Lily's thoughts on Theater Camps for Kids

Imp Camp: All Things Theater- Martha’s Vineyard

Imp Camp: All Things Theater- Martha’s Vineyard

Lily Here! When I was eight years old, my parents signed me up for Sunshine Stage Theater Camp. To them, this seemed like a good way to channel my loudness and enthusiasm into something productive, like performance.

I only knew one other kid and the only experience in the theater that I had had up to that point was preparing dances with my cousins to try to convince our moms to let us have a sleepover. Within a few minutes, I felt completely comfortable. Interacting with other kids who were passionate about the same things as I was made me feel like I was really in my element.

If my parents had never “forced” me to try out this theater camp, I may never have known that performing was something I loved to do. Sure, our shows were 10 minutes long and consisted of 7 to 11-year-olds hesitating on their lines, but I loved it.

Youth art camps give kids the confidence they need to be 100% themselves. That same confidence makes it easier to be on stage and be in front of the camera. (See how we’re tying this together?😉) In Massachusetts we are lucky to have a ton of theater camps and programs year round for anyone wanting to explore theater. A simple google search will provide tons of results. Go Theater!

Lily's List: Songs for Your Summer

Ma Cherie Amour album by Stevie Wonder

Ma Cherie Amour album by Stevie Wonder

Lily here!!! As we begin to wrap up the summer, I’m taking a short break from posing and clothing content to talk about one of my favorite things….summer music.

One of my absolute favorite things to do on a warm summer night, is drive with the windows down, blast my music and enjoy the wind whipping through my hair.

An instant feeling of happiness flows through me that nothing else can replicate! Not just “any” song will do, of course. To produce the proper summer night feeling, you need the perfect song.

Here’s my, meticulously curated, list of summer break songs that I love and work great with any scenario you have planned for the summer, including your senior photo session! (Just sayin…gotta stay be a little on brand 😉)

Folklore album by Taylor Swift

Folklore album by Taylor Swift

I love the fast-paced, being alive element of all of these songs. Let me know if you find something you like!

  • Why iii Love the Moon - Phony Ppl

  • Chiquitita - ABBA

  • Parking Lots - Plums

  • Hello Young Lovers - Stevie Wonder

  • Stargazing - The Neighbourhood

  • Weekend Friend - Goth babe

  • Disconnected - Keane

  • Nothing from Nothing - Billy Preston

  • Living Breathing - Mesita

  • Blocked - G Luné

  • Just Like Heaven - The Cure

  • You Get What You Give - New Radicals

  • Face to Face - Rex Orange County

  • Ob-la-di-ob-la-da - The Beatles

  • Brian’s Movie - Peach Pit

Newly released Sling album by Clairo

Newly released Sling album by Clairo

  • Something More - Mac Ayres

  • August - Taylor Swift

These are just a few of the favorites that I’ve had on repeat throughout the summer. If you like this list, follow me on Spotify : @lilymccormick

My Senior Portrait Session is Soon But I'm Camera Shy...

Alrighty…it’s a few days before your senior portrait session and you’re starting to feel some anxiety. Not a fan of being in front of the camera? Break out in hives just thinking about posing? You are not alone…trust me. Don’t worry, you’re not impossible to photograph.

Let me put it in terms you may relate to. Athletes: think of how you prepare for games. Performers: think of the vocalizations at the beginning of rehearsal. You have to warm up before you can ask your body and/or your brain to be present. Same thing with being photographed. Give yourself a break! You just need to adjust.

HOW DO YOU WARM UP FOR YOUR SENIOR PORTAIT SESSION

First of all, know that my #1 priority is to build a safe and friendly environment where you feel comfortable being yourself. If it helps, think of me as your favorite “cool aunt” who wants nothing more than for you to succeed. If that doesn’t work, try to trust that my decades of theater training and teaching partnered with experience photographing many different personality types makes me uniquely qualified to say with confidence that “one of my special gifts is “tricking people into relaxing in front of my camera.” It’s true!

if you’re still feeling uneasy- just show up and know you will get the hang of it, I promise.

