What should high school senior girls to wear for their senior photos?

Choosing an outfit for senior photos is a personal decision, and it often depends on individual style, personality, and the location where the photos will be taken. However, here are some general rules to help your senior photoshoot be a success:

• Wear What You Love:

• Almost all photographers recommend choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable and reflect your personal style and interest but I want to add another important element: avoid wearing baggy outfits. In my next blog post when I talk about poses for girls senior photos I will show you how baggy outfits makes you look boxy.

• Variety of Outfits:

• Make sure to bring a few different outfits to provide variety in your photos. Some outfits look nice for everyday look but they don’t photograph well.

• Include options such as casual, semi-formal, and formal wear if you choose to have both studio and outdoor locations.

• Avoid Trendy Items:

• While it's great to showcase current styles, avoid overly trendy items that may look dated in a few years.

• Classic but not boring outfits are timeless and stylish choice.

• Consider the Location:

• I recommend to my girls high school seniors to save more formal outfits for their studio location and more casual ones for their outdoor location.

• Avoid Logos and Busy Patterns:

• Large logos and busy patterns can distract from your face. My general rule of thumb is solid colors or subtle patterns.

• Flatter Your Body Type:

• Sometimes curvier senior girls think wearing baggy outfits work in their favor but form-fitting outfits flatter every body type.

• Consider bringing accessories like belts to emphasize your waist to create a beautiful hourglass shape with your body.

• Hair and Makeup:

• Consider having your hair and makeup done to enhance your natural beauty. My hair and makeup artist do an amazing job to create a soft, natural look so it won’t look dated in the future.

These are some general rules to choose the right outfits for your senior pictures session but don't be afraid to showcase your unique style, and have fun during the photoshoot!

How to find the right photographer for your senior photos?

If you want to have the best experience and images for your high school senior pictures, finding the right photographer is a very important task.
Here are some tips to help you find the right photographer:

Define Your Style:

Before searching for a photographer, ask yourself what is your style and how you want to see yourself in your senior photos. Browse through several photographers’ portfolios online and make note of the styles that resonate with you, whether it's classic, modern, candid, or artistic.

Sometimes it is difficult or even confusing for you to know exactly what is your style. That’s why I offer a complimentary consultation for all my seniors to come and meet with me first. During our meeting, I show them some of my previous work to know exactly what do they want. Then I craft a unique session for them to meet their style and vision.

Research Online:

These days it is very easy to check photographers’ websites or social media. Use keywords like senior photos, senior photographer, senior photography, HS senior pic, and senior picture ideas. Look at their portfolios, client reviews, and testimonials to get a sense of their work and reputation.

Check Portfolios:

Examine photographers' portfolios to evaluate the consistency and quality of their work. Pay attention to lighting, composition, and the overall aesthetic to ensure it aligns with your preferences.

Consider Experience:

Choose a photographer with experience in senior photography. Experienced photographers are likely to have a better understanding of posing, lighting, and locations that work well for senior portraits.

Review Pricing and Packages:

Make sure you understand the photographer's pricing structure and the services included in their packages but do not lead the conversation with the question: How much do you charge for senior photos? Photography is not a commodity item and make sure when you compare photographers don’t just focus on pricing because the quality of their works and experience makes a huge difference in final results.

Meet in Person:

Schedule a meeting with potential photographers to discuss your vision, ask questions, and get to know them. It is very important you get to know their personality, professionalism, and whether you feel comfortable working with them or not. I never book a senior client without meeting with her/him, it is extra work for me and them to meet first but the outcome and results are well worth spending an extra hour to meet and plan their senior photo session.

Check for Flexibility and Creativity:

Choose a photographer who is flexible and willing to accommodate your ideas while also providing creative input.
I love to collaborate with my senior clients to create a unique and personalized senior photo experience for them.

By considering these factors, you'll be better equipped to find a senior photographer who aligns with your vision and can capture this important milestone in a way that reflects your personality and style.

What props to bring for your high school senior photos?

High school senior pictures are a big milestone in your life and careful planning is very essential for a successful session. When preparing for your high school senior photos, it's important to choose props that reflect your personality, interests, and achievements. Here are some ideas for props to bring for your senior photos:

• Sports Equipment: 

• If you're involved in sports, bring along your Team Jersey and sport gear such as a basketball, soccer ball, tennis racket, or any other equipment related to your favorite sport.

• Musical Instruments: 

• If you play a musical instrument, bring it with you. It could be a guitar, violin, saxophone.

• Books: 

• If you're an avid reader or have a favorite book, consider bringing it along. You can create some unique shots by incorporating those books into your photos.

