Teenagers are some of the harshest judges in the world, which makes the senior picture one of the hardest to prepare for. However, the photo is a memory of you, and the trick is to be yourself.The first thing to consider is the outfit. Many high schools employ photographers who have outfits for students to put on when they arrive at the studio, but other schools prefer casual shots. In the latter case, you should choose a classy yet casual outfit - something you feel comfortable in, but look better in than your usual T-shirt. A tux might be over-the-top, but a button-up shirt will give any student, male or female, a relaxed edge.
Next on the list is hair. For girls, a simple up-do is classic, while leaving the hair down around the shoulders softens the face and may seem more natural. The gentlemen should stay away from too much gel or styling, as guy hair styles change frequently, and while a cool hairstyle will get a good laugh in ten years, it probably won't impress anyone anymore.
Finally, there;s the makeup. Established photographers touch up photos to perfect them, so don;t stress about a couple blemishes. Rather, the female student should worry about highlighting the eyes and putting on a lipstick that complements the smile. While it;s tempting to douse the skin with foundation and coat the eyelashes with thick black mascara, the less-is-more theory applies when it comes to cosmetics. The point of a senior photo is to look your personal best.
Remember, senior pictures are reflections, not creations. When in doubt, be yourself. Classmates want to recognize you looking natural and attractive, happy to be a senior at last.
