Tips to Help Girls Prepare For Senior Pictures | Gilbert, AZ Photographer

Jun 23, 2020 | Senior Girls

Looking Your Best For Senior Pictures

It’s a given. There are lots of things to consider when getting ready for your senior pictures and of course a few guidelines that will help with getting great pics! However, I am always here to help and being comfortable smile will ensure the best senior portraits possible, trust me. And that right there is rule #1.

Rule #1: Trust me!

I know it’s hard when we’ve only met once or twice, but I promise I know what I’m doing. You might think all my little antics are silly, but they will help you look more natural instead of stiff and posed. I know how to give you tips on how to move and make sure you look your best! I’ve been photographing teens and seniors for nearly 10 years and there isn’t a single one of them that isn’t nervous before they step in front of the camera. My job is to make sure you look amazing and I’m very good at my job! Everyone has a different style, attitude, and body type. Taking each into account is really what needs to be happen to show off your best YOU!

Look Your Best Senior Pictures

7 Guidelines for Girls

Clothes that fit properly without pinching or drooping are your best bet. Nothing too short, too tight, or too revealing.
Sticking with basics and neutrals goes a long way towards making the pictures look timeless, but bring some clothes that showcase your personality too!
Make sure clothes are pressed and wrinkle free, and leave them hangers. A steamer works better than Photoshop every time, I promise.
Think layers and accessories like hats, shoes, sunglasses. Need help? Check out our Style Closet!
Choose tops that accentuate your neckline.
Arrive with clean fingernails & toenails with no chipped polish. If you get a tiny chip, don’t stress, but when you’ve had that same polish on for a month and it’s half gone? Nope, not good.
Remember to bring nude undergarments and a strapless bra. Bra straps that stick out are not flattering and cannot be easily removed during the editing process.

Most of our sessions run 2-3 hours, so I suggest at least 6 outfits if possible. We’ll take many shots in each outfit and we want as much variety as possible.

What To Wear Senior Photos

With the right outfits, your confidence with soar, and confidence will let you show off your fun personality! I will be there in your face to make suggestions as we go along, and if something doesn’t look right, we try again. Props such as sporting equipment, and other types of outfits can be chosen also and brought along to the shoot. You might find you are a more “formal” person or a more “casual” one. Or you could do what I suggest, bring both! Some casual, some sporty, some styled, some formal, bring it all!

You only get to do this one time so let’s make it count! Take the time prepare, be realistic with your clothing and body type, and try on several outfits before deciding which to bring with you. If you get stuck or need opinions just text me…you know I’m full of opinions. Whenever you need my assistance, just ask. All questions are welcome, as I want to calm your nerves as much as possible!

For more gorgeous style choices, you might like these posts!
What to Wear For Senior Pictures
Marissa | Red Mountain High School
Alynna | Gilbert High School
Cassandra | Saint Mary’s Catholic School

What To Wear For Senior Pictures | Phoenix Senior Photographer

May 18, 2020 | Senior Girls

What To Wear For Senior Pictures

What is a style closet anyways? How do I choose clothing for my senior pictures? What should I buy? How do I choose locations that good with my wardrobe? These are all very important things to consider when planning your senior portrait session. I know it can be overwhelming, but we’ll answer all of these questions for you right now!

Our Exclusive Style Closet

We know you have a ton of outfits in your closet, but which ones are the best for senior pictures? I’ve been a professional photographer for over 10 years now and I’ve learned that great styling can either make or break your senior pictures. Often though, my senior girls don’t have outfits that match the locations they like or the vision they have for their photo shoot. I know you don’t want to spend a lot of money on new clothes that you maybe will only wear once or twice. The answer? Our exclusive style closet! Yes, we have a closet filled with tops, skirts, dresses, rompers, and tons of accessories that are available to borrow for your photo shoot. My outdoor photo shoots are like a fashion show. I want you to feel confident because if you feel confident, you’ll look better and you’ll have more fun! And that’s what this is all about, right? We’re celebrating one of the most important moments in your life! High school graduation! I’m not a big believer in having a bunch of casual outfits or being all dressed up. I want you to have a both! I know you have more than one style, and I want to capture a complete picture of you right now so you can look back on this time with great joy. Yes, I’m guessing you have some super cute outfits in your closet, so by all means, bring them! By the time you ready for your photo shoot you’ll know which ones are best, but you’ll also know what you’re missing. You’ll have a chance to dig through our style closet and you might find the perfect dress to wear by the lake or a great skirt that will bring show your vintage side!