• Hobbies: 

• Bring props related to your hobbies or passions. If you're artistically inclined, bring along your artwork or any creations you're proud of. If you are a dancer, bring your dance shoes, or any items that represent your interests.

• Cap and Gown: 

• If you have your cap and gown bring them for senior photos. It's a classic and symbolic prop that signifies your upcoming graduation.

• College Gear: 

• If you've already decided on a college, bring a hoodie, hat, or any other gear with the college's logo.

• Pets: 

• Bringing your pet can add a personal and sentimental touch to your photos. Most of the time pets add spontaneous and fun moments to the photos. Also for those of my seniors who feel a little bit nervous before their session makes them feel more relax. 

Which one of these props you are going to bring to your senior photo session?

How to have the best senior portraits for high school senior pictures?

Graduating from high school and starting a new chapter of life either going to college or start working a huge milestone. To have the best senior portraits for your high school senior pictures involves careful planning and various factors play important roles. Here are some of my tips to help you capture memorable and stunning senior portraits:

• Choose the Right Photographer:

• Look for a photographer whose style aligns with your preferences. When you are looking for photographer don’t lead the conversation with: how much do you charge for the senior session?

• Check their portfolio to ensure they have experience with senior portraits. When I meet with my senior clients, the first thing I do, create a “Vision Board” for them. I want to bring their dreams into a reality. I want them to feel like a “Celebrity for a Day”.

• Plan Ahead:

• If you like certain time of the year for your senior pictures schedule your session well in advance to make sure your photographer has the date available for your senior session.

• Location Matters:

• Select locations that have significance for you or reflect your personality. I recommend my HS senior to choose both my studio and outdoor locations. Inside the studio they have the luxury of changing their outfits several times. And outdoor location add more variety to their senior portrait session.

• Wardrobe Selection:

• Everyone recommend wear outfits that make you feel comfortable. It is true but my general rule of thumb is wear form-fitting outfits and avoid baggy clothes.

• Choose a mix of styles to add variety to your photos, for example for senior girls wearing both dresses and more casual outfits is good option. 

• Avoid large logos or busy patterns that may distract from your face.

• Accessorize:

• Consider incorporating accessories like hats, scarves, or jewelry for a personal touch.

• Bring props that showcase your hobbies or interests. For example bring sports equipment, musical instruments, or books.

• Hair and Makeup:

• For senior girls I recommend to use a professional hair and makeup services for a polished look. I have a very talented makeup artist who has been working with me for several years and she does an amazing work to create a very natural and polished look for my clients. 

Remember, the key to the best senior portraits is to showcase your personality and interests. Communication with your photographer and proper planning will contribute to a successful and enjoyable and fun senior portrait session.
If you have any questions reach out to me and I will gladly answer them.

What are the best poses for boys high school senior photos?

When it comes to high school senior photos for boys, the best poses are those that capture your personality, style, and interests. Here are some of the most popular and versatile poses that can work well for my senior boys:

• Classic Headshot:

  A simple and timeless pose with the focus on the face. This can be done with different expressions, such as a smile or a more serious look. Many HS senior use this photo for their year book.

• Casual Sitting Pose:

  Sitting on a stool, ladder, staircase, or a bench creates a relaxed and natural look.

• Leaning Against a Wall:

  This pose exudes a sense of confidence. I have a brick wall background in my studio to create a cool urban vibe and it is one of my high school senior boys favorites.

• Walking or Strolling:

  Capture a natural stride towards or away from the camera. This adds movement to the photos and gives a fashion vibes to the pictures.

• Sports Theme:

  If my senior boy is involved in sports or has a particular hobby, I will make sure to incorporate relevant props to his images. 

• Environmental Portraits:

  If during our initial meeting my senior boy mentions there is an specific location that has special meaning for him, I will make sure to photograph him there.

Remember that the most important aspect of your senior photos is to showcase your individuality and personality and I am here to help you to pdocument this important milestone in your life 🙂

What are the best locations for Highschool Senior Pictures in Iowa City Area?

The best locations for your high school senior photography depends on your personal preferences, style, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Here are some of my High school seniors favorites locations for their senior photos in Iowa City Area:

• Outdoor Nature Settings:

• Iowa City City Park: With diverse landscapes, such as log cabins, wooded areas, staircase with trees canopy, and Iowa River is one of my seniors favorite locations.

• Coralville Lake: Waterfront locations can add a serene and reflective element to the photos.
  

• Urban Environments:

• City Streets: Downtown areas with a mix of modern and historic architecture can create a dynamic backdrop.

• Graffiti Walls: Vibrant street art can add a pop of color and personality to the photos.
  

