What to Wear for Your Senior Photos

Senior year is full of milestones, and your senior portraits are one of the biggest! These photos will be shared with friends and family, displayed at graduation parties, and looked back on for years to come. Choosing what to wear can feel overwhelming, but don't worry, I promise it doesn't have to be. As a Lake County senior photographer, one of the questions I get asked most is, "What should I wear for my senior pictures?" Here are my favorite tips to help you look and feel your best.

1. Choose Outfits That Feel Like You

The best senior portraits capture your personality.

Love dresses? Bring one!

Live in jeans and sneakers? That's perfect too.

Your senior session should reflect who you are, not who you think you're supposed to be.

I always encourage seniors to bring a mix of casual and dressy outfits so your gallery has lots of variety.

2. Think Variety

Most of my seniors bring three to four outfits.

Some favorites include:

A casual everyday outfit
A dressy outfit
School colors or college gear
Sports uniform
Dance attire
Letter jacket
Hobby or activity outfit

Every outfit tells another part of your story.

3. Wear Colors That Photograph Beautifully

Soft, rich colors always photograph well.

Some of my favorites include:

Cream
Sage green
Dusty blue
Olive
Rust
Burgundy
Soft pink
Denim
White
Black

I recommend avoiding neon colors, clothing with large logos, or busy patterns that can distract from your face.

4. Don't Forget the Shoes

Shoes complete your outfit!

Make sure each pair matches the look you're going for. If we're walking through a field or park, bring comfortable shoes to wear between photo locations.

Your feet will thank you.

5. Accessorize Your Story

Senior portraits are about more than beautiful photos, they're about celebrating who you are during this season of life.

Consider bringing items that tell your story:

Sports equipment
Musical instruments
Cheer uniform
Dance shoes
Books
Flowers
Your cap and gown
Even your dog!

These personal touches make your gallery truly one of a kind.

6. Hair & Makeup Tips

Professional hair and makeup can give you an extra confidence boost, but it's absolutely not required.

Whatever you choose, my biggest advice is simple:

Look like yourself.

Avoid making any major hair changes right before your session, and choose makeup that enhances your natural features instead of completely changing your look.

7. Choose Two Amazing Locations

One thing my seniors love is that many of my sessions include two different locations.

You can combine:

A beautiful nature setting
Downtown streets
The beach
Wildflower fields
Historic architecture

The combination creates incredible variety in your final gallery.

8. Relax—I've Got You!

One of the first things almost every senior tells me is:

"I'm awkward in front of the camera."

Guess what?

Almost everyone feels that way.

My job isn't just taking photos, it's helping you feel comfortable. I'll guide you through every pose, every smile, and every movement so nothing feels stiff or forced.

By the end of your session, you'll be surprised by how much fun you had.