Dresses and clothes will be discussed today with Gerri, Lead Photographer at IrisMagic Photo Studios.
The dresses and clothes you choose for your high school senior session are very important for flattering photos.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? HOW SHOULD I LOOK?
You don’t necessarily need to “dress up” for your portrait session. The very best images are usually captured when you wear clothing that you are comfortable in, regardless of the style of the dresses and clothes. The clothing tips here today are meant to help you feel comfortable. This would be outfits that match your unique style. I recommend keeping things simple by picking solid or semi-solid colors and coordinating your wardrobe as much as possible.
Steer clear of bright colors, logos or busy patterns. Also, feel free to bring several changes of clothing. Adding or removing a jacket, changing into different shoes, or putting on a different shirt can change your outfit just enough to make it look like you changed many times. Please be sure that your clothing is clean and free of wrinkles.
Note: these are merely suggestions, don’t let our clothing tip suggestions keep you from bringing a favorite shirt or outfit. If there an an outfit you love, bring it!
Dress for the Season: We highly encourage our clients to dress for the season. If you’ve scheduled a portrait session during the fall or winter, when it is a bit cooler, bring a dressy jacket, hats, scarves and gloves. If you are cold during the photos, you will look cold in the pictures so it might be better to wear pants. Coordinate your clothing choices to match the fall colors and cooler weather and choose warmer tops. During the spring and summer months, ladies can consider warm weather tops, skirts, shorts, sun dresses and summer blouses. Dresses go very well in the summer for ladies. Usually, men’s wardrobes are much simpler; however we recommend bringing several t-shirts, button down shirts and jeans/pants.
Best Seasons To Schedule a Portrait Session: Consequently all of them! Our busiest months for high school senior photos are summer and fall. If you are a senior and reading this right now, consider scheduling your portrait session in June, July or August. Not only is scheduling easier, but ideally calling ahead gives you the option to pick days that are best for you. . Furthermore, senior portrait sessions are much more enjoyable during the warmer weather months.
How Many Outfits to Bring: Ideally most of our clients bring two to four different ensembles to change into. I say ideally because most of our girls will do 4 outfits, while young men will do 1 or 2. We do recommend bringing at least two different changes of clothes in our clothing tips. In additional to that you can completely change your look by throwing on a button down shirt, adding a scarf tossing on a jacket. Then, consider bringing one casual and one dressy outfit. Don’t forget to plan for shoes, we will see them in the photos.
Reflective Glasses and Transition Lenses: A lot of times we schedule portraits session outside at various locations. Transition lenses and reflective glasses may greatly conceal the eyes and diminish the overall quality of the final images. This is normal and there is not much to be done about it and that is ok. In light of that, we may take some photos with glasses and some without.
Ladies: First, get plenty of sleep the night before. Plan out the best dresses and clothes the night before. After all, tired and baggy eyes will appear in the final images. Also, on the day of your portrait session, be sure to apply your makeup the same way you would on any other day of the year. Additionally, it is not a good idea to try something new on picture day. We want a true vision of you!
Next, consider bringing powder, lipstick, brush, hair clips, and a small mirror. Ideally these will all come in very handy during the session. Applying a light lipstick will help your lips standout, even if you don’t wear lipstick. Dry lips never look good in high resolution photographs! Also consider having a manicure a few days before the session. Along with that, consider a pedicure as well, because we will take some photos with and without shoes. It is best to lay out your dresses and clothes for the next day.
We recommend bringing at least four outfits. Nearly all of our girls change into three or four outfits during their session. Next, select a wardrobe that can be coordinated together, for example you may wear two different shirts with the same pair of pants. Then consider the correct undergarments, such as making sure you are not wearing a dark bra with a light color shirt.
Guys: Consider getting a haircut a few days before the photo session. Also on the day of the session, take a shower, shave and comb your hair. Get up and get ready for the portrait session like you’re planning to meet someone important or special. Of course, it can be tough to capture great senior pictures if you show up un-groomed. Please bring at least one extra change of clothes and pay attention to your shoes. I get it, most guys don’t want to change multiple times, but you should have at least one extra shirt and pants on hand. In addition, keep in mind that that your mom, grandmother and the rest of your family may want to display a few of the photographs from your session. I recommend bringing a comb as well.
CAN I BRING A PET, PROPS OR ACCESSORIES?
Of course. In addition, bring along anything that represents you – this includes sports jerseys, sports jackets, dancing shoes, musical instruments, athletic gear, purses and pets. Keep in mind to bring someone along to help if you bring a pet. Pets can even wear dresses and clothes for photos ha ha!
CAN I BRING FRIENDS TO MY SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSION? Yes, yes, yes! In fact, having a close friend by your side can make it extra fun. Have them look at your selection of dresses and clothes the night before.
CAN I HAVE MY SENIOR PORTRAITS TAKEN OUTSIDE?
Defiantly, outdoor sessions are the best! Above all, we have beautiful outdoor locations close to here. Tell us about your favorite spot or pick one of ours. We will find a safe are to change your dresses and clothes.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE LOCATION?
Consequently yes, but we are going to talk a little about your personality and who you are first. Next, we will consider that and choose a background that fits you. Overall the Waterfront area is a great location for nearly any shoot, because of the diverse scenery with trees, water, bridges and brick walls.
CAN YOU COME TO MY HOME?
We would be glad to come to your home if you wish! Because it would be a place I might not have photographed before, I would come about 30 minutes early to scout the location. In home sessions are very convenient because you can change dresses and clothes in your own bedroom.
ARE THERE ANY PLACES YOU WON’T GO?
Maybe, we need to discuss the location before making the final call.
DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO?
Yes, we are located on 718 Venture Drive in Morgantown (right beside Books A Million). Even though we do a lot of work outdoors, studio portraits are important also.
We have all of the customary studio equipment and can bring it with us if you have a special request or need. There is also a private are to change your dresses and clothes.
For example, business’s regularly contact us to capture profession images of their employees. This usually includes a mixture of on location headshots or studio pictures. We also work one-on-one with individuals who need an update headshot for a new job or Linkedin.
CAN YOU HELP WITH A YEARBOOK PHOTO?
You bet! Most of our area high schools, such as Morgantown High School, University High School, Trinity Christian School, and Clay-Batelle High School require students to provide a yearbook photo. Check with your school to see if they have guidelines on the dresses and clothes that you choose to wear. Typically, this is a studio headshot, but it depends on your schools guidelines. We can send it to you so that you can forward it along to your high school.
WHAT ABOUT WHEN I GET MY CAP AND GOWN CLOSER TO GRADUATION?
This is usually the last step of your senior year, putting on the cap and gown. Yes, we can do cap and gown headshots. We love photos in your everyday dresses and clothes, but don’t overlook the cap and gown headshot.