For many high school seniors, the portrait session is a milestone event, capturing the essence of their transition from adolescence to adulthood. It's an opportunity to showcase not just how you look, but who you are. While all our high school senior sessions for girls in Maple Grove, MN, and the surrounding Wayzata school district come with professional hair and makeup, understanding the process and knowing some tips can enhance your portrait experience. This guide provides expert advice on makeup and grooming for both girls and guys, ensuring you look your most natural yet polished self in front of the camera.

For Girls: Embracing the Professional Touch

Trust the Professionals: Given that your session includes professional hair and makeup, you're in good hands. Our stylists are skilled at creating camera-ready looks that highlight your best features while ensuring you still look like yourself.

Skin Prep is Key: Start with a clean, moisturized face. This provides the perfect canvas for makeup application, ensuring products apply smoothly and last longer.

Foundation Match: Ensure your foundation matches your skin tone perfectly. The camera and lighting can accentuate mismatches. Our professionals are adept at color matching to avoid this common pitfall.

Eyes That Pop: Opt for neutral eyeshadows that complement your eye color, and consider a slight eyeliner and mascara to make your eyes stand out. False lashes can add drama, but keep them looking natural.

Blush and Contour: A touch of blush brings life to your cheeks, and subtle contouring can enhance your bone structure. The key is blending well to avoid harsh lines.

Lips: Choose a lipstick that complements your skin tone and outfit. Matte or semi-matte formulas work well as they are less likely to smudge or need frequent touch-ups.

Finishing Touches: A light dusting of translucent powder can reduce shine, and a setting spray will help everything stay in place throughout the shoot.

For Guys: Polished but Natural

Skin Care: Begin with a clean and moisturized face. Use a light moisturizer to avoid any oily shine.

Tame the Shine: A translucent powder can help mattify any shiny areas, especially the forehead, nose, and chin. This step is subtle but can make a big difference under the camera lights.

Brow Grooming: Neatly combed eyebrows frame your face. Trim any long hairs and use a clear brow gel if needed to keep them in place.

Hair Style: Style your hair as you normally would, but avoid using too much product, which can look greasy on camera. Consider a trim a few days before the shoot to clean up your look.

Facial Hair: For those with facial hair, make sure it's neatly trimmed. Clean-shaven guys should shave the morning of the shoot to avoid any stubble.

Lips: Chapped lips can be noticeable in photos, so use a lip balm leading up to and on the day of your session.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your shoot. Well-hydrated skin looks healthier and more vibrant on camera.

General Tips for All

Sleep Well: Aim for a full night’s sleep before your portrait session to avoid under-eye circles and ensure you look rested.

Hydration and Nutrition: Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal before your session. This will help your skin look its best and give you the energy to enjoy the experience.

Practice Makes Perfect: Experiment with your makeup and grooming a few days before the shoot to ensure you're happy with the look and know what to expect.

Communicate Your Vision: Share your preferences and any concerns with the hair and makeup artists. They're there to make you look and feel your best, and clear communication is key to achieving your desired look.

Remember, senior portraits are a celebration of you. These makeup and grooming tips are designed to enhance your natural beauty and ensure you feel confident and look polished in front of the camera. Trust the process, embrace your unique features, and let your true self shine through in your senior portraits.

Visit Noah's Ark Photography for more info on high school senior sessions.