Senior Session Prep
Tips to prepare for your session & What To Wear
Clients always ask what they should wear to their senior portrait session. I recommend up to three outfits, more than three can waste too much of your portrait time changing. Here are some tips to help you with styling. If you’re stuck, ask for help! Just text or email me photos of different possibilities and we can solve the puzzle together! 804-248-2567
Overall Tips
WEAR ONE CLASSIC OUTFIT
Yes, senior pictures are all about you, & you want to show off your own unique fashion sense. On the other hand, you don’t want to look back in 10 years and wonder, “What in the world was I thinking?”. So go ahead and choose a timeless outfit. A white or black shirt with jeans is a good look for anybody. Girls, simple solid-color dresses look great. Guys, pair a solid color polo shirt with jeans or khakis, or wear slacks with a nice button-down shirt. Remember, solid colors tend to photograph better than loud patterns. You want the focus to be on you, after all!
DRESS UP A CLASSIC OUTFIT WITH SOME TREND
Maybe you feel solid colors are just too plain. That’s just not your style. Feel free to make a classic outfit “more you” with accessories. Maybe you have a favorite pair of funky shoes or a trendy jacket. Adding elements like these to a classic outfit can allow you to still get that classic photograph, then add in those elements that are more trendy.
NOW GO FOR A TRENDY OUTFIT
After your classic look, feel free to choose a more trendy, “all you” outfit. It’s the best of both worlds! To be happiest with your pictures, make sure you wear at least one outfit you really love! No matter what kind of clothes you decide to wear, make sure they fit correctly! If you’re buying new clothes for your session, move in them a bit. Sit, stand, shrug your shoulders. Make sure they fit, because ill-fitting clothes make for unflattering pictures.
GIRLS: WEAR YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP NATURALLY
We recommend styling your hair and applying your makeup the same way you would if you were getting dressed up and putting in that extra effort. If you don’t normally wear a lot of (or any) makeup, this is not the time to try out bold colors. You may want to consider a little nude or or sheer pink lip gloss or nude eyeshadow. If you are considering changing how you wear your hair or makeup, do a trial before your photo session. Take a selfie and see how you look in pictures. The same thing goes for salon hair and makeup. If you do want professional hair and makeup, take the time to explain your vision. This way you can be sure you are happy with your look before it’s time to take pictures.
GUYS: MAKE SURE YOU ARE CLEAN SHAVEN OR FRESHLY GROOMED
If you normally sport facial hair, make sure it is freshly trimmed and groomed. If you have short hair make sure it is freshly cut and if you have longer hair, make sure it is styled in a way you are happy with.
PLAN FOR THE WEATHER
Nothing is worse than being miserably uncomfortable in a perfect outfit. If you’re planning an outdoor session in October or November, think about jackets and scarves. In the summer, dress in layers that you can easily take off if you get too hot.
DON’T FORGET SHOES
These are often the forgotten last element, but they can really make or break your outfits! If you can’t find shoes you love, consider going barefoot (just bring walking shoes to get from point A to point B).
TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES WELL IN ADVANCE
Check your outfits from all possible angles in the mirror, not just the one you like best. Try sitting, squatting, leaning forward, etc.
PROPS
Everyone always says senior pictures are all about you, well let’s make your photo session REALLY all about you! Do you play a sport or an instrument? Are you an artist or a hunter? Do you have a car or a pet? Bring the things that are special to you for photographs of what you love at this moment in your life.
SELECTING A LOCATION
Our customized on-location sessions are just what you need to have truly unique senior pictures. Do you want an urban look in downtown Richmond, Shockoe Slip, and along the Canal Walk? Or would you prefer Belle Isle with the James River as a backdrop? Maybe the country is more your scene? Not sure, just ask! We have lots of location suggestions and are always open to new ideas!
say yes to:
COMFORT
Above all, if you feel good, you will look good! Choose clothing that gives you freedom of movement, keeps you warm/cool, and won’t require a lot of maintenance throughout your session.
TEXTURE
Add some visual interest to your images with unique fabrics. Some examples: lace, cable knits, chambray, tweed, herringbone, chambray, faux fur, wool.
PATTERNS
Don’t be scared of patterns and prints! They can work great in moderation.
FITTED CLOTHING
We don’t want your clothing to be too baggy or too tight. Properly fitted clothing looks put together and will show your shape. For women, your upper half and lower half should be balanced: so for instance, blousy shirt + skinny pants, or tight shirt + flowing skirt.
say No to:
FORMAL CLOTHES
Let your clothing match your surroundings. A tuxedo or formal dress will look out of place in the park.
BRIGHT WHITE
If you love white, try off-white or ivory instead.
LOGOS & TEXT
Words will draw attention away from your faces.
TRANSITION LENSES
If you wear glasses everyday, please wear them in your shoot! However, lens glare and shaded lenses will keep your eyes from being seen.
TINY PLAID & COMPLICATED PATTERNS
These don’t always translate well in-camera.