• Historic or Architectural Locations:

• Old Capitol Buildings or The University of Iowa Capus is a great background for any graduation or senior pictures specially for future Iowa Hawkeye
  

• Sports Fields or Courts:

• If you are involved in sports, capturing some photos  on your home field is  meaningful and represent your passions.
  

• Indoor Studio:

• My seniors love to have part of their senior photos inside my studio. I create a very modern and fashionable looks with different backdrop for them there. 

What should high school senior boys to wear for their senior photos?

When it comes to what to wear for your senior pictures it's important to consider what setting and the overall aesthetic you  want to achieve. Do you prefer a more formal look, or you may opt for a casual style or both. It's always a good idea to bring a few outfit options to your senior portrait session to have some variety and choices. Ultimately, the goal is to capture your senior's personality and style during this important milestone.

1. A well-fitted, solid-colored button-down shirt is a timeless and polished look for your senior photos.

2. Polos or collared shirts are more casual yet still stylish option.

3. Sweaters or pullovers: A nice, well-fitted sweater or pullover can add a touch of warmth and sophistication. Avoid wearing oversized sweater.

4. Casual blazers or sports jackets: to create a casual yet dressy look pair a blazer with jeans 

5. A clean, solid-colored T-shirt with a pair of well-fitted jeans or khakis can offer a casual and comfortable look.

How to improve your LinkedIn profile picture

Improving your LinkedIn profile photo is crucial because it is the first place potential employers, clients, and professional connections look you up. Here are some tips to help you create a more impactful and professional profile photo:

1. Choose a high-quality photo. Avoid using blurry or pixelated images for your headshot. The photo should be in focus and well-lit.

2. Use a Professional Background. Choose a simple and clean background that doesn't distract from your face. Busy or cluttered backgrounds are not suitable for your LinkedIn profile photo or your business headshot.

3. Choose the right outfit. Your attire says a lot about you and your personality. If you apply for a corporate job, business attire or business casual is appropriate but if you own your business you can be more creative and flexible with your outfit.

4. Last but not least, avoid selfies. It is best to have your LinkedIn profile photo to be taken professionally. This will result in a professional-looking image that portrays you and your brand.

Senior photos are big deals especially if you live in the midwest and here are only a few reasons why:

Senior Pictures Celebrate You! 

Graduating from high school is a big milestone, Senior year is a turning point, you’re leaving childhood behind and likely leaving home and going off to pursue your dreams and have new adventures. Most kids move to college and start a new chapter of their life and get ready to start an independent life.

Senior Pictures Express Who You Are! 

This is a time you really can show your personality and express yourself, this can happen with different funk outfits you bring to your senior photo session or with fun poses you sport during your shoot. You can bring different props as well to really customize your HS photo session. 

Senior Pictures Capture the Memories! 

Senior pictures will help you remember yourself at this time of your life years. This is a wonderful time of your life! Sometimes we rush thru life and get very busy with everyday activities that forget to slow down and cherish our accomplishments and milestone. Having your senior pictures is freezing this moment of life to savor and cherish forever.

Senior Pictures are fun! 

From creating your vision board for your photoshoot, to choosing your outfits, scouting the location, and bringing the perfect hat to your senior session should be fun and I am here to help you every step of the way. If you want to experience the most chill  HS senior photo session just send me a message! See you soon!

What to wear for your online dating photoshoot for women:

When I meet with my clients to discuss their sessions, they all complain: I don’t have anything to wear for my photoshoot or I don’t know what to wear and what to bring.

Clothes give big clues as to your personality and this is your chance to visually say a little bit about who you are. 

You want to have a few different options, so bring at least 3 different outfits.

This is my general guideline on what to bring for your dating profile photo session.

1. A little black dress: no matter what age or body type you have a little black dress is something every woman has in her closet and looks great on everybody. This is something that is classy and elegant and looks both sophisticated and modern. And it photographs very well.

2. Bring a casual outfit, a form-fitting top with black or blue jeans can be your second look. I strongly recommend a form-fitting top because loose outfits make you look boxy and do not show your beautiful curves. 

3. A fun outfit that showcases your personality. Be brave to wear your favorite color. The right color can light you up, make your skin glow, your teeth look white and your eyes pop. 

And one last thing: 

“The worst clothing is the kind that tries to undo, ignore or hide where or who you are, or the kind that shows you didn’t pay attention to your body/age/situation.”

Four types of photos to use for your online dating profile

1. Headshot 

   Most online dating sites only give you a small one-inch square for your main profile picture to attract people onto your page, that’s why the perfect headshot is your best option for a swipe-worthy profile. Let your uniqueness shine through your online profile and don’t be afraid to embrace who you are. If you have freckles don’t cover them with makeup or if you have curly hair let those ringlets show and don’t straighten your hair. If you wear glasses put them on for your photos.