Long, Flowing Dresses

While I’ve always had hats and accessories, I didn’t always have outfits to style my seniors like I do now. One of the most difficult locations for clients to style is the lake. Sounds easy, right? But you can’t just wear jeans and a t-shirt for senior pictures by the water and have the same effect as if you’re wearing a beautiful boho look complete with a beautiful dress and hat! The dress below is a favorite for senior girls wanting to be near the lake for their session. Sometimes they’re in the water, sometimes they just splash, and sometimes they just sit near the edge, but no matter what you do, this beautiful blue and white summer dress will look fabulous!

Beautiful Sarah…no, she’s not a senior but she’s one of the lucky ones who has a mom that didn’t want to wait for senior year! So they took advantage of our teen portrait sessions and Sarah chose to wear this dress, twirl a little, then get right in the water!

Outfit Ideas Senior Pictures Az

Kaitlyn loved the idea of being near the water for her senior portraits, but she sure did surprise me when she walked in and started splashing away! It really shows her playful personality as she splashed and played in this beautiful little area of East Mesa. I especially love it when we can capture the edge of one of the little waterfalls like we did in the 2nd image. We caught just the right splash at the right time, but we won’t discuss how many shots it took to get that right AND have her toes pointed!

What To Wear Senior Pictures Higley Az Williams Field High School Senior Pictures

And yet another senior who chose this dress while picking through our Style Closet! Arete Prep senior has yet another look, different from the other two teen girls. That’s one reason clients choose to have their senior pictures with Magical Memories by Michelle. Same location, same outfit, same photographer…but 3 different looks! Depending on the lighting and the time of year, and of course the personality of each teenager, you’re guaranteed that your images will still be unique to you!

Arete Prep Academy Az Senior Portraits Arete Prep Academy Senior Pictures

So if you decide you’d like to have your senior pictures taken near the lake but you’re not sure what to wear, consider this dress from our Style Closet as one of your options. It flatters many different body types and has adjustable straps. If it’s a little big, we simply clip the back to make it fit better. No worries about ruining one of your favorite outfits by going in the water. Once you’re finished, the dress comes back home with me to get washed, steamed, and ready for the next senior!

In The Weight Room at Desert Ridge High School | Mesa Senior Photographer

May 4, 2020 | Senior Guys

Senior Pictures at Desert Ridge High School

This high school athlete from Desert Ridge High School is such an incredibly motivated teenager and was so excited for his senior pictures! He played high school football all 4 years, but his passion is in the weight room. When I first met Colton I was blown away by all the ideas he had! First of all, he wanted athletic senior portraits that showed him doing what he loves. Well, it turns out he’s also been nominated for Inspiring Teens Magazine and is in the running for the cover of issue 33!

A Special Note From Mom

Colton has always been driven to succeed. It didn’t matter if it was school, football, volunteering, friendship, his job, or family. He has always put everything he had into being all he can be. He has many achievements in my eyes but when you can be an influence on others is what really sets the achievement apart from other successes. The one thing in particular that comes to mind was not only a personal achievement but it helped others by inspiring them as well. Colton was a tall skinny kid starting off freshman football. They said he was too little to play Defensive End but he was going to do whatever it took to play this position. His freshman year he played and was the starter about half way through the year. After the season ended he went on a mission to get bigger, stronger, better, gain weight and muscle. He gained 40 pounds by the next season and has never looked back. He started every game from that point on. He now weighs 215 and is going to play at a prestigious academic college at the collegiate level. While on his journey he guided, tutored, and mentored the other players along the way. He was not only their team captain but their leader that inspired them to be all the can be. He became the highest academic level player that the school has had and looked at by the coaches as the most committed and inspirational player. Life is not only about achievements but inspiring others a long your journey.

Weight Room Senior Pictures Desert Ridge High School

Desert Ridge Weight Room

When creating a session around a senior’s passions, we find ourselves in all sorts of places and this time was no different. Our first stop of the day was the weight room which was so exciting because I had no idea what to expect in that location. Colton did not disappoint! He was willing to try anything and everything and was an amazing sport with all of my ideas. As usual, some worked better than others but it was here that we were able to create some of his favorite images. This is Colton. His mom suggested he take his shirt off to be more authentic to what would be his normal experience in the weight room, and we were mindful to pay tribute to his hard work and dedication and not diminish the perseverance and energy he brings to that room daily. These images were meant to convey his love for weightlifting and football, and we accomplished that and so much more. I found Colton’s humble attitude so refreshing. He’s extremely proud of his sport as are all of my high school seniors. Celebrating accomplishments, interests, and personalities are what senior pictures are all about, and trust me when I say that Colton has worked so hard for his success!

