THE ANNA BRACE
SESSION GUIDE
JOYFUL / FUN / COLORFUL
HELLO
GORGEOUS!
I’m SO excited about your upcoming senior session with Anna Brace Photography and that you are officially one of my #annabraceseniors!! AH!!
Below is lots of information regarding hair and makeup, outfit selection, what to expect at your session, and more. Please read it thoroughly! Neglecting to read this guide can result in a poor senior portrait experience, and most frequently asked questions are answered right here in this guide!
Your session is going to begin at a pre-determined location based on your desire of locations. We will meet there approximately 10 minutes before we plan to start shooting so that I can help you finalize outfit choices! Please try your absolute best to arrive on time, if not a few minutes early.
As a natural light photographer, your senior session is scheduled around the time that the sun sets. Once the sun is set, we can no longer shoot. Therefore, if you arrive to your session even 10- 15 minutes late, it will affect the amount of time that we can shoot and the length of your session! If you are more than 30 minutes late to your session, we will have to reschedule for my earliest available date (which could be up to 2-3 months out!).
This is a little guide to help you decide what month is best for your senior pictures! Each month has its own unique quirks that may make a difference in when you schedule.
"When should I schedule my session?
Book in June - August if you're wanting tall grasses and green everywhere!
July-August is usually best if you're wanting wildflower fields.
August is usually great if you're doing a fall sport and want photos in that uniform.
These sessions wrap up around 8:30 and usually begin around 6:30-7:30.
June - August
September is perfect if you're wanting to avoid planning around your stressful summer schedule. It's also *often* great for summer temperatures.
Fields are beginning to turn golden, while the greens will fade during this month. Your photos will have a more golden hue, hinting at fall!
These sessions usually end around 7:30 and begin at 5:30-6:30.
September
Book in October if you want those gorgeous fall colors!!
With October, the last 2 weeks usually have the most color. In 2022, the peek was between Oct 10th and 29th.
My availability for the peek days of October is limited and always booked first, so get on my calendar ASAP to get your fall date saved.
These sessions usually end around 6-7 and begin around 4-5.
October
Hopefully this was helpful!
As always, feel free to reach out about a specific date or season and we'll talk!
Check out some of my favorite spots!
Click on the location to view the photos!
Outfit Tips
Stuck on what to wear? I’m here to help! Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to help you guide your outfit choices!
Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision that can make or break your senior portrait session! I know that sounds dramatic... but, if you accidentally wear something that isn’t flattering on camera or something that you don’t feel confident in...it can ruin the experience for you! So, here are some of the best ways to choose what to wear.
1. BE COMFORTABLE
If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are fitted in the tummy area (don’t we all?) just because it makes me self- conscious and I’m constantly wondering if it looks bad. So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!
2. BE BRIGHT + THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look very washed out and unflattering. So, when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera!
3. ADD LAYERS
In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A tank with a sweater paired or a dress/skirt with a sweater adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer) you can add these layers + dimension.
4. PLAY WITH TEXTURES
Sometimes textures like knits/crochet, fringe, and sparkles can be considered “daring” or “over the top” but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull!
5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ACCESSORIZE
During a senior session, or any photo shoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bracelets, necklaces or rings, a cut hat, bright shoes and other add-ons can make or break an outfit!
6. MIX IT UP
When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school- related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks dramatically different!
7. WHAT ABOUT PETS?
As a BIG animal lover, I totally understand if you want your pet involved! Just let me know and we'll work out those logistics to make it happen! Pets require a lot of time, as they can sense it when we feel rushed or nervous, so we always plan extra time with them.
Locations
Your location is the second biggest factor in your senior picture session, with your outfits being number one!
Below are some of my favorite spots. Please note, some encure travel fees, as they are more than 30 miles outside Harlan.
