary- clean natural nails look perfect, too!
What DO I need to plan for my photoshoot?
Just your outfits!
ABP seniors really do have all the deatils of the shoot taken care of for them. Your job is: bring unwrinkled clothes that make you feel good, eat some good food, sleep in that day, and that's about it!
If You Have a Salon Appointment: Instructions
Your appontment with Hair by Ellie has been booked and paid for. We'll will meet at the salon, part way through your styling, and then you'll change into your first outfit and the photoshoot begins!
For the best salon experience:
- Arrive with a freshly washed, moisturized face.
- Hair: dry and product-free.
- Wear a loose neck shirt- nothing tight that will mess up your hair or makeup.
- Park in the Centre Building lot, and enter the salon by the Ivy wall and string lights.
- If you have a specific vision or some ideas on your phone, bring them.
- Know that HBE has been styling ABP Seniors for years and you're in good hands!