What to Bring to Senior Portraits


While your face is always the most important part of your portraits, outfits and props can really make a photo shoot special and unique to you. It can be challenging to come up with outfits and creative props to bring to your photoshoot, so I have compiled a few lists to help you plan and prepare for your next session.

What to Wear

 

  • Be comfortable - Not only will comfy clothes help you feel your best, they will help you stay confident and relaxed while posing for your pictures
  • Bring a dressy outfit - this is an easy way to switch it up and ensure you have a diverse array of photos to keep from your session
  • Bring layers like a jacket/cardigan/tank top if needed - this can be taken on and off throughout the session and can be used worn or as a prop that is held
  • Wear colors like neutrals, earth tones, and jewel tones - these photograph the best of all the colors. Find shades and colors from these groups that you feel most confident + comfortable wearing
  • Avoid small patterns or logos - these can be very distracting in photos if you aren't careful
  • Choose outfits that are true to your style - you will keep these photos for a long time! Make sure that what you wear is something that is true to you and what you love
  • Flatter your body + Accentuate what you love - if you want to accentuate your waist, wear a belt or something that highlights that area of your body. If you want to avoid looking shorter in your photos, stay away from maxi skirts or maxi dresses. There are so many ways to dress to flatter your body, and the most important rule for dressing for a photoshoot is wearing something that you feel the most confident in. Take some time to play around with how you want to flatter your body for your shoot.
  • Bring more outfits than you need, just in case - Whether there is an outfit malfunction or a coffee spill, it’s never a bad idea to come over prepared. 


Props to Bring

 

  • Personal items - purse, jewelry, sunglasses, hat, book, grad gear, college t-shirt, car
  • Food + Drinks - favorite snack, go-to coffee order, favorite food
  • Extracurricular Items - sports garb, instrument, club items
  • General - umbrella, blanket, flower bouquet, biodegradable confetti, polaroid camera, seasonal item like pumpkins or Christmas lights
  • People - your bestie, significant other, parent, grandparent, or sibling
  • Pets - just be sure to have someone ready to handle them before and after pictures


Staying true to yourself is the most important rule of your portrait sessions so if you have another prop idea or an outfit that you’re unsure of that isn't on these lists, don’t be afraid to reach out to me (or whoever your photographer may be) to double check.