"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak"
I’m SO excited about your upcoming senior session with me! You’re officially one of my #lsphotoseniors! This guide will provide you with tons of helpful styling tips in order to make your session as amazing and special as it can possibly be. Please read it thoroughly before your session, as most of my most frequently asked questions are answered right here!
As a natural light photographer, I’ve scheduled your session around the time of day that is best for outdoor lighting. If you arrive late, we will have less time to shoot and we may be forced to shoot in lousy lighting, which of course neither of us want!
OUTFIT TIPS
Stuck on what to wear? I'm here to help! Feel free to send photos of your outfits my way, I'd love to help you select the most photogenic pieces and accessories!
WHAT TO WEAR
- Clothes that make you feel beautiful and confident
- Colors that compliment your skin tone
- Layers that provide visual interest and can easily be removed for a few shots
- Outfits that celebrate your unique style and personality
- Accessories such as rings, earrings, necklaces, hats, scarves, etc. that complete your outfits
- A variety of options from casual to dressy
- Clothing that is easy to move in and allows you to easily sit or stand
- Styles that compliment your body type and fit well
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
- Clothing that is wrinkled and full of lint
- The same color for all outfits
- Too many patterns, make sure you have some solids
- Things that are too trendy and not your style
- Styles that are too old for you
- Clothing that is too tight
- Clothing that is too big
- Colored/patterned undergarments that could show through
- The same type of clothing for everything. For example, all dresses or all pants, mix it up.
MORE TIPS TO CONSIDER
1. Think about Movement
Some may think that tight-fitting clothes are more flattering for photos, but the truth is actually the opposite! Outfits that provide movement add variety to your senior photos by giving us more posing options. Fit & flair and maxi dresses are usually a great choice! Here’s a good rule of thumb: if it’s too tight to comfortably sit down in, or if you feel uncomfortable in it, then don’t wear it!
2. Layer Up
Layers are your friend! Some of my very favorite senior outfits have included cardigans, scarves, and denim jackets. They add dimension and movement to your images, and also provide you with more posing options! You can even take it off for a few photos for a bonus look. Extra points if your layer has pockets for you to put your hands in!
3. Avoid "Busy" Prints
Busy patterns can be very distracting in your images! They can also clash with the background of your photos, making locations for us to shoot at much more limited. Try your best to stick to solid colors, two-toned patterns, or small prints. Leave the Lily Pulitzer at home!
Polka dots, vertical stripes, or small floral patterns are great!
4. Be Creative
Just because you’re avoiding busy patterns, doesn’t mean your outfits can’t be fun! Shirts with lace, crotchet, ties, buttons, or ruffles are PERFECT for photos. They add interest without adding distraction! Off-the-shoulder tops can also be very flattering for your senior portraits!
5. Don't Forget the Accessories
Necklaces, belts, headbands, hair scarves, bracelets, hats, and other unique add-ons can add a ton of interest to your photos! They help show off your personality and your interests. Try bringing different accessories for each outfit. You can even switch accessories halfway through photographing one outfit for maximum variety!
6. Mix It Up
When planning your outfits, make sure you have a variety of looks! There are tons of categories to choose from, including casual, dressy, preppy, edgy, school-related, or sports-related! Tons of my seniors opt to bring their cheer uniform, dance leotard, soccer jersey, and more to help show off their interests. I recommend choosing at LEAST 3 different categories to create your outfits. By doing this, you’ll have a huge variety of images!
DRESS FOR THE SEASON
Whether your senior session is in the fall, winter, spring or summer, your wardrobe should reflect both the season and your personality! And the type of clothes you like to wear can help you determine the best season for YOUR senior photo session!
For instance, do you love pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, jeans, boots, scarves and hats? Do you love the beautiful rich colors of fall? Then fall may be the perfect season to tell the story of YOU through your senior photos.
Winter is all about sweaters, warm hats, scarves and maybe a little snow. If bundling up and braving the cold is your favorite season, then winter is just right for you.
