How to rock your Senior Portraits
You are unique.
You are Beautiful.
I SEE you.
I got you.
Senior portraits are far more than just pretty pictures; they encapsulate a transformative phase of life and hold immense sentimental value. They serve as a bridge between the past and the future, capturing the energy and aspirations of youth while preserving them for posterity.
As a photographer, I've had the privilege of documenting various life moments through my lens, but there's something truly special about senior portraits. These sessions are more than just a series of photographs; they are a visual representation of a significant milestone in the journey of high school and college students.
During my senior portraits I work to offer much more than just pretty pictures. Milestone moments like these offer an opportunity to boost confidence and self-esteem as students prepare to launch into the next phase of their lives.
So, it’s important to look your best!
Your
emotional
state
matters
Welcome to your guide, this is all the info you need to prep for your upcoming photoshoot! I’ve laid it all out, taking you through each step without any fuss. My goal? Making sure you're totally set for your session.
Now, while we're mainly going to dive into picking the right outfit, we can't ignore something crucial: how you're feeling about it all. Seriously, being relaxed and comfortable is going to make a world of difference in how your photos turn out!
Picture this: round up your friends or family, find a cozy spot, and spend around 10-15 minutes going through this guide together. Your future-self will definitely appreciate it!
Treat Yo’ Self
Get ready to rock those close-ups! It's all about the details, so make sure your hair's on point, your clothes are fresh and stain-free, and if you've got a thing for shoes, necklaces, or other accessories, give them some love too.
Here's my two cents: treat yourself to a little pampering and turn it into a whole day affair!
Whether you're up for getting your hair styled, nails decked out, or diving into the full spa experience, or simply spending quality time with friends or family, I'm all for it. My advice? Take it easy. Plan a day that's a mix of fun before and after your shoot – you deserve it!
Imagine for a moment that we're about to create a masterpiece. The canvas is ready, it's already a work of art, and now it's time to add you to the picture.
What are we going to have you wearing? Let's find out...
YOUR
clothing
is
IMPORTANT
Alright, time to dive into the nitty-gritty stuff. This is where the real meat of the guide comes in – the stuff that really matters. We all crave those jaw-dropping portraits, but let's be real, it's not always as effortless as it seems. There's gotta be a purpose behind what you rock in your photos.
Listen up, what you decide to wear can seriously make or break those portraits.
Think of your outfit as the quality of paint on a canvas. Top-notch quality, and your art shines; go for something subpar, and the masterpiece could suffer..
Be You
When all's said and done, our goal is for you to see these photos and recognize yourself – to have them feel genuine. And a big part of achieving that is rocking an outfit that screams "you"!
Now, let's be real, I'm here to offer up some guidelines and wardrobe wisdom tailored for photography. So, you know, sweatpants and hoodies aren't exactly what we're aiming for. 😉 But take all this advice and blend it with what you already know suits you, boosts your confidence, and lets you be at ease.
So, without further ado, here's my stash of creative pointers for you.....
WHAT do you
ALREADY HAVE?
Alright, time to shop your own closet first – take a peek at what's hanging in there! No need to rush into thinking, "I've gotta buy a whole new wardrobe that's nothing like my usual style!" Now, don't get me wrong, if you're up for grabbing something new and special for the shoot, that's cool too. Just remember, whatever you choose should be an extension of who you are.
And hey, if you're leaning towards something fresh, try wearing it a few times before the big day. See how it vibes with you.
Here's the deal: think about how an outfit makes you feel in social situations or when you check yourself out in the mirror. Same goes for the stuff you've had in your closet forever – if it doesn't make you feel confident and comfy, maybe reconsider. Your clothing should be a reflection of you!
MOVEMENT
Here's the deal: your outfit has to be a breeze to move in. And you know what's even better? If the outfit itself has some movement too (especially for you ladies).
Think flowy, light, playful, with texture and a soft touch. On the flip side, steer clear of stiff, overly formal, or overly structured looks. Keep it easy and free-flowing!
TIMELESS
When you're hunting for the perfect piece, think ahead, or consider something that's already proven its worth over time. I like to call it "The rule of 5”: if you think that 5 years ago you would have liked it and you can picture yourself still rocking it in five years, you're onto a winner!
ALL YOU
When you're picking out an outfit, make sure it's got that unmistakable "you" factor – whether it's been a long-time favorite or a recent addition to your wardrobe!
Here’s what to AVOID
Steer clear of outfits that feel too crisp or formal, especially if they make you feel restricted. We're going for comfy, cozy, and a good time here, not stiff business attire – especially if we're shooting in a natural setting.
