Senior Portraits 101: Why They Matter + What to Wear + Tips
Senior year: it’s the last hurrah before adulthood hits (work, bills, laundry, cook, repeat). It’s a big milestone, and senior portraits are more than just a tradition—they’re a celebration of who you are right now, in this wild, wonderful, in-between moment of life.
Why Bother With Senior Portraits?
Because selfies don’t do you justice. Senior portraits are all about capturing your personality, your style, and your vibe at this major life milestone. It’s not just for your parents fridge but it’s a chance to freeze this moment before the next chapter begins.
What to Wear (AKA: How to Look Good Without Looking Like You Tried Too Hard)
Outfits can totally make or break a session. Here’s the lowdown:
1. Be You, But Elevated
Think of your outfit as the best version of your everyday style. You want to feel confident and comfortable, not like you’re stuffed into a Pinterest board.
2. Mix It Up
Bring a couple of options—something casual, something a little dressy, and maybe something fun or bold if that’s your jam. Variety = versatility when it comes to your final gallery.
I love how she chose her college football game attire for some added fun!
3. Neutrals Are Your Friend
Whites, grays, soft earth tones—these photograph beautifully and won’t steal the show from your face (which, spoiler: is the star).
4. Say No to Distracting Prints & Neon
Unless the vibe is look-at-me (and not in a good way), skip the busy patterns and highlighter hues. They date quickly and can clash with natural backgrounds.
5. Details Matter
Shoes, accessories, layers—they all pull the look together. Bonus points if you bring something personal, like a varsity jacket, guitar, or even your dog (yes, please bring your dog).
Striking the Perfect Pose
During your session, I’ll guide you through easy, natural poses that highlight your personality and make you feel totally at ease in front of the camera. It’s all about having fun, moving around a little, and capturing the real you.
1. Relaxed Standing Poses
Lean casually against a wall, walk confidently toward the camera, or strike a cool over-the-shoulder look. These easy poses make you look natural and effortless.
2. Fun Sitting Shots
Whether you’re sitting cross-legged on the ground or lounging on a set of steps, sitting poses help you relax and bring out your genuine smile.
3. Movement Moments
Expect to twirl, flip your hair, or take a quick spin — adding a little movement makes your photos come alive and brings out your true personality.
4. Personal Touches
Bring along props that tell your story, like sports gear, a musical instrument, your pet, or even your car. It’s all about celebrating who you are right now.
5. Authentic Expressions
From serious, model-worthy glances to full-on laughter, we’ll capture a range of emotions that show off the real, amazing you.
Before Your Session: A Few Quick Tips
- Get some sleep (or at least fake it with under-eye patches).
- Clean your nails—you’d be surprised how often your hands sneak into photos.
- Hydrate
- Trust your photographer—ahem, that’s me. I’ve got you.
Introducing: The Crew Package 🎉
One of the best parts of senior year? Your people. The friends who’ve been there for the late-night texts, the last-minute study sessions, and the endless laughs. The Crew is a brand-new package made just for that—think of it as a senior session with a twist. You’ll each get individual photos (because mom still wants the classic shot), but we’ll also capture the group vibe: the inside jokes, the goofy candids, the epic friendships.
Perfect for besties, teammates, bandmates, or anyone who wants to remember senior year together.
More fun, more memories, and yes—still totally frame-worthy.
Let’s Plan Your Senior Session!
Whether it’s just you or you + your crew, we’ll make it a fun, relaxed, and unforgettable experience. Ready to make it official? Contact me today.
