What to wear to your senior session
Man oh man. I know it can feel kind of daunting to pick what to wear for photos. Here are a few guidelines I’ve put together so you can be sure to look like your best self while still making sure the images are focused on you, not what you’re wearing. Keep in mind - this is just what I’ve found to work best from trial and error from past shoots, they’re only guidelines, not rules!
Make sure it makes sense
Think about the conditions and locations we are going to be shooting in and plan around it. If we are going to be hiking through the forest, bring shoes with good grip that you won’t twist your ankles in (ps heels are almost always a bad idea in most scenarios, unless you’re freakishly good at walking in them haha). If it’s cold outside, bring lots of layers and warm clothes with wool socks and boots. If it’s going to be hot, bring clothes that can breathe so you don’t have sweaty pit stains in the photos. Be as comfortable as you can be!
Movement
Like I said, make sure that the materials you wear will keep you comfortable during the shoot not only temperature-wise but also for being able to move around in. If you're in brand new jeans that are still stiff and tight, you might be distracted during the shoot. I recommend bringing clothes that are a little "broken in" so that you'll be as comfortable as possible.
Colors
I typically recommend sticking with neutrals and earthy tones. Neutrals doesn’t mean just grays and browns, there are neutrals of every color (think mustard yellow, olive green, navy blue, maroon, etc.). Stay away from fluorescent, distracting colors. The only colors I specifically recommend staying away from are neon pink & neon orange. Pastels or again, earthy versions of these colors are totally ok though!
Patterns
Florals & dainty patterns are usually safe bet! Otherwise I suggest avoiding any large patterns as they can be distracting. Also, be sure to iron or dry your clothes before so there’s not huge wrinkles distracting from your face either!
Side note: also avoid wearing a watch or hair-tie on your wrist so they don’t distract from your face when I’m getting close up shots!
Pets
If you have a family dog that you’re super close to, feel free to incorporate them in the shoot. Just make sure that someone can watch them or take them home once they are finished. Pups aren’t usually huge fans of having to constantly sit and stay for the duration of a photoshoot.
It’s also a good idea to make sure they have treats & water!
Accessories & Props
If you wear jewelry, make sure you have it picked out for each outfit beforehand so that you’re not scrambling to put everything together right before your shoot.
Also feel free to bring along anything that expresses what you like. If you play an instrument, bring it! If you play a sport, let me know if you want to incorporate it! If you’re a dancer, I can photograph you showing off your sweet moves! ;) I want this to be personal to you, so feel free to get creative!
Hair + Make up
If you want to elevate your session even more, you can have your hair & make up done by a professional for your session. If you’re thinking that’s totally not you, trust me, I get it. No worries & absolutely no pressure. BUT your regular hair & makeup routine most likely will not translate the same in photos as it does it real life. If you’re wanting your hair & make up to stand out, just give it a chance & let yourself be a little extra for the day! Ask me for recommendations if you need them!
That’s it!
If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to let me know! If you’re still freakin’ out about what to wear, feel free to shoot me a pic or two of what you’re thinking! But overall, just wear what you’re comfortable in and feel like you in. A pair of Vans you’ve had since 8th grade? Great. A sweater you feel cozy in? Awesome. A pair of your moms old overalls? Perfect. You do you, and I promise the photos will turn out amazing.