What to wear for Senior Photos


My goal as a Senior Portrait Photographer is to create a fun, stress-free Senior experience that you can remember forever. The first questions my seniors ask me is "What do I wear to my photo session"? My general answer is "I want you to be comfortable by wearing clothes that expresses who you are". My next answer is "I have a Style Guide" that is more specific and should answer most questions about what to wear to your Senior Photo Shoot and more.. Before you read through the list, I want to call attention to my very first style tip. It's sooooo important... HAVE CONFIDENCE!!! I cannot express this enough!!! Believe that you are beautiful and special.. Own it!! And just be yourself. Without confidence, the most perfect outfit is a wasted effort. See how simple the above senior is dressed? I love how she is owning it like she's walking the red carpet... It's one of my favorite photo's.


  1. HAVE CONFIDENCE.. YOU ARE AWESOME!!! Okay, now let's talk about clothes and stuff..
  2. Solid colors photograph better that patterns. Patterns are okay as long as they are not too busy and distract from your face
  3. Bold colors can also be a bit distracting like hot pink.. to be safe, just go with light neutral colors like tan, off white, blue, green, pink. Black is always safe as well. However, if you love the color red wear it. This is about you and your senior photo session so we can make a statement with it.
  4. If you are wearing multiple outfits, combine dressy with casual.
  5. Heels are always good to add height and elongate legs. But, again if you are not a heel kind of person, don't wear them. Same goes with a dress.
  6. If you do your own hair and make-up, it is best to apply your make-up a little heavier and in natural light since natural light is what we are photographing in.
  7. For hair, I would recommend wearing it down for the photo session for more versatility with the senior poses.
  8. Don't forget about your nails. There will be close-up poses that will show the little details.
  9. Things to bring for your Senior Portrait Session: Water, comfortable shoes for walking, comb/brush, lip gloss. Feel free to bring a friend, a pet, parents, siblings. Whatever will make you feel the most comfortable.
  10. Okay... Senior boys who have been dragged by your mom to the senior photo session... I didn't forget about you. Most of these tips also apply to you give or take. Hey, maybe you wear high heels and that is who you are. If you have long hair, I recommend wearing it down but if you would rather wear it up go for it.


That is about it! If you book a Senior Photo Session, you will get my complete guide to hopefully eliminate any questions you might have. I'm always available to answer any questions about your senior portrait session as well. I try my best to take the stress out of your Senior Portrait experience so you can just relax and have fun!!


See my examples of a couple Senior Portrait Sessions I did that were completely different but they both worked perfectly for them. The first two were in complete nature so her outfit, colors and style fit the surroundings and her personality. The last two were a city senior session and the red was amazing with her guitar and the architecture. It just depends on you and your style. Everyone is different and my tips are just that "tips". You be you and if bold colors are what you prefer then that is what you should do. Maybe choose red instead of hot pink for your senior session. If you like patterns, just keep them subtle so there is no distraction from your face.