And listen, it's totally fine if you're all about sportswear or gym gear – but only go for it if you're absolutely sure you'll still love those shots years from now.
If you're into branding, no problem, but try to keep logos or words on the smaller side (think less than a quarter of the outfit). Or, go all in on the brand if you're sure it's going to be part of your portrait story.
Oh, and one more thing: unless you're a pro at matching trendy patterns and bold, neon colors with your skin tone, I'd recommend avoiding them. Bright colors like yellows, pinks, greens, and reds can bounce light onto your skin in a way that's not too flattering throughout the entire shoot.
Let’s talk about color…
…in nature.
When it comes to choosing colors, I'm all about neutrals and earthy tones that seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings we'll be shooting in. The idea is to avoid vivid, artificial shades that clash with the environment. These overly bright or intense colors can really stick out like a sore thumb and disrupt the harmony of the final photo.
Here's the thing about nature: you want to catch the eye without looking completely out of place. It's a balance.
Now, don't get me wrong, a pop or two of color can be a great touch when combined with neutrals. The trick is not to go overboard – if you're going for a splash of color, let it shine without overwhelming it with additional hues.
For your reference, I've put together a list of recommended neutrals and colors that could work wonders.
Let’s talk about color…
…in the city
When it's an urban or industrial setting, opt for neutrals that feel like they belong in the cityscape. These colors mesh well with the surroundings. While you can play with bold hues more freely than in a natural setting, be mindful not to overshadow yourself.
Here is the trick: Choose one standout piece and let the rest complement it and your vibe.
Remember, why you picked this urban backdrop and how it defines you is key.
And here's the cool part: if natural setting colors work for you, they'll likely work in urban scenes too. It's all about that connection between you and the environment.
Outfit ideas for
Natural Settings
For clothing, think flowy dresses, oversized sweaters, jumpsuits, rompers. You've got options like denim with tees, crop tops, tanks, or layer up with a statement jacket or winter overcoat. Top it off with wide-brim felt hats, henleys, soft button-up shirts, textured sweaters, flannels, and khakis or chinos. And of course, classic jeans are always a win.
Cosmetics & Footwear
When it comes to footwear, leather or suede boots, timeless sneakers, leather sandals, or even going barefoot work well. Keep jewelry minimal.
As for makeup, let it match the scene's vibe.
And remember, hair should have that natural movement – best to wear it down for that effortless look!
Outfit ideas for
Urban Settings
In an urban setting, embrace the cool vibe with pieces like torn denim, band shirts, crop tops, flannels tied around your waist, hats, and coats (if it's chilly). Feel free to rock jeans, slacks, or even overalls – a lot of what works in nature transitions well here too. Opt for classic button-up shirts and sports jackets for a polished touch.
Cosmetics & Footwear
When it comes to footwear, you've got options: thicker boots, sandals, athletic sneakers, dress shoes, loafers, or heels – choose what speaks to your style. Your hair can go bold and stand out or keep it natural and flowing. Feel free to accessorize with jewelry, just avoid anything super reflective that might steal the spotlight from you.
LOCATION & Season
When considering your clothing choices for the shoot, keep the location and season in mind!
Location often sets the tone with its colors, textures, and vibe. Picture the location like a painted canvas, and your task is to blend in seamlessly. What you wear should complement the backdrop, enhancing the overall harmony.
Season matters too.
In the Midwest, winter lacks color and light, so you'll want outfits with bold textures and colors that make your photos pop against the muted backdrop.
Summer offers a different opportunity – the abundance of light and vibrant colors means you could even rock all whites or neutrals and let the surroundings shine.
I get it, this part leans on creativity, and I'm here to assist you in nailing it. Your outfit should tell a story that aligns with the scene and the season so let me know if you need help!
Final Notes
Bring Options
Always bring more than you think you need. It is better to change only once or twice and leave a few outfits in the car than realize you really wanted to wear another outfit and left it at home! Options are always a good thing.
Keep in touch.
It helps me tremendously when you keep in informed about what you are planning to wear!
Check out Pinterest
Yes, even you, guys, pinterest can be a huge help in finding inspiration!
Don't. Stress... Seriously.
In the end these portraits are going to reflect you no matter what happens and we are going to have a great shoot! Don’t. Stress!
Still have Questions?
Whether you have questions about wardrobe, locations, or whether or not I would be willing to… (hint: the answer is almost always YES) please let me know!