I send all my clients a Welcome Guide which answers many frequently asked questions including “What should I wear to my session?”  I am going to outline some helpful guidelines but each senior should remember that first and foremost the session is about you!  What you wear should reflect your style and personality and make you feel good.  With that in mind, please look at the guidelines below as suggestions not hard and fast rules!  And the images I am sharing are purely for inspiration!

Bring at Least Two Outfit Changes

Depending upon you package bring at least two outfit changes. You may want to choose a dressier option and a more casual option to get a good variety of looks.

For girls, consider a flowy dress and a pair of jeans with one or two tops.

I also recommend bringing some make-up and hair styling products for touch ups during the session.

For guys, bring at least two different shirts or tops which will add a nice variety to your images. 

Consider Layers, Accessories and Footwear

Layers and accessories can also be very helpful - a jacket, scarf, jewelry, sweaters, hats, glasses to name a few. These layers can be used during the session as props as well and can really add interest.

Make sure you coordinate your footwear with your outfit.  Of course, if you want to be barefoot in some images that is always fine. 

Think About Fit

It is important that you feel comfortable in whatever clothing you choose.  Make sure your clothes aren’t itchy or too tight. Remember that you may sit for some photos so think about whether your dress, skirt or shorts lend themselves to sitting.  Super tight jeans may also restrict your movement. 

As far as sizing and fit, it is best to have clothing that fits well and close to the body.  If you wear very loose or baggy clothing your clothes will photography big and consequentially you will look larger.

Think About Color and Patterns

Think about what colors flatter your skin tone and eye color and even what season your session is taking place in. 

Avoid neon colors which become oversaturated in photographs and may even create color cast on your skin.

Consider opting for cream instead of white.  White works well as an accent piece, but too much can wash you out. Cream is a lovely neutral alternative that always looks nice in almost any setting and photographs very well.

Think a bit outside the box.  In choosing your color outfit palette consider choosing colors that pop.  Primary colors like red, royal blue, and yellow photograph very well,  Additionally jewel tones like pink, deep purple, and emerald green also look amazing. wash you out in photos.  Deep, rich colors really pop in photos and can really elevate an image. 

Small patterns are fine but generally large or busy patterns or graphics are not as flattering as solids. Remember you will be looking back at these images for a very long time! 

Don’t Forget Your Special Prop!

Please think about any props that you might want to incorporate into the photo session. Do you play lacrosse - bring the stick! Are you a violinist - bring it along! May be you are a dancer - I'd love to have you bring your ballet slippers or take some fabulous images of your dance poses. Are you a football paper - bring the uniform or at least the helmet.

Your prop may also be your pet!  I love incorporating furry family members into some of your images. 

I hope you find this helpful. I cannot wait to photograph you!