You’ve searched and found the right photographer for your senior casual photoshoot. You’ve booked your session, your hair and makeup artist/stylist and now you wonder….what do I wear? This is probably the number ONE question I am asked in my pre-session consultations. I’m hoping that this blog post will answer some of those questions for you and at least will give you a starting point to start planning your wardrobe!
Your Choice of Style
The number ONE rule is be YOUrself! While this is just a general list, take into account that you want your senior casuals to reflect YOU and your style. If any of these suggestions go against your personal style then I say “let’s break the ‘rules.'” That’s what makes your session unique and all about YOU! Choose clothing that is true to your style and makes you confident.
- Plan Outfits In Their Entirety. Every look should be styled from head to toe. From the actual outfit to the shoes, jewelry and props, make sure that you a not missing anything on your session day. I suggest packing everything together according to outfits as well. This makes things so much easier when we are changing on location.
- While your senior casual session is a great excuse to go shopping for new outfits, this doesn’t have to be the case. Wear clothing that you are comfortable in and represent you!
- I LOVE layers. Denim jackets, scarves, open, button-down shirts, ties, and hats can be used to change the look of any outfit and gives you more variety.
- Go for classic clothing and jewelry. Simple is always better. Try to avoid clothing and jewelry that will date your portraits in the future. Solid colors always photograph best and draw attention to your face and not what you are wearing. I want to attention to be on YOU and not your outfits. This is one rule that can be broken though! BE YOU!
- Wear clean and ironed clothing. If you choose clothing that wrinkles easily, I suggest dressing at your session location to eliminate wrinkles from riding in the car to your session. Wrinkles, especially, can be very difficult to remove in post production. Also double check your outfits for stains, rips or tears.
- Try on your outfits the night before! Make sure that you wear the proper undergarments as well. Do a 360 in front of the mirror, move around the room, sit and walk in your clothing to see how your clothing fits and moves with you. I also suggest you sending me a few shots of you wearing your outfits so we can make any last minute changes before your session day. Proper undergarments are VITAL! Make sure they are not visible when moving in your outfits. These can be very difficult to remove in post production and may incur a small fee to remove.
- Bring both causal and more formal attire. A variety in clothing always leads to more variety in your session images.
- You want your hair and makeup to highlight your natural beauty. Avoid going too heavy on your makeup and not looking like yourself. A little extra blush or eye makeup can help from appearing washed out in your images but don’t stray too far from your normal routine. Make sure your have lipstick even if you don’t normally wear any at all. A light, even neutral shade, will enhance and give you a more polished look.
- Check your nails and make sure they are neatly trimmed and manicured. I use hands in a lot of poses, especially headshots and with props. A natural manicure, with clear or light polish always photographs nicely.
- SMILE!
- Bring some props! Sunglasses, caps, hats and jackets are always fun! Think of your outside interests and lets find a way to incorporate those.
Here are a few things to avoid but remember! BE YOU! These rules can be broken if they reflect you and your style!
- Don’t wear anything that is too short or low cut. I shoot with a lot of movement. You will be sitting, leaning, and walking in many of your shots and if you are uncomfortable, it will show in your images. If you are wearing a too short skirt and low cut top, you will be more focused on adjusting these things than relaxing. These things will also limit poses that we can do. I feel that high school seniors should look like high school seniors and I will avoid certain poses if I feel they will photograph more mature.
- Avoid sleeveless tops, especially if you are self conscious of your arms. Bare arms can draw the attention away from your face. Eyes naturally go to the lightest area of an image and we want that to be your face, not your arms.
- Avoid glittery makeup and overly glossed lips. This type of makeup reflects the sun and can make you look sweaty! A soft, matte finish is always best.
- Don’t wear overly branded clothing or outrageous graphic tees. This is one of those rules that can be broken, just don’t do it on every outfit.
- Don’t be shy about your preferences! This is about you. Share your ideas with me and tell me if you don’t want to do something that I suggest.
- Don’t get a haircut the day before your session. Give your hair a few days to lie naturally again following a haircut.
Here are a few ideas for my girls! Both Hadley and Saige had a good mix of dressy and casual and we were able to choose locations that brought out the colors and styles of their clothing choices and gave them variety in their final images for prints and products such as albums.
Here’s a few from Seth’s session where he chose a more formal look and then casual!
Hopefully this gives you a starting point on planning for your session! Ready to schedule you session with Amy Beckley Photography? Make sure to fill out a contact form and I’ll be in touch! Let’s start planning!
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