How to prep for your senior portraits: What to wear & how to Radiate Confidence
Senior year is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone — and your portraits should reflect exactly who you are at this awesome moment. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a mix of both, the key to great photos is being prepared and showing up as you. Here’s how to make sure your senior session is full of style, confidence, and authentic personality.
1. Choose Outfits That Feel Like You
You don’t need to reinvent yourself for senior portraits. In fact, the best photos happen when you’re wearing something that makes you feel like your best self. Choose outfits that reflect your personality — whether that’s laid-back, bold, trendy, or timeless.
Tips for what to wear:
Bring 2-3 options: Think variety — one casual, one elevated, and maybe something fun or unexpected.
Layer it up: Jackets, hats, flannels, scarves — layers add depth and allow for quick outfit changes without a full swap.
Pay attention to fit: Well-fitting clothes will always look better than something too loose or tight.
Skip big logos or distracting prints: You want the focus to be on you, not the shirt.
Don’t forget shoes: They’ll show in some shots, so bring clean, style-appropriate footwear.
And if you’re not sure what to bring — just ask me! I’m always happy to help narrow it down.
2. Hair + Makeup: Keep it Comfortable
You don’t need to go full glam — unless that’s your thing! Light makeup to even skin tone, tame shine, and enhance features is great. Same goes for hair: style it in a way that feels like you on a really good day. If you want to schedule a professional stylist, just plan it so it’s fresh right before your shoot.
Bring along:
A brush or comb
Lip balm
Powder or blotting paper (especially in warmer months)
Extra hair ties or bobby pins
3. Relax, Have Fun, and Be Yourself
Senior portraits are about capturing you, not just what you look like — but how you laugh, how you light up, how you move through the world. You don’t need to know how to pose or be a model — that’s my job! I’ll guide you every step of the way with prompts and direction to help you feel natural and confident.
Want to loosen up? Bring your favorite playlist, a best friend, or even a pet. Anything that makes you feel more relaxed and authentic adds to the experience — and the photos.