senior Style Guide
You look amazing!
It’s your senior year, and you’re getting ready for your senior portrait session. So exciting! Here are some top tips on how to prepare for your senior session. Careful planning and teamwork are a big part of what makes a senior session successful.
Let’s get started!
WHAT TO WEAR
Okay, so the big question is: What do I wear for my photo shoot? Planning ahead with your clothing will make for a successful shoot and gorgeous images. Here are some suggestions for selecting outfits:
Wear You:
This shoot is all about you: your style, your personality, your senior year. Wear clothes that make you feel great! Go shopping if you need to! Buy something new that you love! Bring along what makes you look and feel fabulous.
Consider color:
You can never go wrong when choosing neutrals for your outfit. Start with these neutral colors: denim, black, white, or gray. Then, you can add color to that! But if bright color is your thing, bring that too! Having a variety of options with you on the shoot day allows us to create a beautiful variety of images that make you look great.
Consider movement:
Ladies, bring a dress you can twirl in. We promise you: it will make for some fantastic photos.
Include layers:
It's always a good idea to consider layers, especially in the colder months. A sweater or jacket would look great over a cute top, and we can quickly make 2 different looks with them without a clothing change!
Accessorize:
Adding or removing accessories can completely alter the appearance of an outfit without changing your entire style! Consider hats, shoes, scarves, bracelets, statement necklaces, earrings, and ties for your hair. Options are great, so bring more than you think you'll need!
Variety:
Make sure you have a range of styles to choose from. Consider the following classifications: dressy, casual, edgy, fashionable, school- or sports-related, etc. Also consider interesting textures (leather jackets, fur vests, lace, sheers, sequins, etc.).
Don’t forget the basics:
Be sure to bring suitable footwear that matches each outfit. Ladies, remember to bring a strapless bra if you want to wear a strapless top or dress; and be sure your undergarments match your skin, so they don’t show through.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR:
Don’t bring clothing that is wrinkled. Pack carefully, keep everything tidy, and don't cram it all into a bag.
Busy patterns — camo, plaid, etc. — unless it’s a fashion statement that expresses you.
Bra straps that are visible or brightly colored.
Clothes with large logos or lettering.
Worn-out or dirty footwear.
Excessively revealing skirts, dresses, or shorts.
Too many outfits of the same style or color.
Clothing with dog or cat hair! If you have pets, make sure to clean your clothes before coming (especially darks) and bring a lint roller.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
For ladies, your hair and makeup are an important component of a senior session! Even light makeup can help hide blemishes, accentuate your eyes and lips, and improve the final photos.
If you plan to have your hair and makeup done by a professional, make sure to schedule those appointments well in advance and pick a time that will allow for some flexibility if the styling takes longer than expected. (Here’s a list of some hair and makeup stylists near our studio in NW Portland.)
If you're used to no makeup, or just a light tinted moisturizer with mascara, don't go for big false lashes, deep contour, and overdrawn lips; you won't feel like yourself. But remember that even light makeup can help photos look great by hiding blemishes and accentuating your eyes and lips. Do whatever makes the most sense to you and will make you feel confident in your photos!
If you're doing your own makeup, make sure your foundation matches your skin well, and that you blend it in at the edges. Be sure to bring a simple touch-up kit, too, in case you need to reapply your lips or touch-up a blemish, or address some shine. If you have frizzy hair, bring some anti-frizz spray and/or hairspray to apply during the shoot.
Don’t forget your nails too (both fingers and toes)!
Other things to consider bringing:
Touch-up stuff: lipstick, makeup, blotting paper.
A comb or brush and hairspray. If your hair is frizzy, bring anti-frizz spray!
An easy way to carry your things. Bags, hangers, etc. But please don't stuff all your clothes into a bag and wrinkle them!
Hair ties or accessories, if you want different hairstyles.
A parent or friend to help carry your things.
PROPS
Props help you showcase what’s important in your life right now. They can greatly enhance a photograph and help tell your story. Consider bringing sports equipment, jerseys, uniforms, medals, musical instruments, dance shoes and leotards, books, vehicles, signs, well-behaved pets, hobbies, etc.
If you do bring a pet, you'll need to bring a few additional items: a leash or cage, treats, and aperson to care for your pet while they’re not being photographed.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS
If your photographer allows it, bring a friend or family member along to your session. (At FritzPhoto, we love including friends and family—and it’s free!) Be sure that whoever comes with you comes ready to be photographed. Don't let your mom wear her house slippers and jammies! A beautiful photo with your parent, sibling, or best friend is a fun addition to any senior photo session.
Inspiration
Now that you have all our best tips and tricks, here are some photos related to clothing, accessories, props, and hair and makeup:
Thank you for requesting our
Senior Style Guide!
We hope you find our Senior Style Guide helpful as you plan for your senior photos. At FritzPhoto, we love creating a unique experience that leaves every senior happy and excited. Our senior photo sessions are personalized, stress-free, and fun, and you’ll love working with us.
As a thank-you for signing up for our Senior Style Guide, we’d like to offer you a $30 discount on any of our senior portrait packages! Just mention the code STYLE30 when you book.
rEADY FOR YOUR SENIOR Photo EXPERIENCE?
Let’s get started!
At FritzPhoto, we offer breath-taking senior pictures, friendly service, and amazing memories from your senior year. What more could you want? Click below to learn more about us, or contact us now to reserve your session!