P.R.O.M. The Four Letter Word Everyone is Talking About

As most high school students know, prom is kind of a big deal.  You've looked forward to this day since you were a freshman.  Now it's your senior year and prom is right around the corner. From what you'll be wearing to who you'll be dancing the night away with, you want to make sure your prom is a night to remember. It's always a good idea to make a little inspiration board with all the things that you love. Here's a few things to think about when planning your prom night:

Style me pretty!

It can be overwhelming to plan out what you are wearing, you want to be the belle of the ball. And then you want to coordinate with your date which can make it extra fun but can also add some stress. It can be easy to go a little overboard when planning your dream look.  So take into consideration all the things you want to include and make a budget ahead of time so you can make room for all things important.  Consider borrowing an item or two from friends to help stretch the budget.  You're only gonna wear it once anyways, so why break the bank for a few hours of glamour? Think about it, the night will be fun because of the memories with your friends, not because of the expensive accessory you bought.
Ladies, you'll need the dress of course.  Then there is the hand bag, shoes & jewelry to think of. Guys, if you're renting a tuxedo from a shop, you can make it a one stop shop for your tux, shoes, tie etc.

Put your best face forward!

Prom prep for the ladies is usually a little more to think about. You might think about getting your makeup professionally done, if so, make sure you make your appointment with your favorite makeup artist in advance.  If not, make sure you have all the essentials to glam it up a bit and possibly ask a friend to help you the day of. Also, you'll want to make sure to exfoliate and moisturize, drink plenty of water, get your brows done, moisturize your lips and get a good nights rest to help prep your skin for your big night. Also, if you plan to get a spray tan, do a trial run so you can be sure you won't look like an oompa loompa on prom night. For more tips check out this article from Seventeen.com
Guys have it a lot easier, but make sure you have a fresh shave and get your eye brows in check.

Get your Hair done!

If you are planning to have your hair styled, make sure you make appointments plenty of time ahead. Stylists are busy this time of year with weddings and all kinds of events. Think about the style of your dress you'll be wearing and what looks inspire you. Start collecting ideas and plan ahead. If you plan to do your hair yourself, try the look out ahead of time to make sure you know how to do it and that you have all the supplies you'll need.
Guys make sure you get a fresh cut a week or so before so you'll be fresh and ready come prom.

Get your Nails did!

Mani Pedi anyone? This goes for the ladies and the guys.  It's always fun to go with a friend and make it a little day at the spa.

Make all the Plans!

There's lot of other things to think about and plan with your date/group to make the night amazing.  You'll need to get your prom tickets, plan where to have dinner and make reservations, make arrangements for your transportation with a limo or party bus or simply plan to drive yourself (make sure your car is clean). You'll need to order the corsage or boutonniere for your date and also plan with your group of where and when to take pictures.

Collaborating with your group of groups of friends can be a pain.  But it doesn't have to.  Consider a group chat to keep all parties involved up to date with details.  Plan for things to change at the last minute and be flexible.  This is one of the last big moments of your high school years and you don't want it ruined by disagreements and hurt feelings.  Even if someone in the group isn't necessarily your buddy, take the high road and play nice for the sake of everyone.  You'll thank yourself later.

PROMposals!

I don't even know what to say about promposals.  They weren't a thing when I went to prom.  A guy simply asked a girl to go to prom with him.  Easy peasy.  Now there is this phenomenon known as proposals.  Here's my two cents...while they can me cute and special, they can also be a source of stress to plan and execute. And if promposals are this elaborate what will marriage proposals be expected to be like? Oy vey! Now I sound like my mom! LOL I'm just sayin' keep it sweet and simple and put the majority of the effort into treating your date well and making memories!

Involve your Parents!

Get ready for the paparazzi! Don't worry about being embarrassed by your parents wanting to take photos of you and your date and wanting a few with them as well.  They've waited for this day too.  And they can't help but be proud of their beautiful or handsome young adult all glammed up.  Keep them in the loop about the plans for the day so they can be involved from the getting ready to the big event. It will mean so much to them if you include them.

Dance the night away!

Have so much fun at Prom!  It's your last formal with all your friends until one of you gets married.  So relax (no prom-zillas), have fun and dance the night away.  Wanna keep the fun going?  Make plans with your friends for the after party.  Stay safe and make sure you have arranged transportation home ahead of time. Enjoy your night, after all you may never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory!

Cruising' HWY 101 | ROLEmodel19 | Wendy Childress Photography Seniors

Come with me, let's take a trip back in time and cruise on into the 1950's! This styled shoot was so much fun to plan and photograph!  Who doesn't love the decade where rock and roll was born, when rebellious teens let loose and had fun cruising the highways and stopping at their favorite diner to hang with their friends?

