Hey! Senior sessions are probably my favourite things to shoot. There is such air of excitement and happiness for my soon-to-be grads. The shoots are a great opportunity to radiate your personality. Mabry, my most recent senior, is the perfect example of how to dress for portraits. Like she literally killed it with all three outfits. I know I was stuck on what to wear for my pictures, so I have compiled a list of 5 tips for slaying your senior picture wardrobe!
i. colours are life!
It is tempting to wear neutrals, I get it (that is practically my entire wardrobe), but you can really make magic with a nice pop of colour. Some of my favourites are any reds, gold yellows (of course), or deep greens. Ensure that its a colour you like and one that compliments your skin tone! Mabry is a perfect example of this. She added a pop of maroon which brightens her skin tone and makes her stand out against the background.
ii. movement movement movement!!
I think the best way to capture a soul is not through poses, but rather through movement. I love dresses for this very reason. They add such a lovely, relaxed feel, and are just too darn cute!!
My advice: avoid dresses that are too tight or stiff to move freely in. Mabry’s dress works, because it moves with her and seems comfortable.
iii. TEXTURE!
Just as it is tempting to go with neutrals, it is also tempting to go with flat fabrics. However, textures can add richness and (of course) even more movement to your photos. Mabry’s third outfit was literally a perfect example in both the textures on her skirt and this amazing velvet top. And, of course, patterns like that on her skirt are a great way to add more non-neutral colour to a neutral palette, without taking the solid colour plunge.
iv. accessories!!
Ok accessories area great way to add personality and flare to your look, but don’t go crazy. Maddie here is a great example of sticking to the minimal, but using it to her advantage. Earrings are a great addition to frame your face, and Maddie kept it simple with pearl studs that are somewhat a staple in her wardrobe. I recommend you not stray too far from your normal look, as you want to be comfortable with your outfit, and let it reflect your personality!
v. makeup!
This is probably the question I get the most before a session. I usually recommend sticking with what you know, because that is what you will feel most comfortable with. I am a huge fan of the natural look, but some people absolutely KILL with a smokey cateye and bold lip so YOU DO YOU! That being said, here are some suggestions to work off of:
+ Don’t go TOO matte crazy. A little shimmer really brings light into your face in photos! So add some highlight (I recommend Colourpop!)
+Blend blend blend! Harsh lines in eyeshadow or foundation are very noticeable in photos!
+False eyelashes are all fun and games until you have to redo your whole makeup look because you glued your eyelids together and ruined everything. LOL! But seriously, if you want to wear them, practice before the day of your shoot!
+Bring reinforcements! I recommend you bring your lip colour and some tissues to blot and wipe off any escaped mascara!
+No makeup makes just as much sense as makeup! Don’t be afraid to show off that natural glow if that’s what you’re most comfy in!
xx Renee
