Dressing the Part…
Your clothing selections and preparation can be critical for a successful senior session. Detailed below you will find information that should aid you in selecting the proper clothing style, colors, and patterns that I have found work best for creating beautiful portraits.
I highly recommend you bring along any items that you feel represent who you are and your signature style to add your own personal flair to the images. Bring mostly solid colored items. A few prints are ok, especially if it’s your favorite outfit. I don’t want to tell you what you can and cannot wear. I want you to be you! A little sexy is okay, but don’t make all of your outfits that way. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. My philosophy, as long as it is rated PG, it’s ok with me.
Be sure to check out fashion magazines for ideas on hip, funky, trendy. Layers work great because you get more than one look with an outfit. Accessories are what take your session from blah to fabulous! A few ideas for you:
* Girls bring 10-12 outfits – Guys bring 5-8 outfits
* Make sure everything is ironed and on hangers.
* Bring jewelry, accessories, and shoes for every outfit.
* Bring the proper undergarments for each outfit.
* Something different and unique to your style.
Ideas include: Guys – Leather Jacket
Girls - A formal gown or possibly some funky/wild clothing.
* Something classic and timeless.
Ideas include: Guys – Oxford & Khakis, Jacket & Slacks with a tie.
Girls – Solid Sundress, Blouse & Skirt or Slacks.
* A casual outfit that you would wear on a normal day to hang out with friends.
* Bring along at least one outfit that your parents love and you hate.
* Bring along another outfit that you love and your parents hate.
* Prom dresses, sweaters, fur lined hoodies, blue jeans, novelty t-shirts
* Into sports? Don’t forget to bring your uniform!
* Hats! Never under estimate how gorgeous you might look in a cowboy hat, beanie,
winter hat or scarf.
* Be sure your bring things that show your personality. Like to read? Bring books.
Like to listen to music? Bring your personal CD player or ipod.
Hair & Make-up
For the girls…
Your images will look better if you wear makeup, even if you don’t normally wear it.
Face: Foundation and powder are what gives you that polished flawless skin.
Eyes: Since many of your portraits will concentrate on your eyes, please make sure your eyeliner is straight and there are
no clumps in your eyelashes. PLEASE wear mascara. Failing to do so will make you look like you have no eyelashes
whatsoever in your portraits. Make sure you have well groomed eyebrows for a polished look.
Lips: This is another thing that will take your photographs from ordinary to wow! Take the time to do your lips with color
and shine every time you change your outfit. Pale shades of lipstick do not photograph well because they make your lips
blend into your skin.
Touch ups: Be sure to bring at least lipstick and powder to your session. As well as a brush, hair clips, etc. for hair changes.
For the girls and the guys…
Acne: All portraits that you purchase will have basic retouching done to them, so you don’t have to worry about a couple
pimples. While acne can be removed, having clear skin to start with always produces better portraits than ones that have
had to be heavily retouched.
Hair: Now is not the time to go blonde when you’ve been brunette for the last 17 years. You should plan a trip to the salon
for a cut and to freshen up your hair color if needed but you should not make any drastic changes to your look right before
your senior portraits.
Nails: File your nails and apply pale or clear polish. At the very least remove chipped and peeling nail polish
Want More?
For more detailed information on dressing for your upcoming senior session I’ve developed the What to Wear Guide {Senior GIRLS Edition} and the What to Wear Guide {Senior GUYS Edition} . Loaded with images from past sessions as well as a listing of my favorite clothing retailers, this is the definitive guide to dressing for your session!
