Hey there, soon-to-be graduate! First off, congratulations! Seriously, your senior year is such a big milestone, good job! And your senior photos should reflect exactly who you are at this exciting moment. I remember feeling so nervous about my senior photos and feeling like the photographer didn’t care about what felt “me” in my styling, posing, or setting. So I’m now behind the camera lens and flipping the switch! I’m here to help you feel great about you and your photos! Therefore, whether you’re feeling all the feels or just counting down the days to graduation, one thing’s for sure, I want your photos to feel so you! Let’s do this!
One of the biggest questions photographers get is, “What should I wear to my senior session?” So don’t worry, I’ve got tips to help you pick outfits that feel authentic, photograph beautifully, and let your personality shine. And I’m just a text or call away for any of your questions!
Tip #1: Start with your style
This is your time to show off your personality. Instead of picking outfits just because they’re trendy, choose pieces that make you feel confident and reflect your style. So if you love that romantic feel, throw on that flowy dress and a flower crown and let’s head to a field! Or if you like wearing all black with some attitude, let’s meet downtown for some edgy urban photos. Think about what words you want communicate with your photos and I can help you achieve just that feel. Another great question to ask yourself is this: What would your friends or family say is your go-to look? Sporty? Chill and casual? Glamorous? Let that guide your outfit choices so your photos feel true to you.
Tip # 2: Bring 2–3 outfits for variety
Changing things up gives your final gallery more range and allows you to show off different sides of your personality. Here’s a tried and true combo to aim for: Casual, Dressy & Personal
A Casual Look
This could be jeans and a favorite tee or tank, a cozy sweater, or something relaxed but still cute. Pick something you’d wear to hang out with friends or run to your favorite coffee spot.
A Dressier Look
Whether it’s a dress, a skirt and blouse, or a sharp button-up with slacks—go for something polished. This is great for those more classic, frame-worthy shots that parents and grandparents love!
A Personal Look
Do you play a sport? Love your cowboy boots? Play an instrument? Bring it! Adding something meaningful like your letterman jacket, team uniform, or an accessory that reflects a hobby makes your photos feel unique and personal. So pick one of your favorite hobbies, and let’s reflect it in some of your photos!
Tip # 3: Stick with solids or soft patterns
Loud prints and big logos can distract from you. Solid colors and subtle textures photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your face. If you love a pattern, go for something small and soft—like tiny florals, delicate stripes, or textured knits. Or throw a solid sweater or jacket over a louder color or pattern to add dimension without being too loud and distracting.
Some of the best camera friendly colors are Neutrals. Think white, cream, tan, gray, and black. Other great choices are soft tones like dusty blue, sage green, blush, or even lavender. If you want more color, opt for jewel tones like emerald, ruby or plum. And if you are debating between several options, send me a few pictures and I can help you narrow things down!
Tip #4: Fit matters, choose outfits that are comfortable and you feel good moving in
Avoid clothes that are too tight or too baggy. I love that loose, casual look but just be careful not to overdo it! And if your clothes are too tight or itchy, you may find yourself often fidgeting and feeling insecure. You’ll want to be able to walk, sit, spin, or even dance a little without adjusting every five seconds. If something feels awkward in the mirror, it’ll probably look awkward in photos too. Make sure you love how you look and feel in your outfits!
Tip # 5: The little things count
Shoes totally matter in full-body shots—so don’t forget to plan those too. Go for shoes that match the outfit and aren’t too scuffed up. And if you’re wearing heels, maybe bring a pair of flats to walk in between shots.
Accessories can be a fun way to show your personality like a chunky necklace, fun earrings, a cool belt, or even a hat can pull the whole look together.
Steaming or ironing your clothes before a shoot is always a good idea to make sure there are no last minute wrinkles that snuck into your clothes. And make sure there’s no missing buttons or unwanted tears you haven’t noticed either.
Tip #6: Go for a Fresh look with Hair & Makeup
You don’t need a full glam team (unless you want one, then totally do it!), but a little polish goes a long way on camera. When it comes to hair, make sure it’s styled in a way that makes you feel confident, whether that’s natural waves, sleek and straight, or a fun braid. With makeup, just a little bit of mascara and blush can help your features stand out. If you want to keep it totally natural, that’s perfect too! There’s so much beauty in a freshly washed, moisturized, happy face! Be prepared too by bringing a little touch-up kit with your fav lip balm or gloss, a brush, powder, bobby pins or whatever else you may need.
Tip #7: Just be yourself, and let’s have fun
I know it sounds cheesy, but the best photos always come from people who feel good in what they’re wearing. Wear what makes you feel like you. Don’t feel pressured to dress a certain way because it’s “expected” or because your friend wore it. If you’re comfy, confident, and having fun—that’s what we’ll capture. Everyone just wants to see your looking healthy and happy in your photos! So now that you’ve read all these tips, just take a long breath. It’s gonna be great! Senior photos are more than just pretty pictures—they’re a celebration of you at this once-in-a-lifetime moment. So let’s have fun with it, don’t overthink it, and know I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
