One of the most frequently asked question is WHAT DO I WEAR TO MY SENIOR SESSION!? Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision that can make or break your senior portrait session! I know that sounds intense... but, if you wear something that you don’t feel confident in or that doesn’t photograph well on camera...it can ruin the experience for you! So, this cheat sheet is to the rescue! We will break down my best tips for what to wear and how to style your senior session outfits (plus LOTS of fun inspiration!)
WHAT TO WEAR
1. be comfortable
The NUMBER ONE, most important thing to remember when planning your outfits: if it’s not comfortable to wear in real life, it won’t make you feel confident on camera!
I also recommend trying to steer clear of anything that you have to constantly adjust or is at risk of being revealing. You’ll be doing lots of sitting, laying, and moving poses, so if the outfit is super low-cut…you’re at risk of things slipping while we shoot!
2. be yourself
It sounds cliche, but staying true to yourself with your outfits is so, so important. When you look back at these images in 20+ years…you’ll want them to truly reflect YOU!
Don’t feel pressured to buy something new or outside of your usual style just because you are getting photos taken. This entire shoot is meant to be about who YOU are in this exciting season of life… so don’t change a single thing about ya!
3. Be bold + consider using color
Use this shoot as an opportunity to have a little bit of fun with your outfits + colors! Try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin tones!
4. add layers
In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement earrings or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer) you can add these layers + dimension by throwing a denim jacket over a dress!
5. play with textures
Sometimes textures like feathers, furs and 3D florals can be considered too extra…but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit can make a huge difference. I also love to photograph pieces with MOVEMENT: long, flowy dresses, tulle fabric, or fun feathers that move when you twirl. It adds a super fun element to your pictures!
6. don't be afraid to Accessorize
My exclusive Senior Style Guide has way more info about accessorizing but here is a quick tip on why this is a huge part of your senior session! Adding accessories to you session is how you make your gallery of images look like YOU. Including fun pieces of jewelry, sports equipment + awards, your favorite person, or even your car are just a few ways to make your senior session unique. Not only that, but ALL of these things give us so much more variety with posing + create such beautiful pictures that feel like you!
7. mix it up
When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell
all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school- related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks drastically different and you get tons of variety!
Ready to book!
