Should I Get My Hair and Makeup Done for Senior Pictures? | Reno Senior Photographer Answers
I was just reminiscing about my prom experience after seeing so many prom pics on Instagram and Tik Tok recently. It hit me that I actually include hair and makeup for my senior clients BECAUSE of my prom experience. So I’ll tell you all about it to answer the burning question of “should I get my hair and makeup done for senior pictures?”
A Prom Experience and Why It Makes a point about getting hair and makeup done for senior pictures
In the weeks leading up to senior prom, I had spent HOURS picking out my baby blue prom dress. I had never worn such a delicate or beautiful item in my LIFE.
At the time, I was a complete tom boy. In my mind, I was trying to look like Avril Lavigne. In reality, I looked like a sack of potatoes with my oversized shirts, baggy pants and skater shoes. My eyeliner was lined thickly only on my bottom eyelid. I did not use mascara. Wet n’ wild lip gloss on fleek.
I had no idea what I was doing as a teenager, okay? It was the early 2000’s and things were a little crazy fashion-wise. I also PURELY wore my hair in a high ponytail – kind of like I do today. Except back then, I had a middle part and wispy bangs. My goodness.
Luckily, for our prom, my best friend scheduled hair appointments at a local salon. She also got us scheduled with makeup artists at a fancy department store in my home town. If she hadn’t done this, I honestly don’t know what kind of disaster my wannabe “skater boi” face & hair would have been with my elegant dress.
Hair & Makeup Experience Before Prom
As I sat in that makeup artist’s chair and chatted with her about my plans, my fears about how I’m going to look in my dress started to fade away as she showed me my eyeshadow. I started envisioning myself in the dress I had so lovingly chosen.
When I saw my face at the end of my makeup session, I was actually stunned. I had never felt so beautiful. And my hair wasn’t even done yet! My blemishes were invisible. I looked like I had clear skin for the first time in years. My cheeks were rosy – and I had previously NEVER used blush. It was also the first time I had ever worn real lipstick.
When my hair was completed, all curled in an updo, I felt like a million dollars. I couldn’t wait to put on my dress and get into the luxury van my Dad had rented to take my bestie and our boyfriends to prom in San Francisco. My parents took pictures of us and we felt on top of the world.
Why you should get hair and makeup done for senior portraits
When I think about those moments leading up to prom – I see a girl who was going out of her comfort zone and was a little fearful. I see a girl who was stressed because she was so unsure of HOW to do her makeup and hair. She really loved the idea of this baby blue dress, but felt like an imposter standing in it. And AFTER getting all dolled up? Well, then I see a girl who was happy, relaxed and confident BECAUSE professionals took care of the things that she did not know how to do. The stress washed away with all of the fears and doubts.
And this is why I include hair and makeup services in my senior portrait sessions.
I believe that EVERY senior deserves to feel that on-top-of-the-world confidence as I capture their authentic self on camera so that they have senior portraits they look back on one day with complete joy.
You should reminisce happily about your senior year and remember the experience of getting pampered with hair & makeup services before your photoshoot. I want you to feel CONFIDENT with blemishes covered and your hair done exactly how you envision it. I want you to LOVE your senior portraits…and I want your parents to love them, too.
I hope your senior year is filled with joy and wonder as you begin to embark on the next part of your life. And I’d love for the senior portrait experience I provide to be part of it!
What if I’m not a fan of makeup or want a natural look?
I find that most teens aren’t necessarily opposed to makeup – it’s usually that they just don’t know HOW to do it. However, there are teens out there that are truly not fans of makeup. And I understand that perspective, so let’s talk about that more!
Your senior portraits are just that – yours. They are literally ALL about YOU. So if you want a natural look because you never wear makeup and are worried about your photos not representing your authentic self, I am here to take those worries away.
You have ALL the control with your makeup artist. The professional makeup artist I book for you will know how to ENHANCE your natural beauty and give you a “no-makeup” look if that’s what you desire. We can skip the GLAM and go all natural if that’s your jam. You’re in the driver’s seat at all times, don’t worry!
What if I’m a dude?!
Oh hey, I totally understand that if you’re a guy, you won’t necessarily want these complimentary services. And that is totally OKAY. As a complimentary service, you can skip it. However – if you want some help with your hair style, I always recommend taking advantage of that service through me. And guess what? Actors and musicians wear makeup and you can, too. If you’d like to cover up your blemishes and help your skin look the very best, we can still get this service on the books for you. Contact me with any questions or concerns about that!
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Fifth and Chestnut Photo Co. is Reno senior photographer in Reno/Tahoe who believes that every senior deserves an incredible portrait experience that adds to the overall joy of their senior year and provides authentic portraits that they and their parents are absolutely in love with. Learn more about becoming a Fifth and Chestnut senior here!
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