How to Find Outfits for Senior Portraits
Finding the best outfit ideas for your portraits
The struggle is real. What do I wear for my senior session? How many different outfits should I wear? What colors? What styles? How do I find clothes that reflect my personality and my style?
Working with each of my clients to find those ideal outfits is one of the most rewarding parts of being a senior photographer in Houston, Texas. During my pre-session consultation with each high school senior, we walk through each of these questions to help you identify not only the best style for you, but we discussion to find the best colors for them, as well as how they will look at our nature or urban locations.
Your color palette of skin, eyes and hair are all considerations when you’re in front of the camera. Here are a few quick tips to help you make the best decisions on what color and types of outfits you should wear.
1. Variety, variety, variety! Yes, this is important whether there are three, four, five or six session outfits. Make sure you have a variety of styles and colors. Ideas might include picking from the following: beautiful dress, jumpsuit, matching top and bottom, jeans with a cute top, shorts set, romper, flowy skirt and top, maxi dress, jacket with pants, sweater with pants. It’s best to pick a variety of these rather than repeat the same type of outfit.
2. Match your personality. While it’s important to keep your clothing comfortable, your selection should match your personality and your personal style. You may think twice about using something super trendy or considered to be fashionably in style. These may not always photograph or pose well. Modern, fresh and classic never go out of style.
3. Monochromatic outfit. This is a wonderful option for your session. This refers to a color scheme that is a comprised of variations of one color. Pick a particular color that works well with your coloring, find a shade darker of that particular color, and then a lighter version of that particular color. Think about including at least one outfit that is on the monochromatic side. Choose a color from either the warm or cool tone that looks best on you.
4. New outfit. Think about an outfit that is a bit more special. Something you specifically picked out for your portraits that will make you feel fabulous. My exclusive partnership with a local boutique allows you to be outfitted with two new outfits and jewelry for your senior session at no cost to you. I love offering this for my students to help take the stress out of shopping.
5. Solids are a win! As a photographer I love solid colors. Why? Solid colors tend to flatter the subject rather than being an eye distraction. If the clothing has a busy pattern all over it, sometimes it can distract from the real subject, which is you! Does this mean I can’t have any prints on my outfits? No, patterns can work great as long as they aren’t too busy and they fit the background and location. Sometimes it’s fun to build a session location around a fun and uniquely printed outfit.
6. Finding your seasonal color palette and identifying what style looks best on your body type for the trends can be fun.
Have you ever taken a minute to have a color analysis done on your skin tones, hair, color, and eye color? There are a ton of great resources on YouTube where you can find out what colors looks best on you, and flatter your skin tone. These are some great resources to help you pick the right colors for your wardrobe. Warm versus cool. Every color has different hues that are either warm or cool so all colors can be worn but some shades of those colors will look better with your coloring.
7. Considering things not to wear. Neon colors aren’t flattering, they don’t photograph well and they don’t stay true in photos. Too much white is never a good idea for your outfits so think about pairing with some other colors to add a layered look. Always wear clothing you love. If you don’t like it, don’t wear it. This is so very important. What you feel great in and you’ll look amazing wearing and it will show in your final portraits.
Want more ideas? Check out my What to Wear Wednesday highlights on Instagram for your outfits. Click here. Delynn Photography Instagram I’d love to visit with you about your senior session and work with you to capture something totally unique featuring you! Now Booking Senior Sessions!
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Thank you for visiting my blog. I would love to hear comments and questions. Feel free to reach out to me.
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