I’ll let you in on a secret: as you prepare for your senior photoshoot, there’s one little detail you may be overlooking. Sure, you’ve gotten a killer, trendy outfit or two, a location that is truly swoon-worthy, and obviously, the best senior photographer (wink, wink!). But there’s probably one thing you haven’t thought of yet, and it can make or break your session. It’s your shoes. Yep. Your footwear can make a huge impact on your senior session and your overall look, and so you need to be certain you’re prepared with the right ones. Here are our best tips for making sure this aspect of your senior session
-Plan ahead: When you book your session, begin shopping for your outfits and shoes early on. This will allow plenty of time to find the right pieces, instead of having to settle for something that’s just okay at the last minute. Be sure to consider every outfit WITH shoes, and view them as a whole ensemble. One important tip is to look at stores you may not usually consider. You can find gems at secondhand stores, vintage shops, or even big-box department stores. Don’t rule anything out when searching for the right shoes or outfits.
-Find the right shoes for the right locations: If you are doing photos in a city location or a country field, you want shoes that you can move around in. That doesn’t mean you have to wear athletic sneakers, but you don’t want to be trodding through mud in stiletto heels that can become stuck or even be a safety hazard. I want you to be comfortable and safe! Not only do you want proper footwear for where we are going, I also want to be sure your footwear fits you. Don’t borrow a shoe from a friend that’s a size or two big or small and try to tough it out. It shows in the images when you are uncomfortable. Add insoles to shoes if they aren’t super comfy, and break them in way ahead of time.
-Expensive doesn’t always mean best: Just cause a shoe is designer or a trendy must-have, doesn’t mean it’s right for your shoot. If you want to include a designer pair or a pair that you have saved for and purchased, make sure it really goes with your outfit, and isn’t just something you want to include because of the brand. Choose shoes that fit well and that complement your outfits, whether they are from Walmart or Saks!
-Bring one backup pair of shoes: A neutral pair of shoes is important to bring, no matter your outfits. You can stow them in the car or in your bag, but make sure they are clean and in good condition. If you end up getting an blister, or a shoelace or strap breaks, having one additional pair that matches everything you might be wearing can save the day. We recommend something like a plain ballet flat or neutral white sneaker for this backup pair (hopefully you don’t ever have to use them!).
-Clean your shoes: Nothing looks worse than a smudge or stain on a pair of shoes when they are front and center. For standard shoes, you can usually find care instructions on Google, or you can utilize cleaners like the Shoe Eraser to tidy up sneakers or slip-on shoes. If you have leather or suede footwear, take them to a leather cleaner where they can be properly cared for. Be sure to look up how to clean the type of shoe you have before beginning, so you don’t damage the surface of any of them.
The wrong pair of shoes can really draw the eye (in a negative way), and we want to make sure your senior photos are attention-getting in the right ways! If you have questions or concerns about putting together your outfits, please let me know!
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