What’s a girl to wear for senior pictures? Is a t-shirt okay, or is a dress required? How many outfits should you bring, anyway? As a photographer, one of my goals to to take a large variety of photos. I take close-ups so you can choose one for the school yearbook (if they allow you to submit your own photo–most schools around here do), mid-length and full-length shots for variety, pictures that your parents like, pictures that you like, shots that would look nice framed, shots that would look nice printed wallet-size, different facial expressions, different poses, different backgrounds, different outfits…there’s a lot going on in a senior photo session! Here are my tips for girls’ senior photos and a sample of what some good outfit choices might look like.

Now if this looks intimidating–say you don’t like dressing up, you’re a tomboy, or you consider yourself “fashion-challenged”–keep reading, there’s a second version below!

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SENIOR PHOTO TIPS – FOR THE GIRLS

1. Choose 3-5 outfits. This is what I recommend for the 1-1.5 hours I spend in a senior photo shoot. This provides you with some options. You might be able to wear some items twice, like jeans, shoes, or a jacket.

2. Variety of styles. Select outfits that cover the spectrum of formality: something formal, something casual, and something in between. Don’t forget athletic jerseys or uniforms for other activities.

Why something formal?
–You’ll look grown up and responsible.
–Impress people. If you’re applying to college, or seeking academic or athletic scholarships, attach a photo of yourself to your application. You want your photo to say, “Yes, I am a lady. I made an effort to look nice. I have my act together. I am a good choice for your college/scholarship/team.” Instant bonus points.
–Formality is less likely to go out of style. Your photos will still look cool ten, twenty years from now. Maybe even more.

How formal is “formal”?
That’s really up to you. For some girls, this might be a prom dress. For others, this might be a blouse and a skirt, or khakis and a dressy sweater.

3. Variety of colors. Dark colors and long sleeves are the most universally flattering choices, but I’d also suggest picking a bold or bright color (it doesn’t have to be too crazy, and I’d recommend it not be neon). I like to convert a handful of photos into black and white, but the effect is lost if all your clothing is shades of black, gray, or white to begin with. It’s not a requirement, just something to think about.

4. Keep it simple. Senior portraits are supposed to be about you, not your clothes. Although some of us girls love clothes, the goal is for the attention to be on you, not what you’re wearing. So stick to solids or very, very subdued patterns. Avoid logos, words, and wild patterns. A simple stripe or two is fine, but plaid can be very distracting. One way to get away with a patterned shirt is to wear something that almost completely covers it, like a printed tank top under a buttoned-up cardigan, or a plaid flannel shirt under a jean jacket. You get the idea.

5. Keep it modest. Not only is it awkward for you when your clothing doesn’t adequately cover you, it also limits your posing options. Like other photographers, I like to have you standing, sitting down, and even laying down sometimes for poses. I can’t spend as much time getting great shots of you if we have to work around outfit issues. Try on your clothing selections beforehand and check for visible bra straps, cleavage or midriff showing, shorts and skirts that may be too short, and see-through fabrics. Watch out for v-neck shirts–they can be deceptive. They may look fine when you’re standing up straight, but can become problematic if you lean just a little bit one way or the other.

6. Plan your underwear. This goes along with the previous one. If you’re wearing a light colored blouse, make sure that you aren’t wearing a dark colored bra before you leave the house! Or pack a light or skin-colored bra if you think you’ll forget. Same thing applies for panties.

7. Plan your shoes, jewelry, and any other accessories. Your shoes are part of your outfit, so don’t forget to pair them up with your clothes. Sure, they won’t be in all your photos, but they certainly will be in some. Athletic type shoes can look a little sloppy–unless you’re wearing them as part of a sports uniform, of course. For casual outfits, plain colored sneakers or flats are a good alternative, as well as boots, loafers, and even heels. Sadly flip-flops do not photograph well.

8. Iron your clothes. Bring them on hangers, either hanging or nicely laid out in the back of your vehicle. To be honest, it’s hard to look good in photographs if you have wrinkly clothes. Make that extra effort and you’ll thank yourself later.

9. Sunburns and tan lines can show up in your photos (unless your clothing is going to cover them). Use sunscreen or limit your time in the sun during the days or weeks leading up to your session. I wouldn’t advise wearing sunscreen during your photo session though–it can make your skin look oily or shimmery.

10. Don’t change your hair too drastically. Have your hair cut or trimmed a week or two before your senior pictures. If your hair stylist makes a mistake, that gives your hair time to grow a little. If you want to try a totally new look, wait until after pictures.

11. Stick with makeup you trust. Go with what you know. Opt for matte eyeshadow and blush instead of shimmery shades. A little eyeliner and eyeshadow can help your eyes stand out, but don’t overdo it. Mascara should be free of clumps. If you don’t typically use makeup, senior photos might be a good opportunity to do so. However, practice ahead of time or have someone trustworthy apply it for you.

12. Everybody knows glasses tend to glare. If you want to wear your glasses in your photos, check with your eye doctor if you can borrow a pair of frames without lenses that are alike or similar to the ones you usually wear.

13. Smile, but also don’t smile. A smile flatters anyone, but I won’t make you smile for every shot. In fact, it’s kind of refreshing to see a few photos with different expressions. Laughing smiles, subtle smiles, even serious faces demonstrate that you have many facets to your personality.

14. Bring some props (optional). Sports equipment, pom poms, medals and trophies, hats, instruments, a fistful of paintbrushes, pets, your FFA animals, your car, your grandpa’s super awesome car, whatever. If it makes you who you are, consider if you’d like some photos with it. You can bring your sibling(s), best friend(s), or significant other for a couple shots if you’d like.

15. Think about where you want to go. Some photographers will make the location choices for you, especially if they have a studio. Although there are advantages to that approach, I like to consider what you want. There are plenty of options: urban area, downtown; at the base of a ski hill; in a park full of trees and green things; beside an old barn with peeling paint; on a bridge; in an auto salvage yard; flower garden; or whatever else comes to mind. If you don’t have any strong preferences, I can make some suggestions. No pressure.

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Now if you can’t use the word “blouse” to describe anything in your closet, don’t despair. I was terrible with clothing and outfits when I was in high school…and throughout most of college, to be honest. I had no idea what the word “accessorize” meant in a fashion context. I get it. I’m here for you. You don’t need to go out and buy something you may never wear again just to fit my recommendations above. As long as you have a couple solid colored items, you’re good to go. Long sleeve t-shirt and jeans? That’ll work! Here’s a board of suggestions just for you:

Even if most of the pants you have are jeans, you can create variety with different washes (light, medium, or dark). The pants for the formal outfit above are denim-looking dress pants from Maurices. I own them and I love them. They’re great for when you want to look dressed up but still blend in. If you can’t stand the idea of dressy pants, that might be something to consider.

No, I’m not saying girls with more feminine style are more likely to play basketball, or that girls with more casual style are more likely to be in band. I’m just showing different options. You get it.

Want me to check over your outfits for you? I’d be happy to help!

Looking for tips for senior guys? Head over here.