What to Wear for Your Photo Session ...

Here are a few ideas that will help you choose the BEST clothes to wear in your Senior Portraits.

1.  We suggest that you choose a VARIETY of outfits. It's a good idea to include both casual and more formal outfits in your senior portraits. You choose a couple and let Mom choose one or two, that way everyone is happy.

2.  Also bring a variety of colors ... for example, if you bring a black, gray and white outfits for a 3 outfit session. Your previews will be really drab and boring. These are all good choices, but include some items of color too!

3.  Stay clear of stripes! (large bold ones of 5+" are tolerable. Small thin ones will not photograph well. It's best to not use any stripes or solids with 1-2 stripes or lines.

4.  Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits.

5.  The most common problem we see is sunburn! and tan lines from the tanning salons! Everyone please keep out of the sun a week or two before your session. We often see uneven sunburn from guys who wear ball caps, peeling skin on noses from recent burns, raccoon eyes from those who were burned while wearing sunglasses. Or strap lines on the shoulders of gals who wish to be photographed in a strapless formal dress or top. Sunburn, uneven tanning and tan lines cannot be retouched easily. So, your session may need to be rescheduled.

6.  Second biggest problem is clothes that are wrinkled or don't fit. Gals, don't bring your clothes rolled up in a ball in a backpack. They'll be a winkled mess and they will photograph that way. Guys! we see over and over that their shirt collar and sleeves do not fit. Often due to a bad fitting or borrowed suit items. It is imperative that your shirt and tie are properly fitted and that your suit/sport coat is the proper size.

7.  For outdoor portraits, be careful of bright greens as they often clash with the greens of the leaves and grass. Black, Khaki, pink, orange, navy, tan, gold, burgundy, dark yellow are good outdoors. We recommend staying away from white, light/pale yellow or other very light/pale colors outdoors.

8.  Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come. So try and use styles and looks that will be in style "next year" as well as this summer. Otherwise you're portrait will look dated and out of style in a year or two.

9.  Classic solid sweaters will always be in style. Trendy summer tops will look out of place next summer.

10.  Some poses will show your shoes so don't forget to bring shoes and socks for each outfit that you plan to wear. Barefoot and sandals! No problem for your casual clothes. And though white socks are in, they don't photograph well. So bring darker ones too. (just in case they show!) Guys don't forget those belts and Gals, don't forget your jewelry,

11.  Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits. Avoid large and bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face.

When you are ready, please contact Northwest Senior Photos and we will schedule your senior portrait session. You’ll have fun and create images that you will be proud of for years to come.

Dana Kehr is a master photographer who has been creating outstanding portfolios for more than 18 years. You can call or text him directly at: (253)579-4040 or by email at: getmedana@gmail.com

Mr. Dana Kehr

Northwest Senior Photos
PO Box 731413
Puyallup, WA  98373