April 6, 2019

What Should I Wear? | Go to Guide for Senior Portraits

What Should I Wear?

That is the big question when planning your Senior Portrait Session. Not to worry! Here is your Go to Guide for Senior Portraits.

Best Saratoga NY Senior Portrait Photographers
Loved Sutton’s outfit–the hat is from my personal stash of items.

We always recommend that our Senior Portrait clients bring several different outfits for their Senior Portraits.  We like to make sure you have a wide variety of choices for both your yearbook photo and anything you would like to print.

I personally like simple clothing in portraits because it does not distract from the face and does not become dated too quickly.  My goal as a portrait photographer has always been to create art that people want to keep on display in their homes forever.  We have all seen portraits in peoples’ homes where you look at them and think, “What on earth were they thinking when they chose that outfit?”  So with that in mind, here are some of my suggestions for your Senior Portrait Session:

Ballston Spa NY Senior Portraits
A casual, solid color top with jeans is great because you are focused on this lovely young lady’s face, not her clothes.  Her eyes and smile are dazzling.
Senior Portraits Glens Falls NY
Teal is Ainsley’s color–it picks up the color of her eyes! Again, the classic simplicity of this outfit makes for a great portrait.

Don’t forget to iron your clothes!  Wrinkles can ruin your look!

Glens Falls Senior Portraits
Love this portrait of Ben from last year. Simple button down shirt and that guitar!
Albany NY Senior Portrait
Corduroy jacket with white T shirt and Khakis with the perfect necklace.

Fabric texture can add visual interest without being too distracting.

Senior Portraits Ballston Spa NY
Late day in a downtown location can be really interesting for Senior Portraits. The vertical lines and the colors here were perfect.
Albany NY Senior Portraits
This location had a lot going on, so we kept the clothing relatively simple with just a pop of color.

Go easy on the graphics:

Clifton Park Senior Portrait
I love this shirt because while it has the flag as an element, it does not dominate the photo. Great choice!
Upstate NY High School Senior Portrait
Great choice for a graphic shirt. The pattern is interesting but not overwhelming and the pocket placement is perfect.  And the pants and shoes were on point!
Senior Portraits Glens Falls
This print works because it is small and black and white. We chose a simple black backdrop so as not to compete with everything else going on here.

Watch necklines and the overall cut and fit of your clothing.  Again, you want to draw attention to your face, not the clothing.  We also move a lot, so you don’t want anything too tight.

Clifton Park Senior Portraits
Love the neckline on this shirt!
Ballston spa NY High School Senior Girl Portrait
The neckline on this is fabulous as well. Love the blue against the green background.
High School Sr Portraits
There is a lot going on with this screen in the background, so the clothing really needed to be a little subdued.
Averill Park Senior Portraits
I really loved the way the fur on this parka framed Gianna’s face.

I love photographing bold colors, especially outdoors.

Schuylerville Senior Portraits
Don’t be afraid of color! Bella brought this shirt, which I love!
Averill Park Senior Portraits
A jean jacket is a wonderful accessory to include because it will look great with almost anything.

Bring something that reflects your interests in athletics or dance:

Shenendehowa Senior Portrait
Let’s Dance.
High School Senior Portrait Saratoga NY
Frank brought his football uniform and we had some fun with it.  He looks pretty fierce, doesn’t he?

High School Senior Portraits Upstate NY

Go to Guide for Senior Portraits Photo
Jump!

Do you love your Prom dress?  Bring it!

High School Prom Photo Saratoga NY
Why not do a portrait in formal attire in a beautiful setting like Yaddo?
Senior Prom Photo Saratoga Springs NY
Or we can do something equally beautiful in the studio.
Prom Photos Saratoga NY
We can even do something over the top.

Some accessories are fun, but let’s not go too crazy.

High school Senior Photos Albany NY
Hats and sunglasses–yes, please.
Black and White Senior Portrait
These sunglasses are actually a vintage pair that I own.

A quick note:  I have been asked if I have a “style closet.”  While I do have a few items here, I really prefer to photograph my clients with their own clothing and accessories.  What I do have here is meant to compliment or maybe add a finishing touch to what you bring to your Senior Portrait Session.  I don’t  feel that having your portraits taken with other people’s fashion choices really expresses your individuality, do you?

Upstate NY Senior Portraits
This leather fringed vest is in my stash. Really just to add –see the post we did on one outfit styled five ways.

Now that you have read this, go get your clothes in order!  I can’t wait to see what everyone brings this year!

Did you find this Go to Guide for Senior Portraits helpful?  Be sure to check out Planning Your Senior Portraits or FAQs for Senior Portraits.

Ready to schedule your Senior Portrait Session?  Call us at (518) 584-4237 today!