What to Wear for your Seniors Photos

A little advanced planning for what you'll wear for your Senior Portrait Session can help the day go more smoothly. When deciding what to wear, consider:

• does this outfit reflect your personality?

• is it comfortable and does it fit well?

• do you like the way it looks from every angle?

• does it make you feel great and enhance your confidence?

• will you be able to move freely for a variety of poses: sitting, standing, walking without significantly restricting your movements?

  
  

Having your outfit(s) planned out and prepared in advance, ensuring everything is clean, ironed, ready to wear and/or bring to the session will help you feel more organized and ready to be present in the moment to enjoy our time together celebrating you.

THE BASICS:

Coordinate: Love your new leather jacket or have a favorite pair of jeans? Start with one piece and coordinate the rest of your outfit from there, adding neutrals, complimentary colors, and textures to help create interest and balance.

Colors: Wear what looks great on you. Generally, darker tones in the fall/winter, lighter tones in the spring/summer or neutrals any time of year tend to compliment the surrounding environment.

Layers: great for adding interest and providing warmth in cooler temperatures. If you're not a sweater or jacket person, but it's still going to be chilly on your session day, consider adding an invisible base layer for warmth.

Fabrics: softer fabrics look less stiff/wrinkled and textured fabrics can create interest even if they are a solid color

Formal or casual: You choose! Both or either will work, but consider how your outfit will coordinate with the location that you've chosen. For example, a suit or fancy dress might look more aligned with the formality of Washington DC's monuments, whereas casual jeans and a sweater might fit more appropriately in a park setting. But there are always wonderful exceptions to every rule.

Cap & Gown: Feel free to bring some or all of your Graduation regalia pieces and we can get creative with incorporating some or all of them into a few of your photos. Even just holding your cap, tassel, cords, stole, gown without wearing them can add more variety to your Senior session.

CONSIDER AVOIDING:

• Graphic Designs: Clothing with large brand names/symbols, graphics, or bold patterns can be distracting or ‘date’ a photograph, especially as trends change.  (As an alternative, simple and timeless never goes out of style.)

• Colors: Stark white can look too white without a lot of detail. (As an alternative, off white, light creams, textured fabrics, and subtle details/patterns add interest.) Solid black can show lint, hairs, stains, and sometimes look faded/washed out.  (As an alternative, incorporate texture, details, and ensure the garments are lint, hair, and stain free.)  Bright reds and neon colors can reflect a color cast back onto your skin or pull the focus to your outfit instead of your expressions.  (As an alternative, if you do want to wear a bright color, consider layering it with a neutral piece to ensure it’s not too overpowering on your skin tone.)

• Tucking Issues: It’s really hard to keep some shirts tucked in! (As an alternative, a sweater or shirt that looks good untucked may feel more natural.)

HAVE A DRESS REHEARSAL:

Try on everything that you’re considering, do a 360 degree spin look in front of the mirror, sit, and bend in a variety of ways. Have someone help you look for things you don't want to show in the images (undergarments, garment tags, not the right size, shoes, jewelry, etc.)

Your hands will be visible in some of the images, so consider any nail polish and/or jewelry.

Unload your pockets: Cell phones, keys, wallet, sunglasses...leave as much in your car as possible.

If you wear glasses, make sure they’re clean. Blue light glasses will reflect color. Progressive lenses that darken into sunglasses will make it difficult to 'see' your eyes outdoors.  Plain non glare lenses photograph better.

Want to get a haircut, have a professional style your hair or apply your makeup?  Advanced scheduling is always best!

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR SESSION:

• Hairbrush

• Touch-up cosmetic products (lip balm and body lotion for dry lips/skin, etc.)

• Outfit change and/or Graduation regalia cap/gown/tassel - double check that you haven’t forgotten anything (socks, shoes, belt, undergarments, jewelry, hair accessories, etc.)

• Plan on walking a bit….so bring slides/slip on shoes if you’re wearing fancy shoes that are hard to walk in….we can stop and change your shoes when necessary.

• Empty pockets and a tote bag if necessary to corral your loose items, such as your cell phone and keys.

AND FINALLY....

I’m really looking forward to meeting and photographing you! My cell is 571 212-4258 if you'd like to text questions or pictures of your outfit considerations if you're looking for feeback.