Let’s talk about outfits for Senior Pictures.  Fashion choices can be overwhelming;  not every style works seamlessly with locations; not every look translates well on camera.  It is my job as a photographer to help my Seniors through the planning and to provide suggestions and knowledge, so that the final images are everything they hoped for… it is my job to make sure the experience is not stressful, but fun.

I have already published “How To Prepare For Your Session” blogs for my guys and girls, where I include general tips on topics ranging from what to do before a shoot, to what to bring.  Let’s talk more about HOW I help walk my clients through the preparation process, and WHAT I ask and tell them as we design their dream session.

 

1.  What Is Your Style?

Let’s face it.  If I just came right out and asked that of my seniors, most of them would look at me with a blank face and say, “I don’t know.”

So what I do instead is get my seniors to send me about 10 pictures that they wish THEY were in.  It can be my work, but it doesn’t have to be.  They can get inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, Instagram….

But what I find is that a pattern starts to emerge.  I can see if my senior is drawn to feminine and simple in a field of flowers, high fashion in an urban setting, or a gritty athletic look.  The styles that emerge are as unique as the seniors themselves.

And that is when our fun begins.

 

2.  Color Matters.

Say it with me:

~ Every color, no matter how pretty, does not look good on every skin type.

~ Every color, no matter how much we like it, does not translate well on camera.

One of the first things I do is ask my clients to send me a phone picture of themselves standing in front of good light (in front of a window, for example.)

Then I send them a color guide which shows them what colors look good on most people, what colors to limit or avoid, and what colors look best with their skin tone.

They can take the guide with them as they shop for their session, and I welcome them to text me pictures of their outfits as they are trying them on.

I LOVEEEE when I get shopping texts!

 

3.  Think Cohesiveness.

When thinking in terms of individual outfits, my seniors sometimes forget to think about how those different outfits may look like TOGETHER.

I am a huge proponent of PRINTING the images we take.  I offer gorgeous, heirloom quality products, so I tell my clients to consider where they may be planning to hang those prints.

If they are looking to fill a wall with a cluster of different sized images from the same session, they may want to consider how different outfits look when placed side by side in print, or even in my popular collages and storyboards.

 

The outfits can have varied styles.  I don’t mean to say they have to be similar, but it might be wise to choose colors that match.  I am not completely married to that idea, and often will shoot sessions where different outfits do not coordinate at all.  But it does lend to more flexibility when my clients purchase collages.

 

 

4.  Outfit Determines Location.

The outfit determines where we shoot.  Also, where we shoot determines the outfit.

Ok, this may sound a little bit like which came first, the chicken or the egg, because sometimes we know where we will be shooting before we choose what the Senior will wear… but the bottom line is I like to consider what colors my seniors have on when I decide where exactly I am going to place them for a photograph.  The idea is for the images to leap from the canvas (or screen).  Sometimes seeing those outfit selfies my seniors send me inspire where I take them to shoot.  Sometimes our location will help me decide what colors to tell the senior (or mom) to look for… but either way, the process of creating powerful pictures is one of my favorite things about what I get to do.

Plus, all of the collaboration with my seniors and their moms is an investment that we make in each other, and in the end helps make the entire portrait experience one which is responsible for creating memories, not just capturing them.  And THAT just makes my heart sing.

Love and Blessings,

Lymarie