One of my special gifts is tricking people into relaxing in front of my camera!

STRESSED ABOUT WHAT TO DO

You do not need to show up to you session knowing exactly what to do. Trust me, I’m not expecting any experienced models.

You blink a lot? No problem. You don’t know how to position your body? DO NOT WORRY! I will tell you exactly what to do. (see videos…I am bossy) Honestly, if you show up with a few outfit options and a good attitude, you’ll be all set.

We will be together for a while so it’s not like you only have one opportunity to take a perfect picture and BAM! You’re done. It doesn’t work like that. You’ve got plenty of time to find your rhythm.

 
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My Personal Senior Portrait Experience with jsniderPHOTO

ME just leaning on a stone column…like one does!

ME just leaning on a stone column…like one does!

It’s Lily again! Today I am talking about my experience with “JSP” when I had my Senior Portraits taken in 2019.

Full disclosure, I knew Julia prior to my session which did put me at ease right off the bat, but even if I hadn’t, I would have been comfortable within a few minutes.

Read on for the details...

My senior portrait/headshot session with JsniderPHOTO was the first time I ever had a professional photoshoot. Even though I had known Julia prior to this experience, I was still feeling a little nervous about being in front of the camera for a long time. I was worried that my skin would look bad, or that my hair would be too frizzy, or that I would have a dreaded case of the “fake” smiles, but as soon as I arrived, I knew that all my worrying was for nothing. I immediately felt comfortable and felt as if I could truly be myself. I was also able to bring my mom along for moral support, which definitely eased my anxiety about the situation. Plus, Julia made her feel welcome as well, giving her tasks to do and she made sure to engage in conversation with the two of us.

I felt like she was genuinely interested in what I had to say and I really felt like she not only cared about my photos but who I was as a person. She let me know exactly how to stand, tilt, lean…all that. Everything I needed to make my photos look confident and relaxed, she took care of it.

Overall, not only was this 100% a positive experience for me, but I also now have some great photos that represent who I was at this moment in my life. Not to mention, Julia submitted my picture into the yearbook for me. (Granted, I had to make sure I gave her the details on time, but still very helpful!)

Having a great session really helped to kickstart my anticipation for my senior year and I was SO excited to share the world photos of me. (Is that narcissistic? No. They’re awesome photos and I look fabulous!)

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Tips to Posing for your Senior Portrait Session: Hands

Whether she is uncomfortable or not, her hands reveal an awkwardness/tension

Whether she is uncomfortable or not, her hands reveal an awkwardness/tension

I can’t tell you how many times I am asked “What should I do with my hands? ” Being photographed makes us hyper focused on parts of our bodies we rarely think about in daily life. Similar to a Poker Tell, our hands can betray us in stressful or awkward situations.

Do any of these betrayals happen to you:

  • Sweaty palms

  • We start to crack our knuckles

  • We pick at the skin around our nails

  • Create claws with fingers

  • Squeeze fingers together

You’re not alone, I have been there. Years ago, I was submitting, what I thought was a beautiful 3/4 headshot to casting directors, until one day during an audition I was asked “Why does your wrist look like that in your photo?” Yeah. Not great.

As a result of this experience, totally traumatic for my 22 year old self, I am hypervigilant during your session to remind you to relax your hands!

Check out these examples:

 
TOP: Relaxed Bottom: Not so much

TOP: Relaxed Bottom: Not so much

TOP: Relaxed Bottom: Nope!

TOP: Relaxed Bottom: Nope!

TOP + BOTTOM: Both Winners

TOP + BOTTOM: Both Winners

 

Feel educated?! Great…more on the way.

