As we enter the spring semester of senior year, one of the most popular questions I get is, "What do I wear to my senior pictures?" Which is a great question! Because of that, I have formulated the best style guide that provides inspiration!

Before I begin sharing inspiration photos, please note that the BEST outfits to wear are ones that make you feel CONFIDENT and COMFORTABLE.

You always want to ensure you choose a minimum of 2 outfits for your senior photos.

High school: One neutral and one that displays your plans for next year.

College: one neutral (think polo with college logo, or white dress with college colors, or just college colors), one basic professional if preferred/"linkedin" or so, and your cap and gown. College outfits don't really have rules to it, since you will have your cap and gown on top of

Jerseys?

Jerseys, simple t-shirts, or just a sign.

If you're a high school senior, college jerseys, simple t-shirt, to even wearing your college's colors and using a pennant, sign, shaker, or even their hand signal, is the best way to share your future plans! College senior? Jersey's over a dress or a simple polo, is the best way to show your school pride as a soon to be alum.

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Confidence is key

Choose colors and outfits that you are confident in!

The camera can tell if you are unsure about your outfit. Senior photos are not necessarily the best time to be adventurous with an outfit you don't normally wear, so wear something you are CONFIDENT in!! You will look great in something you are confident AND comfortable in.

Keep in mind, this also applies to shoes too! If you're wearing heels and want to bring an extra pair of sandals as we walk to a different spot, that's a great idea!

Linkedin?

One of the best photographs I always get is what I like to call the "Linkedin Shot." Take advantage of your photoshoot and consider wearing an outfit for photos to use for Linkedin, resumes, applications or other professional settings!

This is PERFECT for college grads too! Use this as a chance to get an updated photo for Linkedin as you apply to different jobs. Trust, there are great spots on campus to get a corporate look, and only you and I have to know its at Bryant-Denny and not downtown :)

Personality

Your graduate session is a chance to show your personality. Throughout the session, you will grow to be comfortable in front of the camera, which makes for some great photos that showcase your personality.

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High School Senior: are you participating in sorority recruitment in the fall?

That's wonderful! The photo you submit in your rush registration package is the FIRST photo the actives see of you. Most PNM's will submit a senior photo as their rush headshot Active members want to see your personality and confidence!

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Cap and Gowns!

Bring your cap and gown to the session! If you are a college grad, the cap and gown provides the context, so we will get photos of you in it and with it! Plus, who wouldn't want to wear it in front of your academic building you spent four years at? You earned it, show it off!

High school grad: cap and gowns provide context as well, but are also fun to incorporate in front of your high school.

What NOT to wear

We all fear at some point that we're going to be underdressed or overdressed. Use this guide to know what NOT to wear to your senior photo session!

01 Prints

Stripes, contradicting florals, graphic tees, or anything that takes the attention away from YOU! The best rule of thumb is to choose solid colors that help YOU stand out. Please note that whether or not you should wear floral print outfits depends on the location you and I choose together.

02 Your Apple Watch

While these are awesome, they WILL date the photograph, if you want to wear a watch, please consider a traditional face watch.

03 Sweatpants or old T-shirts

There are so many uses and benefits from your photographs from your senior session; please don't disadvantage yourself by wearing sweatpants, joggers, or old t-shirts.

Info

If you have any questions, feel free to ask, but I am sure what you choose will look great. Just remember, comfortable and confident is key!

What To Bring

After photographing many senior sessions, this is what I recommend to bring in your bag for you throughout the session!

01 Water!

Whether your session is in May or December, you will want water! It is better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it!

02 Brush, comb, or touch-up supplies

You may want to touch-up your hair or makeup throughout the session, so feel free to bring your things for that!

03 A parent, a friend, or someone close to you!

It can be a lot of fun to have a senior session and have a parent or friend experience it with you. Someone that knows you and can make sure your hair is on the right side, make you laugh, and hold your bag while the session happens is so great!

I hope these answered your questions and provided inspiration on what to wear and what not to wear to your senior photo session! Please note that you don't have to buy a new outfit to take your senior pictures, as you probably have all you need in your closet! But, if you're using this as a reason to buy a new outfit, by all means :)

I look forward to working with you and capturing YOUR senior photos! If you haven't scheduled your senior photos, please visit my "investment" tab to do so now!