SENIOR PHOTO SURVIVAL GUIDE: Make the most of your Senior Portrait session by spending just a couple of minutes to read the tips listed below. If you have additional questions just give us a call or use the contact form to send us an e-mail.

1. SCHEDULING: Your session will usually take a few hours with clothing and background changes. When you select a date for your photo session, please allow 1 - 4 hours depending on the package you choose.

2. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP: This will minimize problem areas such as dark circles under your eyes and help keep you upbeat and smiling throughout your photo session.

3. EAT A LIGHT MEAL: Eat before you show up as this will avoid hunger and fatigue. However, make sure you keep it light - in other words, save the "all you can eat buffet" for another day.

4. KEEP ON CHANGING: We admit, your favorite shirt might be cool, but trust us, you'll want a variety of photos to choose from. Bring clothes you are comfortable wearing along with casual and formal clothing. While we want you to be yourself, give us some creative options to help make you look your best. Most important, if your package says 3 attire changes, push the limit. We're nice guys, so you'll probably be able to talk us in to some extra changes if time allows.

5. PROPS TO MY PEEPS: Don't look stupid just standing there; bring some props! Find a few items that express your personality or maybe items that just look really cool. A good prop can be anything - your favorite old hat, shoes and purses, a musical instrument, motorcycle, car, letter jacket, sports equipment, pets and even your pals! That's right, your best friends can make great props, so bring them along if you want to be remembered forever with your friends. However, don't forget it costs extra to have an EX removed from your photos!

6. CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS: Choose solid colors for all of your portraits; designs and patterns will distract from your face. Cool colors (blue, green, grey, and black) tend to recede, letting your face dominate the frame. Warm colors (red, orange) jump forward from the photograph and compete with faces for attention. Avoid clothes that create high contrast (dark shirt with light colored pants). In addition, outfits with all the same tones will lengthen your look. Dark tones can be more slimming, while lighter tones appear more airy and free. Over-sized or tight clothes may be all the rage, but may not photograph well or be very flattering. Tight clothes can be confining, crease easily or show undergarments. Avoid clothes with large buttons or ornaments that are shiny, as these can compete for attention.

7. HAIR: Wear your hair the way you like it best. Don't try a new hair style and don't get your hair cut the week before your sitting, or afterwards, until you've seen your proofs. Loose ends will pick up light and show prominently, a light spray will help reduce loose ends. Don't wash your hair just before your sitting; just-washed hair may appear frizzy.

And lastly, don't think that going to a photographer is like going to the dentist. I've never made anyone spit into a little sink! The session can be as fun as you want to make it. Remember, this is a partnership. Your ideas and input are what's going to make your senior portrait session more personalized. We are creating these photographs together, and in the end, I think you'll be happier with the results if you know that you were involved.