WCP ROLEmodels19 team knocked this shoot out of the park.  From the makeup, to the hairstyles, to the wardrobe styling and accessories, I couldn't be more happy! I love the pops of color that were so popular in the 50's together with the matte black of the 1950 Ford Shoebox car that we had the privilege of shooting with.  It was the final touch that made this shoot so cool.

The girls gathered at my home to help each other get ready while some went to get a special hair style done at Rebel Rebel Hair Salon.  It's always fun to have a house full of girls laughing and chatting it up.  This is a big part of what makes the ROLEmodel team experience so much fun! When the girls were ready we headed downtown to a historic diner and let the fun begin!  Take a few minutes and enjoy some of my favs! 

A huge THANK YOU to the owner of this 1950 Ford Shoebox, Mike Davis! 

5 Simple Steps for Ahh-mazing Senior Portraits | Class of 2019 | Senior Photographer

It's your time to shine!

You've watched as your older friends have made amazing memories during their senior year.  You've watched them experience their "lasts", last first day of school, last homecoming, last prom, last Friday Night light..  You've watched them spread their wings and start planning their futures.  You've watched them share their senior pictures and senior memories... now it's your turn...finally!

Let's start making amazing memories!

You've dreamed of what your senior photos would look like.  Where they'd be, what you'd be wearing, what personal items you would want to include.  Now it's time to put that all together and make that dream into a reality.

#1 Know Yourself!

You know yourself better than anyone.  What makes you happy? What makes you feel your best?  For some people, its a place.  They are happy and carefree at the beach or the mountains, maybe its somewhere quiet or maybe its buzzing with energy.  

Some people are happiest when they have their person with them.  If that's you, think about inviting your person to your session so they can be there to make you comfortable, to help you along the way and to make you laugh! BFF's are perfect for this!

Whatever it is, it's part of what make you YOU! 

#2 Love Yourself

What do you love about yourself? What do you admire about your mind, body and soul? 

What are your favorite features? Is it the color of your eyes? Your dimples? Freckles? Your athletic body?

What do you love about who you are?  Are you a good friend and listener? Are you the life of the party and have a great sense of humor? Do you excel in studies and lead your peers in education?

Take a minute to think about the amazing things about YOU that you love.  Make a mental note, or if you're like me, write it on a post it note to remind you.  You were made for greatness and the moment you realize that it's a game changer.

#3 Inspire Yourself

What inspires you? What situation gives you the "best day ever" feeling? Are you inspired by different cultures? The arts? Travel? Does a certain style bring you joy?

Knowing what inspires you helps you use your imagination to plan out the senior experience you've dreamed of.

Imagine with me for a minute...

Picture yourself frolicking through the meadows in a dreamy flowy bohemian gown and flower crown.

Picture yourself strolling the streets of your favorite downtown in your trendy date night look with your favorite heels and the buzz of the city all around you.

Picture yourself in a funky record store browsing for your favorite LP of all time wearing you favorite band tee and jeans.

Start collecting images that inspire you.  Keep them in a gallery or a Pinterest board and share them with your parents and your photographer.  This will help everyone understand your vision for your unique senior portrait experience.

#4 Personalize Yourself

Your senior photos are all about showing who YOU are right this moment.  The moment before you step out into the world and make your mark.

What outfits make you feel your best?  What is YOUR color?  Everyone wants to look and feel their best for their session and knowing what colors compliment your skin and what looks flatter your figure are key.  

Take a few minutes to go through your closet.  Gather your favorite looks and don't forget the coordinating shoes.  Do you need a few pieces to pull a look together? Make a list of what you need to finish your style.

Now it's time to accessorize.  Accessories are like the icing on the cake. A splash of accessories polishes your look and takes it from ok to ahh-mazing!  Jewelry, hats, headbands, your letterman jacket, your sporting gear or instruments all help pull your look together.  

Have fun trying it all on and walking the runway {or your hallway}.  Does it make you feel like a celebrity?

#5 Trust Yourself

You've taken the time to plan all the little details.  You've done some soul searching and realized just how amazing YOU truly are!  Take a deep breathe and reminisce on all events that have lead you to this year.  All the accomplishments you've made, the goals you've set and achieved, the friends you've made, the lessons you've learned have all brought you to this moment.

You've chosen the perfect location and the photographer you trust to bring your vision to life.  Relax and enjoy! You've got this!

Reward Yourself!

You look amazing! You have the perfect outfits planned, your got your hair, makeup and nails done, you've collected all the little details you want to include and have chosen the perfect place for your unique senior session.  Own this moment! Have fun, laugh a ton, show your sassy side and make this moment one of your favorites from your senior year! Doesn't it feel great to love on yourself a bit? Be proud of yourself, you've worked hard to get where you are.  Have a great time and then have fun sharing your amazing photos with your friends and family.

Get ready Class of 2019, it's your time to shine!