Yes! Please do! We have found that bringing a parent or a friend along will help you feel more at ease, and will help us to take better photos. Your parents have known you all your life, and your friends know how to make you smile, so we really value their input.

Yes, yes and yes! Bring along anything that represents you – this includes musical instruments, athletic gear, sports jerseys, dancing shoes, purses and pets. Be sure to bring someone along to help if you bring a pet and let us know ahead of time so that we can incorporate them into your shoot. I'm even happy to come to the dugout, hockey rink, auditorium, dance studio, or get some shots of you sitting at the piano. Let's chat and grab some awesome shots that you'll be proud to have hanging on your grandparents' wall.

You don't necessarily need to dress up for your portrait session. The best images are usually captured when you wear clothing that you are comfortable in and outfits that match your unique style. We recommend trying to keep things simple by picking solid or semi-solid colors and coordinating your wardrobe as much as possible.

Steer clear of busy patterns, bright colors, or logos and consider bringing along several different clothing changes. Adding or removing a jacket or scarf, changing into different shoes, or putting on a different shirt can change your outfit just enough to make it appear that you are wearing an entirely different wardrobe. Also be sure that your clothing is clean and free of wrinkles.

Note: don't let our clothing suggestions keep you from bringing a favorite shirt or outfit. We are happy to work it into the session!

We strongly encourage our clients to dress for the season. If you've scheduled a portrait session during the fall or winter, bring a dressy jacket, hats, scarves and gloves. Coordinate your clothing ensemble to match the fall colors and cooler weather. During the spring and summer months, ladies should consider warm weather tops (to wear with pants or skirts), summer blouses, sun dresses, skirts and shorts. Men's wardrobes are usually much simpler; however we recommend bringing several t-shirts, polos, button down shirts and jeans/pants.

The most important thing to ensure good senior pictures is to spend time preparing for your session. Communicate with us on what your expectations and hopes for your session are. Choose outfits that you like and that look good on you. Get input from your parents and your friends. Start by getting plenty of sleep the night before. Tired and baggy eyes will show up in the final images.

GIRLS: On the day of your portrait session, be sure to apply your makeup the same way you would on any other day. It's usually not a good idea to try out something new right before having your pictures taken. We want your images to be a true reflection of you! Even if you are not used to wearing makeup, consider wearing it for pictures. Camera flash can really exaggerate natural skin inconsistencies or blemishes. It will also help prevent you from looking washed out in some lighting. Having a good foundation can really help address these problem areas so your skin won't look uneven and splotchy. We recommend keeping it natural - a little foundation and mascara to brighten your eyes. Don't hesitate to contact me for the names of a few local makeup artists who won't charge an arm and a leg for your portrait session makeup! Your hands will probably be in a few of the images so consider doing your nails right before your portrait session. Along with that, kicking off your shoes can be a fun way to shake up the look of the images so you may want to get a pedicure too. Don't be caught by surprise with chipped or worn out nail polish!

GUYS: Consider getting a haircut a few days before the session. On the day of the session, take a shower, shave and comb your hair. Get ready for the portrait session like you're planning to meet someone important or special. It's tough to capture great senior pictures if you show up with "bed head" (yes, it happens!) or if you haven't changed your clothes in a few days. Bring at least one extra change of clothes. We totally understand that most guys don't want to change multiple times, but you should have a

Don't panic if you break out before your scheduled time. We can retouch all of your finished pictures, so it may be best to leave your skin alone.