Go Jags!

I love that we were able to capture a portion of the wall for this image. Colton was great at helping me place weights and telling me if something didn’t look right. I love collaborating with my seniors to get exactly what they want. I’m not an expert at every sport and hobby, so having the extra guidance allowed me to be creative and produce images I knew Colton would love! Then at the field house we got some great keepsake images that will remind him of all the hard practices, long hours, and amazing games spent here!

On The Field

Capturing movement and different angles is something I do at every session to be sure we have a good variety in your gallery. Keep in mind…this is only the first hour or so of Colton’s session! From school we drove into Chandler for two more locations!

Football Players Senior Pictures Phoenix Az

Portraits at Your High School

Get permission. It can be a liability to be on campus without the coach’s knowledge.
Check the schedule for games, meets, and practices so you won’t interfere.
Clean up the area and leave things where you found them.

Vote for Inspiring Teens Cover Contest | Phoenix Senior Photographer

Apr 29, 2020 | Senior Girls, Senior Guys

Nationally Featured and Published Phoenix Senior Photographer

When you schedule your senior pictures with Magical Memories by Michelle, did you know that YOU might be featured nationally or even internationally? It’s true! We’ve had many images featured on social media and our seniors have been published in Senior Year Magazine, Modern Teen Style**, Senior Muse, and now…Inspiring Teens! In fact, right now we have TWO of our clients in the running for the cover of Issue 33!

**I know the Modern Teen Style site isn’t up and running right now. Not sure why, but I’m guessing Vickie is working on something new.

Inspiring Teens Magazine

Just by being nominated, both Trevor and Colton will be published in issue 33! But they’re also eligible for more prizes, so help them out! By voting for our two featured guys, you can help them get in the lineup for IT Girl or Guy of the day on Inspiring Teens Social Media, earn a larger spread with more images, be interviewed for the Inspiring Teens Blog, become eligible for the International Leadership Team, and even win up to a $1000 scholarship!!

Desert Ridge High School Class of 2020: Colton Weier

I couldn’t have been more excited when Colton expressed interest in doing part of his senior pictures in the weight room! It was a new location for me and the images…wow! He’ll be playing football at Wesleyan University in the fall!

VOTE for Colton

Mesquite High School Class of 2019: Trevor Schwartz

Sun flare? Some love it, some don’t, but this image of Trevor is the reason he was featured! I’ll never forget all the extra shots I took to get this just right. He’s currently attending the University of Arizona to study engineering. Go to our blog to peek behind the scenes of Trevor’s senior pictures!

VOTE for Trevor

I’m happy to announce that both Trevor and Colton received enough votes to make it to Round 2! With the final votes tallied, they are both being published in Issue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Red Mountain High School | Outdoor Senior Pictures in Mesa, AZ | Eastmark

Apr 12, 2020 | Senior Girls

Ideas for Outdoor Senior Pictures

If you haven’t noticed, Arizona has some beautiful locations for senior pictures in the East Valley. One of our Class of 2020 graduates is Marissa from from Red Mountain High School. She participates in both high school and club dive, and will be continuing her athletic and academic career at Colorado Mesa University! You’ll be able to tell from her pictures, but Marissa is just oozing with personality…giggles, serious, smiles, dancing, goofy, she does it all and is absolutely beautiful!

Fashion Tip: Hats

I’m a hat lover, not necessarily for myself every day, but for senior portraits? Definitely! But you’d be surprised how many girls are so against wearing hats for their session. I’m really not sure why because not only does it give you additional looks, it’s a fun way to bring extra fashion and variety to your senior pictures! Sometimes you wear the hat, sometimes you carry it, and sometimes it just sits next you. Despite saying that she did not like cats, Marissa ended up loving many of our final images with hats. Can you blame her? Both the cute off-the-shoulder outfit and hat are from our Style Closet.

Bring the Balloons

Balloons are definitely trending with our graduates! Many of them are turning 18 and choose to bring mylar 18 balloons while others choose to bring balloons that match their graduating class year. Keeping the balloons straight can be a challenge though, so we made sure to take them together.

Senior Pictures at Night

One of the newest additions to our sessions is the ability to shoot after dark. Our senior portrait sessions used to finish around sunset, but now if you choose the ultimate session we’ll continue shooting and get some gorgeous night time shots to add to your gallery! Below you’ll see two of my favorite hats from out Style Closet. Sometimes she’s wearing it, other times she let’s her personality show and turns it upside down!

Ideas for unique senior pictures

Bring hats or borrow some from our Style Closet
Have pictures taken at night
Use balloons to celebrate a birthday or graduation

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