Gray isn't preparing for a wedding.

The Mid-Pacific Institute student, 17, is getting ready for her senior portrait session.

"That's how you're remembered by all your classmates and all the underclassmen after high school," said Gray, of Kailua. " ... You want to look good."

Senior portraits are a milestone for many teens — a rite of passage ranked up there with proms and graduation. The professional photos permanently grace yearbook pages and are displayed in living rooms by proud parents long after high school is over. So careful consideration and planning for a portrait session is a must, say photographers, teachers and students who have been there.

"It's the last year for us in high school and we want to make this (our senior portraits) memorable," said Wai'anae High student Vilayvanh Siharath, 16.

She and her boyfriend, Brandon Robinson, 17, wore matching tops for their session last month at Lifetouch Prestige Portraits in Pearl City.

Many high schools have contracts with specific photo studios to take senior portraits that will be used in the yearbook. Students also may purchase a portrait package — either from the contracted studio or at another studio — to pass out photos to family and friends. Such packages can range from about $150 to more than $400, including sitting fees.

Shot of a lifetime Your senior portrait is the definitive image of your days in high school — and you'll have it for the rest of your life — so be your most put-together self. From top, Bree Thurston, 17; Jerine Edayan, 17; and Clarence Sesepasara, 18; came to the Advertiser's photo studio to demonstrate some senior portrait no-nos: Avoid over-exposure to the sun. The last thing you want are sunburns and tan lines in your portrait. Not everybody loves a clown, so go easy on the makeup. Keep it natural and fresh; bring your makeup to your session for touch-ups. Press on — in life and in pictures. Iron your clothes.

"The most popular times are weekends, so those usually get booked up first," Shiroma said. "The earlier (you make an appointment), the better."

With Gray's photo shoot less than two weeks away, she has most of the details figured out: She'll probably wear a tasteful off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve shirt. She's going for a natural look for her hair and makeup, which she'll do herself. And she has a Kailua salon in mind to do her nails.

But there are other things teens should consider, say students and professional photographers. They offer these tips on how to make the most of a senior portrait session.

Care for hair and skin

Think carefully before scheduling a hair appointment, said Clarence Sesepasara, 18, who just graduated from Nanakuli High School. "Don't make so much (of a) drastic change in your appearance, like getting a radical hair color or haircut," he said.

If a cut, color or perm is needed, do it at least a week or two before the session. This gives the student enough time to play with the new look, said Tracy Takahashi, advisor to the Class of 2006 at Waipahu High.

Gray's recommendation for makeup is coverage that's light and fresh. "Personally, I'd rather look like myself than someone else," she said.

While guys don't have to worry about makeup, they should still pay careful attention to the face, Sesepasara said.

Guys should be clean-shaven or make sure facial hair is neatly trimmed. For both guys and girls, nails should be manicured, he said. "In every picture, the details show, so make sure you're groomed properly," he said.

Eugene Kam, a professional photographer for 25 years who specializes in wedding portraits, also recommends getting a good night's sleep before a photo session. "Red eyes and puffy bags will show," he said.

Outfits that flatter

Gray, the Mid-Pacific Institute student, is narrowing down her outfit choices for her photo session at Ace Portrait Studio.

"I want to wear something simple," she said. "I think I'll wear green to match my eyes."

Gray's aunt is a photographer and recommended she wear solid colors, rather than bold, busy fabrics. "Patterns will clash," Gray said.

Be aware of your body type and wear clothing that flatters you, Kam added. For example,

if girls are self-conscious about their arms, they should avoid tank tops or sleeveless shirts, he said.

Also keep in mind that many photo studios offer the option to pose in various outfits.

Sesepasara chose three different outfits for three groups of people he knew he'd give photos to: "friends, teachers and family, so I dressed accordingly," he said.

Sesepasara donned casual denim for the pictures he handed out to his friends; a semicasual/semi-

formal, black collared shirt for his teachers; and a graduation cap and gown for his family.

Make sure your clothes aren't wrinkled, Kam said.

In addition to complete outfits, consider bringing in props that reflect your interests, Shiroma said.

"Come prepared with some ideas to show off your personality," she said. For example, if you play football, bring in a football or your helmet, or if you surf, lug in that surfboard.

Tips from the pros

Emily Shiroma of Lifetouch Prestige Portraits prepares Brandon Robinson, 17, of Wai'anae High School for a portrait. Shiroma says studios that shoot senior portraits book up quickly in the summer. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Kam offers a few tricks of the trade: "If you have a heavy chin, pull your chin toward the camera (to take care of the dreaded double chin), and if you have small eyes, lower your chin because that makes your eyes bigger."

Finally, Takahashi encourages seniors to discuss ideas with their photographers. Suggestions about outfits, props, color backgrounds and sets are welcome, she said.

"Ask the photographer for their opinion because they're paid professionals," Takahashi said. "Go there with an open mind."

But also remember that the portraits should represent who you are, she said.

"So it's also OK to disagree with them, because some students get intimidated," Takahashi said.