What To Wear - Girl’s Senior Session
Needing a little direction on what to wear for your upcoming senior session? I have all the tips…
Making it to your senior year of high school is undoubtably your biggest accomplishment thus far. Congratulations! This is the perfect time to commemorate 18 years of learning, growth, self-development, friendships, and soul-searching. Let’s capture who you have come to be before your next big adventure takes off!
As a Seattle photographer, I encourage all seniors to come to their session with authenticity, reflecting on how they can best represent the different facets of themselves. Senior sessions with Stephanie George Photography include three outfits to showcase different parts of your personality and offer variety in the look and feel of your senior portraits.
During your session, you’ll spend about 15 mins in each outfit with a 5 min break in-between to change. When packing outfits, consider wearing items that could wrinkle easily first, then think about which outfits will be easiest to transition between (will you need a trip to a restroom for a complete outfit change or can you wear undergarments which allow you to slip into another shirt or dress easily?). Pack items in a simple to carry tote bag and/or enlist a parent to carry your clothes on hangers.
As you think about your clothing selections, the number one priority is feeling comfortable and confident. Try on outfits before your session - check yourself out in the mirror and strut your stuff! Self-confidence goes a long way in avoiding those “in front of the camera” nerves. Remember to smile, laugh and not take yourself too seriously - just be yourself.
The following are a few “categories” you can think about when selecting what to wear to maximize variety.
What to wear - senior girl; “Senior’s choice.”
This outfit should reflect your true personal style - fun, comfy, or simply your go-to clothing choice. When you look back on your high school years, you’ll want to remember what was in style and what made you feel “at-home” while at school or out and about. Don’t overthink it! Are you Sporty? Trendy? Casual? Your authentic style will be a good reminder of this particular time in your life. Although our goal is to keep your senior portraits looking timeless, there is nothing wrong with being able to look back and remember the current trends and your favorite things to wear. Choose a staple from your closet that makes you feel confident and uniquely you!
“Special occasion” or “parent’s choice”
For your second outfit, ask yourself, “What would Mom want me to wear?” Don’t roll your eyes, I promise, this is not about trying to earn brownie points with Mom. However, moms typically choose classic, timeless attire that looks great. They watched you grow for 18 years, and they know what compliments you.
If “mom” no longer has an influence on your attire, think about what you might wear to an outdoor wedding, a nice dinner party, or for your “Sunday best”. There aren’t that many occasions to dress up anymore, so what better time to do so than when celebrating this milestone year.
Think about what flatters your figure and makes you look like a million bucks. Consider which colors look best with your skin tones or bring out your eyes. Colors found in nature (olive, mustard, dark blue, burnt orange, and navy or softer colors like periwinkle, rose, coral, cream, lavender or sea green) look great in outdoor environments, while neon and primary colors can cast unflattering color on your skin and draw attention away from our primary subject - you!
“Hobby, interest, or future plans”
For your third outfit, it’s time to get personal and make sure your senior photos reflect your personal interests, your favorite things to do, or where you are headed or where you are. What item could you bring that would give a nod to your hobby of choice? Sports are always easy to incorporate by simply bringing a ball, gear, or jersey. If your interests lie more in books, games, music or other special interests, we can incorporate these items by photographing you interacting with them or by snapping a few detail shots of you holding them. Showcasing your future plans can be done by bringing a pennant from your college of choice or wearing a sweatshirt or t-shirt that announces where you’ll be going next. Likewise, you can pay tribute to the high school you are graduating from by wearing a school jersey, t-shirt or sweatshirt.
Final tips on what to wear to look polished and ready to go
While it’s important to look yourself for your senior photos, professional makeup is recommended. Even if you are not the type to wear makeup normally, a professional can smooth out skin tones, minimize pores or blemishes, and create a natural, soft look that draws attention to your eyes and/or mouth. Book a makeup artist or makeup salon in advance and discuss the look you are going for. You can bring pictures of the styles you like for clear communication with the artist.
Your hands are also highly likely to be in your photos. Hands are often placed on the hips or around the face and neck. Consider getting a manicure or removing any chipped fingernail polish. On the day of your session, remove hair bands from your wrists and if you normally wear friendship bracelets or a watch decide whether you want them included in your portraits.
Lastly, consider your shoes. Although many of your senior portraits will be cropped mid-thigh or higher, your shoes will show for sitting poses and some full-length walking poses. While stylish, you also want to be comfortable and able to easily walk between locations.
After deciding what to wear for your senior photos, remember the most important thing to put on is your smile!
Your senior portrait session is a time to have fun and celebrate a big accomplishment. You have spent 18 years defining who you are and you’ll change a lot over the next 18. Take the time to honor this stage of life. You won’t regret it!
