THE GRADUATE STYLE GUIDE
Styling for the best Cap & Gown experience!
Hello Gorgeous
I’m SO excited about your upcoming Cap & Gown session with JColona Photography and that you are officially one of my #jcolonaseniors or #jcolonagraduates!!! YAY!!
Below is lots of information regarding hair and make up, outfit selection, what to expect at your session, and more. Please read it thoroughly! Neglecting to read this guide can result in a poor portrait experience, and most frequently asked questions are answered right here in this guide!
Your session is going to be at my JColona Photography Studio located in Loranger, La. Once you arrive, we will start with the drape or tuxedo portraits. From there you will then put on the infamous cap & gown! Please try your absolute best to arrive on time, if not a few minutes early. Your session is only 15-20 minutes so if you are late that time will be taken out of your session time. If you are more than 10 minutes late to your session, we will have to reschedule at my earliest available date (which is usually about a month or so out for this type of session)!
Outfit Tips
What to Wear
Wondering what to wear? I’m here to help!
First of all, I have most Tangipahoa Parish cap & gown colors at my studio. I also have drapes for girls and ties, bowties, and tuxedos for boys. No need to worry about those!
Girls should wear something with a v-neck or scoop neck, such as a spaghetti strap shirt or tank top. This will allow you to pull your straps down a bit so they don't show in drape pictures and it will be low enough to not show in gown pictures.
Boys should wear a simple white collared button up shirt to go under the gown. You may also want to wear a tie if you have one. If you don't have a shirt or tie, I also have a couple of those at the studio as well.
Don’t be Afraid to Accessorize
During a cap & gown session, when planning, don’t forget to plan accessories!!! Most girls tend to wear a traditional pearl necklace and some pearl earrings. However, you can wear what you feel good in and if you have a passed down necklace from your grandma, even better! Jewelry can make or break your look! Also, don't forget your class ring!!!
Boys, well...a class ring will do the trick!
Hair and Makeup
Additionally, I highly recommend all of my senior clients invest in professional hair and makeup. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a drastic difference in the quality of your photos and senior portrait experience. You are already making an investment in your senior portrait experience, so why not make it the best it can be?!
So, why exactly is it so important?
1. They are Trained Professionals
When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. Professional hair and makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair and makeup so that they photograph well. While your makeup may look AMAZING in person, it will look completely different on-camera, and these professionals are trained to know the difference! They will conceal spots you don’t like, contour your face so it looks the best in every light, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes and shadows, manicure your eyebrows to perfection, and more!
2. Less Stress
Preparing for a senior portrait session is stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair and makeup by yourself can make things even harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image {even details that the eye can’t see} so hiring a professional makeup artist is the best way to go.
If hair and makeup is not in your budget…
Plan to wear slightly heavier make up than normal, including blush and lipstick or gloss that are at least slightly darker than your lip color. The sun, as well as flash photography, will wash out your makeup in photographs. Wearing your makeup heavier than normal will prevent washout. I also highly recommend false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices at various stores.
Don’t neglect the nails!!!
And, one last tip {literally}!!! In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails!!! During your shoot, some of the poses we do will have your hands front and center in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors, and even nails with no color at all photograph best!!!