SENIORS
What to Wear Guide for seniors
Your senior portraits define who you are!! This is your opportunity to express your style and personality. Always Portraits embraces the upbeat styles from teens today. Listed below are some guidelines that will help you put together a minimum of 4-6 outfits for your session.
Traditional yearbook portraits – Most of the high schools in our area have photographers that come in and capture these, but if you need one, or were just not happy with the others, please follow these guidelines for the best looking image.
Guys; Choose a solid colored dress shirt and tie, sports coat or a suit jacket. You do not need to wear dress slacks; they will not show in the portraits!
Girls; choose a solid colored dress, sweater, turtleneck or blouse. Colors to avoid are orange, red, hot pink and white. Choosing a darker or neutral color with a simple neckline will work best.
Informal portraits; (My FAVORITE) These sessions are held on-location to be determined by you and the photographer. Taking time to put together 4-6 outfits prior to your session will make things go smoothly and allow for more variety in your session. All clothing must be pressed and on hangers. This is not a last minute thing! If clothes are in a bag, they will not be worn as this adds more editing work for the photographer to make your portraits look their best.
Guys; if you are going to get your hair trimmed; have it done about a week before your session.
When choosing 4-6 outfits include your favorite jeans, letter jacket, polo’s or shirts. Layered looks work really well for guys, so a coordinating t-shirt with long sleeve button up shirt is good, and then maybe a jacket. Solid colors work best, try to avoid white and lots of busy prints or graphics. It’s alright to bring those favorite logo t-shirts as long as you have a variety of other shirts to choose from.
Hats are a great thing to bring as well, but remember not to wear it to your session to keep from getting hat hair prior to your session.
Shoes; bring a few styles that you are comfortable in. Brand new white will stand out, so choose shoes that will compliment your outfits.
If you are involved in sports, music or anything that requires equip. and would like to have photographs with your equipment, go ahead and bring it! Make sure to bring your jerseys as well.
Your session fee includes minor retouching, so don’t worry about a few blemishes. A fresh shave before your session will make you look great!!
Lastly, relax and have fun! You are going to love your senior portraits!
Girls; don’t try a new hairstyle the day before your session! We do not want you to look back later and wonder why you changed your hair and don’t look “right” to yourself. If you want to touch up your highlights and get a trim, do it at least a week before your session, just don’t try the new color this time. 
Accessories such as jewelry, scarves, hats, heels and belts are wonderful compliments to outfits. Make sure to put coordinating accessories in small Ziploc bag with the matching outfit to make them easily accessible during your session.
Sally is anxious to try combining dressy with an urban flare, so bring your prom dress, gown or something beautiful you would not think would go well with and urban session!
Choose at least one pair of nice darker denim jeans as well as your favorite ripped jeans or shorts, a nice blouse or sweater, a cute jacket or spring dress and your favorite top.
When putting together your outfits, try to make one of them something your mom loves, even if you don’t! Everything else can be your style, your flare; just don’t forget what mom loves.
If you love something like flip-flops or tanks, that’s great! Just try to bring a variety of other choices as well, and be sure that some of your tops have sleeves. T-shirts, polo’s and button ups are all great options! I love my sleeveless tops as much as the next girl, but photographs can make our arms appear larger sometimes, so be sure you are ready with different types of shirts; however a tank-top underneath will make clothing changes on location a breeze!
Make-up; when applying your make up for the session; be sure to use a little more foundation than you normally would. Makes sure this is a fresh application before your session, and bring your makeup case with powder and lip-gloss for touch ups.
When applying your mascara, be careful to avoid clumps. Fake eyelashes are a great way to make your eyes stand out, just be sure that the day of your session isn’t the first time you try to apply them.
I’m an all natural gal most of the time, but even if you do not normally wear makeup, please apply some foundation, mascara and lip gloss. This will make your portraits look beautiful! Minor retouching is included in your session fee, so don’t worry about blemishes.
Lastly; relax and have fun! You are going to love your senior portraits!!
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