What to Wear for your Senior Pictures
A guide of how to choose your senior photo outfits.
When we meet the day of your photoshoot, I will let you know the order to wear your outfits based on the location of your session.
You’re also welcome to email or Instagram message me with outfit questions or ideas before your photoshoot or we can talk on the phone!
Wear what makes you feel confident
Senior photos are all about you and showcasing your personality and style, so choose outfits that make you feel most like you.
When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, that confidence will show
Wear what makes you feel comfortable
Just as important as style, is comfort. I’ll be directing you into a variety of poses and movements during your photoshoot, so you will want to make sure that each item of clothing fits you well and you are comfortable moving around. Make sure it’s not too tight or too short!
Plan your outfits based on your photoshoot location
A good way to start planning your outfits is to consider the location you’ve selected for your session. A bit more sophisticated or edgy in the city, laid back and casual in the forest, romantic and soft in a field and light and airy on the beach.
Plan for a variety of looks
I recommend choosing outfits that are distinct from each other. This will ultimately give you more variety in your final gallery.
With the On Location and Traditional Sessions I would suggest 3.
1. A dressy outfit. Don’t be afraid to be daring and select something extraordinary that you may not wear in your day to day life.
2. A casual outfit, be sure that one of your selections includes pants/shorts/romper to take advantage of a whole different set of poses
3. Something that shows your personality. Letterman jacket, instrument, pointe shoes, hat etc.
Select colors that compliment
Neutral Tones go with anything! If you are overwhelmed by choosing the colors of your outfits, remember that you can’t go wrong with wearing neutrals! Neutral colored outfits, like a white dress or button up are classic and will go well with any background.
Earth tones photograph beautifully and look great with most backdrops. I suggest sticking with at most one or two colors for each of your outfits, with the rest of your clothing items should be neutral. For example, an olive green sweater and a pair of jeans.
Jewel tones are great if you love more vibrant colors!
These bright and bold colors go really well with photoshoot locations that are not as colorful, like the city or the beach.
Accessorize
Adding different accessories to your outfits if fun. Accessories include things like jewelry, hats, glasses, flowers or anything else you want to incorporate.
Patterns and textures
Choosing clothing items with an interesting fabric or texture is a great way to make your photos stand out. I’d suggest sticking to one or two unique textures per outfit.
Patterns can also add a lot of visual interest to your photos. I recommend going with small, repeated patterns because they photograph well and do not distract from you, the subject of the photo. Try to stick with one pattern per outfit.
Pockets
I LOVE when anyone wears outfits with pockets.
Pockets give you something different to do with your hands when posing and adds to the variety of your images.
Dress for the weather
If you have a late fall, winter, or early spring shoot, plan on dressing warm. This is a great time of year to incorporate sweaters, jackets and boots! If you are set on wearing a more summery outfit when it’s cold outside, be sure to bring an extra warm jacket to your photoshoot to warm up while we aren’t shooting.
Find inspiration online
If you need some inspiration check out the galleries on my website and posts on my Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Try searching for ‘senior photo outfits’ or “what to wear for a city photoshoot” etc.
Try outfits on in advance
This step is very important! Take a few minutes to try on each outfit head-to-toe to see how it looks in the mirror. Keep an eye out for any issues, like bra straps showing, tan lines, see-through material, or anything that doesn’t fit quite right.
Bring something special
It’s always fun to include something meaningful to you in your photos.
It’s a great way to make your photoshoot unique.
Your dog/pet, Sports gear/uniforms, your car, truck or motorcycle,
an item related to your favorite hobby, flower bouquets or crowns,
Musical instruments or anything else you can think of!
