Photographs

¨ You need 3 different poses. The poses should be 1) head and shoulders, 2) waist up and 3) full length.

¨ It helps if these are taken in 3 different outfits, such as: church dress, sundress, jeans, capris, khakis. When in doubt, go conservative. No bare midriffs, no cleavage.

¨ Photo finished size should be 3 1/2 x5, 4x6, or 4x4. No larger.

¨ Prints are needed, not electronic files (jpgs, gifs, bmps).

¨ Plan to give this set (of 3 poses) to each person writing a Reference for you. (Example: 6 sororities on campus x 3 photos per packet = 18 total photos.)

¨ Have lots of extras made of one pose and offer that to each person writing a Letter. You also may need to submit one photo for each sorority on campus through your official university registration.

Why All These Requirements?

¨ Your photographs will be attached to the Reference packet and sent to the active chapter.

¨ Several photographs of you circulating in a house, increases your visibility.

¨ Because three different poses seems to be the number every Reference requires.

What Not to Wear & What Not to Have in Your Photographs

¨ First, once your photographs have been made, do not make any dramatic changes to your appearance, such as hair color, drastic hair cut.

¨ Do not submit photos of you from Prom, Graduation, the beach party, with cleavage, with your teddy bear, with your puppy, with your boyfriend, or hugging your favorite tree.

WHY? You Ask Again

¨ Before Recruitment begins, actives are studying hundreds of photos, because they want to recognize each girl when she comes through the door.

¨ Be remembered for your pretty smile – not your prom dress, cap and gown, swimsuit, cleavage, or hugging any of the other items.

¨ So, to sum this up: unless you are sure that your teddy bear, puppy, boyfriend or that tree are coming through the door with you during Recruitment, don't put them in the picture.

Photographs are Expensive; Here are Some Tips

¨ If you use a professional, ask if there are charges for clothing changes.

¨ Tell the photographer that you need photos made for Recruitment, and describe the poses needed. (Most photographers already will know what to do.)

¨ If you already have had your senior pictures made, ask the photographer about taking more of you at a reduced sitting fee.

¨ Mention how many total photographs you will need, choose the least expensive finish and ask the photographer for a discount.

However . . .

¨ You don't have to go to a professional photographer.

¨ Ask a family member or friend to take pictures.

¨ The best photos are made in natural light and at the end of the day (fewer shadows).

¨ Take lots of pictures. Several rolls worth.

¨ Use the picture machines in drugstores to custom crop your photos and print how many you need. (You cannot do this with copyrighted photographs.)

Label the Photographs

¨ You need to label each photograph on the back, with at least your name.

¨ Preferably include your name, high school, hometown and college you will attend.

¨ If you do this by hand, DO NOT use a felt-tip pen. The ink will bleed through the photograph. Use a ballpoint ink pen.

¨ Or, even better, make computer labels that you can put on the back of each photo.

FINALLY: DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!