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What to Wear for Your Headshot Session

When it comes to photographs, I know the stress over what to wear for your headshot session can be nerve-wracking. Wardrobe is a huge concern for everyone. I promise you this, if you view your wardrobe with some key thoughts in mind, we can knock your session out of the park without you buying an entirely new wardrobe. Start by keeping Tip 1 in mind and ladies, please pay attention to Tip 2.

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TIP 1: The most important feature of your headshot is your eyes. Build your outfit based on what your top does for those beautiful peepers.

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TIP 2 [ladies]: What neckline do you feel great wearing? Then- sit down, lean forward and make sure it stays put-ish.

(I was once complimented on my collarbone and since then, will show it off any chance I get! see bio photo on the left!)


Whether you’re confident with your sense of style or someone who just wears whatever, there’s one headshot outfit that works with any body type and personality. And here’s a secret…you likely have it in your closet right now!

The “ My Headshot Session is Tomorrow Signature Outfit

Headshot outfit inspiration
  • Choose a solid color top in a jewel tone or any shade of blue

    • Short sleeve or long (not strappy tank)

      • Button down| Polo |T-shirt |Sweater| etc…

    • Make sure it is neat and fits well (if need be I can fake the fit with a clip)

Jewel Tone Samples                                ©adorablyyours

Jewel Tone Samples ©adorablyyours

  • Simple earrings that won’t detract from your face

  • No necklace

  • Jeans on the bottom.

  • Closed toed shoes.

THAT’S IT! You already have something like this, right?

Keep in mind, I do personally recommend planning ahead, being intentional with your wardrobe and highlighting your personal features. But in a pinch, this slapdash signature outfit is a great jumping off point!

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed I offer a FREE 30 minute, virtual consult to help you narrow it down. Just select it when you inquire.

Good luck!

Written by Lily

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Senior Portrait Sessions at a Glance

Confused about which Senior Portrait Package is right for you? Check out the specifics and then ask questions if you still need some help!

Collections change a bit every year or so in order to adjust to what my seniors and their families are requesting most often. This year there are 4 Senior Collection options and 1 Individual Headshot Session option.

Families were requesting a Collection that included a photo album and my answer to this request is the Loaded Collection. You select a custom cover, along with 20-30 images from the session and I design a beautiful photographic album to display the memories for years to come.

Nominations for free Senior Portrait Session

I am so excited to announce this!!

After the year students have had, I know there is a 2022 Senior out there who is the perfect fit for my giveaway. I can not wait to hear about the fantastic seniors you know!

Nominations are now open for the very first

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DESERVING SENIOR

PORTAIT SESSION GIVEAWAY

Do you have a friend or family member who could really use a win? A classmate who is down on their luck and you’d like to see them smile? {Or really any scenario in which you know a senior who would benefit from a free Senior Portrait Session } Then I want to hear from you. Nominate them for the first ever “Deserving Senior- Portrait Session Giveaway


 

WHAT THE WINNER RECEIVES:

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The FULL COLLECTION

LOCATION | Client Preference

DURATION| [up to] 90 minutes of shooting

INCLUDED | Private Online Gallery | Yearbook Submission* | 8 Photographic Prints | Hi-Resolution Digital Files for all printed images Standard TLC retouching on all printed images


Guidelines for Nominees

  • Must be a 2022 graduating senior currently enrolled in high school or alternative education program

  • Must live and attend school within 25 miles of Watertown, MA [02472]

  • Must consent to having their name + photo used publicly in connection with this giveaway

  • No, silly…you may not nominate yourself

  • You do not have to be a senior yourself to nominate a senior.

Giveaway Terms | Conditions

  • JsniderPHOTO is the sponsor of this giveaway and is associated with or endorsed by no other entity

  • Deserving Senior will be selected by JsniderPHOTO

  • Nominations will be accepted from June 18, 2021 to Midnight July 17,2021 EST

  • Winner will be announced SUNDAY July 18, 2021 via Instagram and personal email

  • This giveaway is a service prize. No money will be awarded

  • The regular retail value of the FULL PHOTO SESSION GIVEAWAY is $500.00