What do I wear?! What colors? How fancy? How Trendy? How casual?
Seniors…. this is your chance to be you! And be the most beautiful version of you.
I am a firm believer that you should look like you! But I also want to make these photos really amazing and unique to your personality, and please keep in mind you only get to/ have to take these photos once in your life, so taking it up a notch really makes a difference
The first thing you should consider, is your skin tone. Are your skin tones warm or are they cool? And what colors look good on you and what colors will go with the environment you’ll be shooting in. (Also, being tan, doesn’t necessarily mean you are warm skin toned)
Please avoid neon colors. They don’t photograph all well. If you love neon, please consider a more muted version of that color.
Most seniors choose to have three or four outfit changes.
- A more formal dressy outfit….and if dressy means wearing a formal gown, lace or chiffon dresses, bow ties, suits I’m all for that, in fact I think they are the most fun kids have, because they feel “unique”
- A more casual outfit ….jeans and shirts, maybe something more trendy) (please avoid anything with logos)
- Something that has something to do with your high school activities/ hobbies or interests. (this is really really optional) While I encourage you to have photographs with letterman jackets, etc, I don’t encourage you to make that the center of your photoshoot. While these activities are a huge part of your life, they are not normally what will be hanging on the wall.
- Accessories can really make a photo pop. Hats and scarves (if it’s cold) jewelry. Statement pieces. Bright shoes.
Where do I shop?
Since your style is definitely part of you and budget is probably something you’re keeping in mind, there are so many places you can shop. As teenagers, American Eagle, The Buckle, Aeropostle, H&M…. the usual outlet stores are very popular. Keep in mind there is a chance that others will be wearing the same clothes as you. (Which isn’t a bad thing, but sometimes hard to look unique.
I do, recommend online shopping…..IN AVANCE! (girls I know you love shopping) There are SO many choices out there. And small shops. They tend to have different styles that not everyone has.
I also suggest looking on Poshmark, Tredup or try some thrift stores (guys that can be really fun and it happens to be really trendy right now)
Please try to buy quality clothing that flows well (there are a lot of cute outfits on amazon, but the material is really difficult to make look nice in photos and often they don’t fit properly)
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- TRY YOUR CLOTHES ON before the shoot. And IRON or steam them. I know this seems like something I shouldn’t have to remind you of. Also, while I was huge fan of short skirts as a teenager, please have spandex shorts on underneath so you are able to sit. I don’t feel the need for you to be perfectly styled, and there are little fixes we can do here and there, but since it is something you’ve probably been preparing for…. for a while, please take a bit of time in advance to make it awesome with me. Also, shop a head of time. Try not to be picking out things the night before, it’s causes a bit of panic most of the time.
- Make sure your undergarments are appropriate for what you are wearing (make sure you can’t see through your clothes!!!)
- Have variety in your clothing choices. Something classic. Something trendy. Something that signifies the times. Something that will sustain through the times.
- I want to capture your personality. I want to make it fun. And I can help you pick your colors and combinations that work well together. If you want your hair done, I can recommend someone as well as makeup. But it is not necessary at all.
- PLEASE don’t have your hair cut the day before, or even that week. If you need help with certain colors, please feel free to send me photos (text) or even FaceTime with me. If you really need it, I will come into your closet and pick it all out for you or help you shop!
- Apple watches: please remove them, and if your pictures are coming up soon, try to avoiding tanning with it on, as I will likely not edit tan lines.
I want you to be you. (Have I mentioned this!!!??) In this moment in life. Senior year only happens once in a lifetime.
They will be photos that not only you look back on, but also parents and grandparents, friends and family. Let’s make them amazing!!!!
THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU:
- Comb, Pick, Brush… whatever you use for your hair
- Blanket, jacket and walkable shoes. If it’s cold you’ll want to be covered up until we shoot. If we have to walk (we normally do) it will be better to have shoes that you won’t break an ankle in. You can change when we shoot.
- Lip gloss, chapstick (boys too, dry lips are kinda gross in photos) Lipstick, extra makeup.
For more examples and awesome senior photos… check out my portfolio here.