Most important: you have to feel like yourself and feel good in what you are wearing. I’m serious, these are YOUR photos and they need to show that; so when it comes to picking outfits… make sure that you can answer these two questions with a yes…

Do I feel good in what I’m wearing?

Do I feel like myself?

Everything else will come together at the shoot, we will laugh on a mountain, frolic through flowers, dip our toes in some water, and just have fun. Make sure you are ready for that!

Okay now that we are past the feeling part, let’s get to the picking the clothing part:

Denim jeans: Pair them with a basic top and you’ve got one staple outfit that you feel good and look amazing in.

Shorts/Skirts: it’s summer so don’t forget to bring your favorite shorts or skirt to pair with a fun top, keep it more casual if you are casual with a basic top or band tee or dress it up if you are feeling like you want to add some color or something fun.

Dresses: Short, long or both a cute dress or two are ALWAYS fun to have. It’s a fun way to add movement and just feel a little more dressed up plus who doesn’t love to sit in some flowers or frolic through a field with a fun dress on!

Romper/Jumper: a favorite for many reasons… one hello comfort two they are cute as heck three, they’re just fun.

Matching set: These are so dang cute, if you find one you LOVE of course grab it for your photos.

Uniforms: If you are involved in any extracurricular activities, sports, clubs, etc. bring those uniforms along. That activity has been a part of your story, so let’s get some pictures of it. Also feel free to bring some props here too awards, balls, cleats, etc. they are always a fun touch.

Jackets/Sweaters: These are a fun little extra to throw on to switch up the vibe of your outfits!

Extra tips on what to bring and how to prepare for your senior photo session

Have everything that needs to be steamed or ironed hung up good to go. I always recommend having your outfits hung up and ready to go according to outfit. This way it is organized and you know you have all of the things you need/want for your photos.

Color: Don’t be afraid to add a pop of your favorite color!

Patterns: We all have probably heard that some patterns can be distracting and take away from you, and while this is true with big patterns, it is not with small patterns so don’t be afraid of that floral dress or pattern top!

Accessories: If you have some favorite necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, or something that is super special to you… bring them you can alway switch out the jewelry when you do an outfit change too. A tip for packing jewelry: hang them on the hanger of the outfit you are going to be wearing them with, put them in plastic wrap to avoid getting tangled, or grab a traveling jewelry box so they stay safe.

Accessories beyond jewelry could include shoes, hats, flowers, instruments, etc.

Hair and Makeup: If you are choosing to get your hair and makeup done professionally. Make sure you schedule in advance and with enough time to meet your photographer at the time they have set for you. (I usually have my clients meet between 4:30-5:30 depending on where we are going and what time the sun is setting that day!)

Other appointments: hair cuts, colors, lash extensions, manicure, etc. I don’t recommend doing these on the same day as your shoot as sometimes big changes like a hair cut or major color change take some time to get used to and other times things like lash extensions can be tough on the eyes and cause a reaction. If you do choose to do any of these for pictures, give yourself enough time to get used to it and make sure you love it. This way you aren’t panicking on the day of your shoot.

Animals/Pets: if you are wondering if you can bring them or have them in your photos, my answer is 110% always yes.