Senior Portraits: How to prepare and what to wear

Need help putting outfits together for your upcoming senior session? Here are a few suggestions on clothing (plus hair, make-up, etc...) to help you have a great portrait session creating truly flattering images.

-Keep it simple. Patterns and colors are fun and can enhance an image, but you really want your face and expressions to stand out in your portrait. Avoid wearing tops with logos/pictures/words, and keep the style classic- anything too trendy will date your photographs.

-As a general rule, medium to dark colors a preferable (except those that match your skin tone, which will make you look washed out). They not only slenderize, but they also dont detract attention from your face. For this reason, you may want to make your bottom half (skirt, pant, etc..) darker than your top. Also keep in mind that while bright colors are fun, some really bright colors (lime green, super bright yellows, bright reds, etc...) are very reflective and can affect your skin tone. But remember, above all else, where something that makes you feel confident.

-Bring a variety of color, and change up the style- consider bringing a couple of casual outfits and at least one dressy or semi-dressy outfit that expresses who you are. Its also a good idea to bring at least one outfit that your parents will like.

-Involved in a sport or other activity that requires a uniform? Feel free to bring the uniform for one of your outfits. Equipment/props are okay, too.

-When choosing outfits, we sometimes forget about shoes and accessories, but shoes may be visible in some of your photos, and accessories can be really fun, so consider them when putting your outfits together. 


-If you wear glasses and want them included in your portraits, consider asking your optician to remove the lenses from your frames for the photo session. Most will do this for you at no charge, but give them plenty of notice so there is no rush. This will prevent glare and reflections from the glass. 

-Although it's tempting to tan before a photograph (whether from the sun, salon, or bottle), it's not recommended before a photo session. In fact, load up on sunscreen from head to toe for the few weeks before your session- you'll want to avoid any unflattering tan lines or peeling burns (this goes for you guys, too).

-If you'll be requiring a yearbook photo, make sure to have an appropriate outfit (solid color, semi dressy/dressy, modest neckline and longer sleeves). 




Girls

-For a casual look, consider a fun dress, your favorite jeans, some cute shorts, a trendy sweater, a cute t-shirt, etc... Layers and textures are great, as are accessories (hats, scarves, jewelry- just keep it simple). It's also great to incorporate color and fun prints.


-Dressier looks should be a bit more formal (medium to dark colors, little or no patterns). Most girls opt to wear a dress or a skirt, but dress pants and a blouse works nice, too.

-The camera (or more accurately, the lens) will sometimes exaggerate and distort bare arms and legs, and the eyes will be naturally drawn to the exposed skin and contrasting light. If you are self conscious about these areas, you can minimize them by staying away from strapless and sleeveless tops, and wearing shirts with sleeves and longer shorts/skirts or pants. Remember that short skirts or dresses will limit your posing options, so think about that when choosing outfits. Also, avoid really low or wide necklines, and ill-fitting (too tight or too loose) clothing. 

-Undergarments should match your skin tone, not your clothing. 

-Apply your makeup as you normally look on a day-to-day basis. Dont use foundation/base with SPF- it will make you look shiny. Avoid glitter or anything sparkly – it tends to reflect the flash and leaves white spots. And if you wear lip gloss, apply sparingly. If you need a haircut, do it at least a couple of weeks before the shoot, and ask for your usual style- now is not the time to experiment. Remember to touch up your manicure, as your hands will be visible in many of the images (goes for toe nails, too, if your wearing sandals). Bring brushes/combs and a make-up kit (at least powder) with a mirror for touch ups at your session. For more info on photo makeup, check out this blog post by makeup artist Cara at MaskCara: http://www.maskcara.com/maskcara/2012/11/07/tips-for-photo-makeup/

Guys



-You have lots of options for casual outfits- jeans, khakis, shorts, t-shirts, polo tops, sweaters, etc... Just avoid wearing anything too casual (sweatpants, anything that doesn't fit properly, anything with stains, etc...). Layers are a great option for changing up the look without having to change the whole outfit. Don't forget your favorite hat or jacket.


-If you are going to bring a dressy outfit, a dress shirt and a sweater works great. If you want to wear a dress shirt and tie, wear a colored shirt if you aren't wearing a jacket.

-If you have oily skin, consider bringing some face powder. A little shine can really be exaggerated in a photograph. As long as the color matches your skin tone and you blend it carefully, the powder wont be visible in portraits and it will make your skin look great, yet natural.


-A fresh shave for guys is recommended, and mustaches or beards should be neatly trimmed. Get a haircut at least a week in advance to give your hair a chance to adjust and look natural (now is not the time to try a new look). Also, remember to trim your finger nails (and toe nails, if you'll be wearing sandals). Its a good idea to bring a comb or brush and a mirror.

These are only a few basic guidelines, but hopefully it gives you a general idea of what to wear for a portrait session.

Just remember... some rules are meant to be broken, so don't be afraid to get creative!