2. Full body

   Uploading a full body photo is a must in your online dating profile. It is so tempting to just have close-up photos but full-length pictures show your style and taste of wardrobe and it shows you are comfortable in your skin and you are a confident person and as we all know confidence is sexy. 

3. Lifestyle shot 

   Having lifestyle photos are your opportunity to give a glimpse into your everyday life. The lifestyle photo should show you in action, participating in your favorite activity, or hobby. It should be a conversation starter. “You want to give someone a reason to engage with you and ask you a question.” 

4. Fun photo

   This photo should show the fun side of your personality and it can give you an opportunity to shine more in your online profile. It can be another full-body shot or just a simple headshot of you laughing or doing some fun activity. 

All your images should be sharp with no filter to maintain that honest and true consistency of who you are throughout your profile photos. Dating takes courage but it totally worth it when you find the right person to share your life with” 

If you need help with your profile pictures, send me a message to book a consultation session. 

20 Years of Wedding/20 Days of Giving

I just had this realization…

It has been almost 20 years since I got married (August 17, 2002). What started as a little playful fun experiment turned out to be the most important decision of my life and I dare to say THE BEST ONE!

When I moved to Iowa City to work at the University of Iowa, I didn’t know anybody. I asked my Turkish roommate how do you meet people here? She told me there are some sites where you fill out your info and you find the match.

I was so skeptical because this is back in 2001 and online dating was not popular. I didn’t know anyone who met online nevertheless to get married this way. 

I filled out my profile anyway and click submit. To my surprise one week later I got an email from Tony and we started emailing back and forth. And after a few weeks, we met for dinner and the rest is history.

I don’t know if it was just pure luck or if someone had a hand but I don’t think I could find anyone better than Tony to share my life with and build the amazing life we have together if it was not because of online dating service. 

To celebrate our 20th anniversary I am going to have a “special promotion” to give 50% off to 20 single people to update their dating profile photos. If you are single or if you know someone who is single please let them know and share this message with them.

Dating Profile Pictures

Online dating can be intimidating but at the same time can be very exciting. You can meet people that your path might never be crossed if you didn’t meet online. With that being said you might feel overwhelmed about where to start and what to do first.

First thing first, the most important thing in a dating profile is your PHOTOS. With these pictures, you communicate not only how you look but also you show your personality, wardrobe style, lifestyle, and interests. 

When you contact my studio to schedule your dating profile session, we first meet and go through everything and design your shoot. As much as we are more prepared before your session you are going to like your photos more and they represent you better. We can talk about wardrobe and what to bring and what outfits photograph well and show your best.

For ladies, if they are interested we schedule our hair and makeup artist, we want to make this process as stress-free as possible. 

During the photoshoot I will coach you and guide you with posing tips to capture the best of you, so you don’t need to worry I don’t know how to pose or what to do in front of the camera.

After your session, we go over your photos to choose your favorites. We choose pictures that look confident yet approachable for your dating profile.

Do I need a professional headshot for medical residency application?

Considering the importance of your application, hiring a professional photographer is undoubtedly worthwhile. If you want to stand out from the sea of applicants, you want to make sure your headshot is professional and your photographer is familiar with the guidelines and requirements for your application.

Taking an excellent headshot can make a world of difference in terms of making your residency application more competitive.

• When you come to my studio for your headshots I direct you and coach you to capture the best version of you to look confident and natural in your photo.

• I have worked with people from different ethnicity and skin color and I know how to light you to look your best.

• I know how busy you are and sometimes you have a short deadline to meet that’s why the turnaround for your headshot is very fast and you can get your headshots back in less than 24 hours.

• All headshots will be color corrected and retouched at no extra charge.

• Also, I will deliver your final headshot in two versions: one high-resolution file and one according to the formatting and specification required for your medical residency application.

Why having a professional LinkedIn photo is necessary?

A great headshot is a great first step for building an awesome personal brand that helps you get hired faster, improve your visibility and sales numbers, or attract investors to your company.

Statistics show that LinkedIn members with a photo receive far more engagement: 21 times more profile views and 9 times more connection requests. 

LinkedIn headshots should focus on making you look professional, friendly, and competent. 

When was the last time you updated your LinkedIn headshot? Let’s meet to see how I can elevate your LinkedIn profile to a whole new level with a brand new professional headshot.

Is it worth it to get a professional headshot?

There is no denial most people have “first impressions” of other people in 1/8th of a second. These first impressions can have a dramatic impact on who they hire, buy from, or listen to.

