Planning and What to Wear for Senior Pictures
My best recommendations to help the true you shine through…
It’s hard, right?!? Whether you’re celebrating your graduation from high school or college, figuring out what to wear for your senior portrait session is a lot. These pictures could be in your graduation announcement, hung on a wall collage at home, or in an album on your parent’s coffee table. They mark an important time in your life, so you want to get them right.
And I want you to look your best, so here are my go-to recommendations...
Keep it easy when thinking about what to wear… wear what you feel good in!
#1 Be you, very well
My main piece of advice, is to wear what you are comfortable in. When you feel good, you shine through in your photographs. Stick with your personal style, and work within that space.
• Casual dressers: forget cocktail dresses and suits; instead, stick with casual outfits and we'll create a fun photo shoot around what you like to do
• Formal dressers: don't wear something just because it’s the new Pinterest thing. Dress snazzy and we'll deliver a sophisticated look.
#2 Whatever it is, it needs to fit perfectly
Whatever the style, it really needs to fit. Hems and sleeves need to be the right lengths, and waists need to be fitted. The right fit matters so much more than brand or fabric when it comes to photographs.
Note on dresses… when in doubt, go long or mid-length. We'll do some movement during the session that makes short dresses one-dimensional.
Note on sleeveless… if you love your arms, then awesome. If you don’t, think about sleeves.
#3 Portrait-ready skin
Facials, waxing, and exfoliating are great, just do them several days in advance to allow inflammation to subside
Rest. You want to look well-rested in your senior pictures. Go to bed earlier the day before to get those eight hours.
Water! Arrive to your portrait session fully hydrated for the healthiest skin
A makeup artist is always welcome. If you’re doing it yourself, keep it simple – a coat of mascara, a subtle nude or rose-toned lip, a natural blush, matte eyeshadow, and matte foundation
Men: get a haircut, carefully shave or trim facial hair, and make sure your face is freshly washed to avoid the oily look
Outfits with blue nicely complement natural green spaces.
#4 Identify your favorites
Spend time looking through pictures of yourself, and select three favorite images. They don’t need to be professional or any certain way; you just need to like them. Why are they your favorites? What is it about the clothes, the poses, the light, or the background that speak to you? This creates your unique "mood board" to guide our senior portrait session and create a look that represents you.
#5 Add pop with accessories, layers, and textures
- Girls: A wide-brimmed hat looks great on, as well as when you’re just casually holding it in your hand
- Guys: If you’re always wearing a ball cap, bring it
- Bold texture like fur, leather, or lace create visual interest
- Jackets add depth and character, and can even look great slung over a shoulder
- For a whimsical touch, bring flowers or bunch of balloons, or one really big balloon!
- Your dog. Just make sure you've got someone to manage them for parts of the session where its just you two
#6 Can't decide what to wear? … bring two outfits
If you've got it down to two outfits and can't decide what to wear… bring both! We’ll do the first part of your senior portrait session with one outfit, and then switch into the second outfit. Some seniors will bring a nice outfit for those bigger pictures that Mom or Dad want, and then change into a personal favorite outfit or college shirt for a more casual look.
#7 What to bring to your session
Mom, Dad, or someone that really knows you and you trust. From carrying your outfits to knowing exactly how you like your hair to fall, it’s great to have a companion.
Water. We’ll probably be moving around, and you’ll want to stay hydrated
Frizz control. Brush or hairspray or whatever, make sure you can tackle frizzy hair. This is especially important when we’re outside on a humid Charlotte day.
I hope you found these recommendations useful. Follow the tips above, and you'll have timeless images you and your family will cherish forever. And if you have questions at all, I'm glad to talk. Your senior pictures capture you in such a special time in your life, and I want your portrait session to be a great experience.