Do you love the freshness spring brings? Are pretty floral dresses, sandals, straw hats, spring colors your thing? Then maybe spring is the best season to help tell your story through your senior photos.
Summer is a time of feeling free, being at the beach and dressing in cut off shorts, tanks, sandals and sunglasses. If this sounds like your idea of the perfect season, then summer is right for you.
Whatever season you love the best, is the perfect season for YOU! And thinking about your favorite type of clothes will help you determine the best season for your senior photos!
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT SKIN TONE YOU HAVE?
The paper test - Hold a white piece of paper up to your face.
• If your skin appears yellowish or sallow beside the paper, you have a warm skin tone.
• If your skin appears pink, rosy, or blueish-red, you have a cool skin tone.
• If your skin appears gray, you have skin with a neutral skin tone.
If you have a warm skin tone, you will look best in colors with a warm, golden undertone. Colors such as browns, yellows, oranges, greens and ivory look best. Generally warm skin tones look best with hair color that anges from golden blonde to medium golden brown. Avoid harsh, bright colors such as flourescent yellow, hot pink and lime green.
Celebrity examples with a warm skin tone are Gigi Hadid,
Giselle Bunchen and Jennifer Lopez.
If you have a cool skin tone, you will look best in colors on the cool end of the color wheel specturm. Colors such as blues, emerald green, purples, pinks, grays and whites will look best. Generally cool skin tones look best with hair colors that are cool, ash colors such as platinum blonde or dark colors such as brown or black with blue undertones. Avoid oranges, beige, browns and other warm type colors.
Celebrity examples are Katie Perry, Anne Hathaway, and Gwen Stefani.
A neutral skintone is one in which a mixture of cool and warm tones are present. This skintone is lucky because you can play around with all tones to find ones that work best. Colors that fall in the middle of the color wheel look best such as soft pinks, medium blues and greens as well as neutrals such as taupe and gray.
Celebrity examples are Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE
Bohemian Style
Boho-Chic is a style of fashion with bohemian and hippie influences. It was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s and has come back into style today. With this style, you will see lots of soft, flowy clothes, textures, and layers. Think maxi dresses, hats, and layered jewelry. This style allows you to show off your free spirit!
Key Elements: Ethnic Prints, Textures, Soft Fabrics, Layers, Maxi Dresses and Skirts,
Hats, Layered Jewelry
Favorite Place to Shop for this Style: Free People
Tips For This Style:
• Sheer fabrics are popular with this style so remember nude undergarments.
• Stacked bracelets, lots of rings and headbands can be the perfect accessories to complete this look.
• Layers are a great way to embrace this look with sheer kimonos, vests and fringe
jackets.
Casual Chic Style
Casual Chic is an effortless style that mixes a dressy element with something completely
informal. Think a very femine blouse with distressed jeans or a leather jacket. An
example of someone that has achieved this look is actress, Jennifer Aniston. Casual Chic
means smart and sophisticated.
Key Elements: Tailored Pieces with Jeans, Statement Necklace, Scarves, Fitted Jackets
Favorite Place to Shop for this Style: Shopbop.com
TIPS FOR THIS STYLE:
• Casual means being yourself and wearing what makes you feel comfortable so
remember that when picking clothes that fit this style.
• You can never go wrong with denim! Shorts, skirts or jeans all look great for a casual look.
• Casual doesn’t mean slouchy so make sure to choose items that are comfy but still look polished and chic.
Country Charm Style
Country Charm Style is all about natural elements. This style is best worn in a beautiful field. Cowboy boots paired with dresses or jean shorts and a flowy top work best for this style. Fun, cute and comfortable are what make this style great for senior photos.
Key Elements: Boots, Flowy Dresses, Jeans or Jean Shorts, Hats, Patterns
Favorite Place to Shop for this Style: Altard State
TIPS FOR THIS STYLE:
• To dress up this style, wear a flowy dress or skirt with boots or booties.
• To dress it down for this style, jeans and top looks great.
• Remember to add a hat to complete the country charm look.
• Layer this look with a suede or jean jacket that can easily be removed for a few shots.