These days, most first impressions start online.

Having a professional headshot helps boost your confidence as well as the confidence others have in your professional abilities. You'll take yourself seriously and others will, too.

Milica is a writer and she wanted to have pictures for her website and book cover. We wanted it to look professional but not stuffy and traditional. I loved the black turtle neck sweater and black pants. It looked sleek, modern, professional, and timeless.

When was the last time you updated your profile pictures?

Tell Your Story with Personal Branding Photos

Personal branding photos are a modern way of showcasing your clients and audience who you are and allowing them to get to know you and your personality way better than just traditional head and shoulder headshots.

Shelley Cooper is an actor, director, choreographer, singer, and educator specializing in musical theatre. When she came for her consultation, we talked about her vision and how she likes to represent herself and her brand and then we mapped out the day of the photoshoot according to her vision. 

Here is what she wrote after her session: 

Maryam is such a gift to the Iowa City community! The quality of her photos are on par with top professionals in Chicago, NYC, and LA.  She does an excellent job of listening to her client and individualizing the photoshoot to their needs and desires.  I have been getting headshots taken for my career for 20 years and this is the first time my personality was captured. I have never been happier with a photography session. I am so proud to show off my pictures; I love the variety of styles! I have received so many compliments on my pictures Maryam took. If you are a creative artist needing branding images to take your business to the next level, hire Maryam!

How to Organize a Great Corporate Headshots (Part II)

Send out photoshoot instructions

You want everyone to be in the right place and at the right time. So send emails and reminders with the following information to relevant employees:

• Time and date of the photography session

• Location of shoot

• Instructions on dress and make-up and glasses ( if glasses don’t have anti-glare coating you need to remove the lenses)

Stay on track throughout the shoot

I would like to arrive typically 1 hour before the photoshoot starts, as I need time to set up my studio and do test shots and perfect the lighting. Now it would be a good time to give me the printed schedule of the day (if you haven’t already emailed it to me). 

STUDIO VS ON-LOCATION SHOOT

You need to decide on whether you want to do the shoot in your office or in my studio. If you have a lot of people that need their headshots done then it's definitely better to schedule the shoot in your office space.

BACKGROUND AND THE FINAL LOOK

It's always better to plan the shoot in advance, it will give your team members enough time to prepare, plus you will have enough time to decide on the final look for the photos/ determine what background color you want to do for the headshots. If you have a certain website style and you just want to replicate it, just make sure to communicate it to me.  On the other hand, if you're not quite sure on what background/style of the headshots you want to do, I will guide you and help you to make the final choice. Usually white, black or grey are the most common background color for professional headshots.

THE EXACT NUMBER OF PEOPLE

We suggest you prepare and print the final list of all the people for the shoot, as it is always easier to keep track of the process with the list and create a time-sheet with a specific time for each person

How to Organize a Great Corporate Headshots (Part I)

You know employee headshots are a great way to enhance brand image and show off your company to prospective clients and help give a professional and dynamic company impression.

If you are looking for a photographer to take your business headshots here are some helpful tips:

Pick the right photographer

Focus your search on photographers who specialize in headshots and portraits. Make sure the photographer has experience with on-location company shoots. Make sure your chosen photographer works in your geographical area. For example, Maryam Thompson photography focuses on the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area but she travels as well.

Meet for consultation

Each and every organization has different needs and reasons to do a professional  headshot. During the initial consultation, I ask lots of questions to make sure I have a clear idea of what you want out of your headshot session. These are some of the questions that I ask during our consultation. 

What type of photos do you need? Headshots, full-body or up to the waist (¾ length)? 

Do you need horizontal, vertical or square crops? What do you need photos for? Website, social media, print materials or ads

What do you want to convey with your images and what is your message? Friendly and approachable, fun and creative, modern or more traditional headshots.

How long does a portrait take?

I would spend at least 15 minutes with each person on average. Capturing a portrait that you’ll be proud to share on your website or Linkedin profile is a very different experience from having your school picture. Besides discussing any personal requests with the client, I fine-tune the lighting and work through different poses/expressions that flatter each individual. Then we review the images with the client to see which poses/expressions they like best.

What does Boudoir photography mean?

Boudoir photography or sensual photography is a photographic style featuring intimate, sensual, romantic, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects primarily intended for the private enjoyment of the subject and her romantic partners.

Boudoir photography stands on the idea to demonstrate the beauty of a woman’s body with the light erotic inflection, so anything that fits the description is boudoir.

A boudoir photography session is a unique experience that can help you uncover the hidden sides of your character and receive admirable images of yourself. A boudoir photo shoot is personal, and often life-changing.