Senior Portrait Guide

Senior portraits mark a milestone in your life. Maybe that's why getting them taken can elicit so many different emotions. Some seniors are nervous, others are excited, some are completely neutral. Some have very specific ideas in mind, others are open to anything. My goal is to capture your personality while creating a fun and memorable experience, along with portraits you'll love. Below are some suggestions to help you feel more confident and look your best on picture day. Please reach out to me at any time with questions. I'm here to help!

Clothing

I don't limit the number of clothing choices, and recommend at least two. But keep in mind that excessive outfit changes will cut into your session time. Below are some guidelines to help you pick your outfits. These are suggestions for things that photograph well, but remember to be yourself! You’re unique and I want your photos to reflect who you are. After all, these pictures are all about YOU! 


  • Wear something that you love, you feel comfortable in, and reflects your personal style. 
  • Simple clothing is best. Avoid bold or busy patterns. Avoid short shorts and/or very short skirts, as they will limit your posing options. Avoid logos or branded shirts.
  •  Consider contrasting outfit ideas; one casual one dressier.
  • Make sure clothes are neatly pressed; wrinkles will show!
  • Dresses and suits or sports jackets look great in pictures and offer nice variety. 
  • Make sure undergarments don’t show through your clothes, and that bra straps aren’t sticking out.
  • Bring a favorite hat, scarf, jacket, jewelry, jersey or other accessories.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, but avoid old sneakers and flip flops. Boots, sandals and heels photograph better. 
  • Remember, these are just suggestions and guidelines, and things you may not otherwise think about. But your portraits are about you! If your main wardrobe consists of concert t-shirts, and you want to wear your favorite one, go for it!



Makeup, Hair and Nails

  • Light colored or clear nail polish is best. Chipped polish will show. If you plan on wearing sandals, don’t forget your toes! 
  • Keep your makeup simple; your everyday look is best and will look most like you in photographs. 
  • Don't freak out over blemishes! Everybody gets them, but they can easily be removed in editing.
  • Your favorite, everyday hairstyle will be best. You may want to bring a brush or comb, hair spray, clips, pins, etc. If you plan to change your hair mid-session, plan on something quick and easy.
  • Guys, stubble shows! Consider a fresh shave on picture day.
  • Avoid drastic hair changes like major cuts or colors right before your session.
  • Avoid tanning sprays or self-tanners. They can look streaked, blotchy or orange in pictures.

Props!


Feel free to bring something that reflects your interests. Are you a dancer? Do you play a sport or an instrument? Do you have a varsity jacket? Are you involved in clubs or activities? Props can be fun and reflect who you are.


If you wear glasses, frames with regular lenses are best for outdoor shoots; not transitions or those with special or blue screen coatings*. You may want to ask your optometrist to remove the lenses for your shoot, or borrow a pair of frames.


*Editing out the glare from blue-screen coatings may incur extra cost.

If you have ideas that you want to incorporate please share them with me! Your photos should reflect your personality!