What to Wear For Your Senior Portrait Session
The question I get asked the most by my seniors is, "what should I wear?" Senior portraits are supposed to celebrate your personality, so that is a difficult question to answer. However, there are a few tips & tricks that make it easier to be photo-ready!
What to wear for your senior portrait session | 5 Tips to Make You Look Your Best
When I sit down for a senior portrait consultation, the number one question I get is, "what should I wear?" This is actually a difficult question, because the answer is different for everyone. My next question for you is, "what do you usually wear?"
Senior portraits are all about YOU. They are supposed to highlight your personality, interests, and style at this point in your life. That being said, there are some tips and tricks that can help you look your best.
1. Neutrals are classic (Accessories are fun!)
You are going to be looking at these photos for years to come. Incorporating your own sense of fashion is important, but having something that you aren't going to regret is important as well. Neutral colors always photograph well. Beige, ivory, grey, rose, brown, black, blue, burgundy & olive allow the attention to go back to where it is supposed to be - on you.
To add in color and coordinate with the background, bring lots of colorful and fun accessories that we can play with! Things like your favorite hat, a bright scarf, a bold necklace or earrings, and more can be mixed and matched to get a variety, without having to change constantly.
2. Avoid busy patterns & stripes
A very busy or colorful pattern can draw the eye in a photo. Patterns are fine, but try to stick to something that is neutral in color, or a subtle pattern that won't draw attention. To get the look of a pattern, you can always mix and match textures and layers to create interest in your outfit (think chunky knits, lace, crochet, scarves, vests, etc).
3. Dress to impress
These are once in a lifetime images. You're not going to have another senior portrait session. In all my senior sessions, you can have unlimited outfit changes. My suggestion is that one outfit is more formal. Go big! A formal gown, or a suit, can definitely make an impression (at least for one or two shots). Many of my seniors choose to do night shots. A formal outfit is perfect for those - it adds a little extra glam.
4. Don't forget about your shoes
Many people spend so much time thinking about their outfit, they forget about the shoes! Your shoes will be in some of the images, so make sure you have clean shoes that are camera ready. If you do choose to have outfit changes, make sure the shoes you bring match all the outfits, or that you bring more than one pair.
Girls - heels photograph very well, but we do a lot of walking during your shoot. If you're planning on wearing heels, bring a pair of comfy walking shoes that are easy to slip on and off so that you're comfortable while walking between locations.
5. Be Comfortable
This is probably the most important one. DON'T go shopping and pick something you're not sure about. If you look in the mirror, and you don't think it works for you, don't bring it. These photos are about capturing you. You should feel relaxed and comfortable in what you chose to wear (especially since you'll be sitting on the ground, climbing on things, jumping, and more during your shoot!).
bonus tips
Pinterest is a great tool to get ideas and inspiration. You can even add me on a board and we can collaborate together.
We'll sit down at the studio for a consultation before your shoot to plan everything out - so don't stress. Together, we'll go over style ideas (boho, grunge, glam, classic, etc), and plan outfits and locations around that concept (or two, or three!). The options are limitless.
Make sure you check out my info on senior portrait sessions here!
Laura & Charlie | Simmons Farms | Pittsburgh Photographer
Laura and I have worked together quite a few times. Sometimes, as photographers, we forget to get in front of the camera to capture our own lives. For me, I take tons of pictures of my husband and my cats, but I'm not usually in the pictures with them! So at least once a year (or more!) Laura and I trade sessions to capture images of us with our families.
This year, Laura wanted a Mommy & Me session out at Simmons Farm. It was my first time shooting there, and it was a great experience! They have beautiful grounds and it made for the perfect setting.
Check out their shoot!
The Laning Family | An Extended Family Session | Chagrin Falls Ohio
My husband and I met Aaron when we went to college together at Kent State. They have been very close ever since. Unfortunately, we live about two hours away from each other, so we don't get to hang out too often. Since they had their lovely daughter, we've seen them less than we'd like. That's why I jumped on the chance to travel out their way for a family session with not only them, but their extended family as well!
We met early in the morning up at Chagrin Falls in Ohio to capture their session. We took a couple great family pictures, then let the kids have fun at the park to get some great candids as well. It was a great day.
Thanks for reading!
Kristen & Steve | A Pittsburgh Engagement Session | Hartwood Acres
The first time we had scheduled for Kristen & Steve's engagement photos ended up being freezing (and snowing!) even though it was early October. So we pushed it back, which made me nervous since the weather usually just goes downhill as we get closer and closer to November. However, luck smiled on us and we had perfect (even warm-ish!) weather!
It actually ended up being one of my favorite fall sessions this season. The leaves were beautiful colors and there were just enough on the ground for some fun pictures. Their puppy even joined in for a few shots - and he was super excited to be included!