Bohemian Style
Boho-Chic is a style of fashion with bohemian and hippie influences. It was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s and has come back into style today. With this style, you will see lots of soft, flowy clothes, textures, and layers. Think maxi dresses, hats, and layered jewelry. This style allows you to show off your free spirit!
Key Elements: Ethnic Prints, Textures, Soft Fabrics, Layers, Maxi Dresses and Skirts,
Hats, Layered Jewelry
Favorite Place to Shop for this Style: Free People
Tips For This Style:
• Sheer fabrics are popular with this style so remember nude undergarments.
• Stacked bracelets, lots of rings and headbands can be the perfect accessories to complete this look.
• Layers are a great way to embrace this look with sheer kimonos, vests and fringe
jackets.
Casual Chic Style
Casual Chic is an effortless style that mixes a dressy element with something completely
informal. Think a very femine blouse with distressed jeans or a leather jacket. An
example of someone that has achieved this look is actress, Jennifer Aniston. Casual Chic
means smart and sophisticated.
Key Elements: Tailored Pieces with Jeans, Statement Necklace, Scarves, Fitted Jackets
Favorite Place to Shop for this Style: Shopbop.com
TIPS FOR THIS STYLE:
• Casual means being yourself and wearing what makes you feel comfortable so
remember that when picking clothes that fit this style.
• You can never go wrong with denim! Shorts, skirts or jeans all look great for a casual look.
• Casual doesn’t mean slouchy so make sure to choose items that are comfy but still look polished and chic.
Country Charm Style
Country Charm Style is all about natural elements. This style is best worn in a beautiful field. Cowboy boots paired with dresses or jean shorts and a flowy top work best for this style. Fun, cute and comfortable are what make this style great for senior photos.
Key Elements: Boots, Flowy Dresses, Jeans or Jean Shorts, Hats, Patterns
Favorite Place to Shop for this Style: Altard State
TIPS FOR THIS STYLE:
• To dress up this style, wear a flowy dress or skirt with boots or booties.
• To dress it down for this style, jeans and top looks great.
• Remember to add a hat to complete the country charm look.
• Layer this look with a suede or jean jacket that can easily be removed for a few shots.
A few things I LOVE in photos
HAIR DOWN
Even if it’s a bit windy, we can get some really beautiful photos with hair blowing in the breeze. Keep a hair tie in your pocket, not on your wrist.
PETS
People and their pets have such a special relationship. You are welcome to bring your dog, just let me know so we have a dog-friendly location.
WHAT TO AVOID!
CLEAVAGE & BRA STRAPS
In my sessions, I incorporate movement and I encourage you to play with your kids. I photograph from all angles both outdoors and at home. The less you are worried about the girls popping out, or fixing your straps, the better.
FAKE TAN
You might feel better with a tan, but more often than not it looks orange in pictures. If there are blotchy parts around your hands/feet/armpits it can be very obvious with my super sharp lenses, and if your whole family is a lovely shade of pale they will do a great job of making you look super unnatural.
HATS
Welcome to bring them for a few shots if you like, but generally, they just put your face in a big shadow, which is their job, but not ideal for portraits.
WATCHES
Once we start our session, I just want you to enjoy it, let me worry about the time! I know you might feel a bit naked without your watch, or you might not be accurately recording your steps for the day, but my photos often incorporate your hand or arms and a big Apple watch can be very distracting.
PHONES AnD KEYS
Avoid the bulge! Remove keys, phones, and wallets from your pockets before the session. You are welcome to stash them in my camera bag.
Of course, I am ALWAYS here to help!
If you need a hand in the weeks/days beforehand, please let me know!
Once you’ve put together a few outfits, I suggest you lay them all out on the bed and shoot me a phone pic at 603-491-4916. If there is something that looks like a total disaster, I can let you know or make suggestions if there is a shirt or pants that could be easily swapped to tie it all together nicely.
Again, if you’re reading this going WHOA too many rules, this is just a guide for those who feel they need some pointers! Please remember, looking like YOU is truly the most important thing here.