So you have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear. Here are a few ideas that will help you choose the BEST clothes to wear in your Senior Portraits.  

• 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.
• Your face should be the focal point of your portraits. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering in portraits.
• Yearbook poses, as required by the school, are usually done on a medium to dark toned background. Medium to darker clothing looks best for this portrait. White or very light colors of clothing often cause the individual in the portrait to look pale in the yearbook compared to the other portraits. White or pastel outfits are fine for the more casual portraits done on lighter backgrounds.
• Medium to dark clothes look the best on dark backgrounds.
• Medium to light colors look the best on lighter colored backgrounds.
• Earth tones are best for outdoor portraits.
• Traditional styles will stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come.
• Some poses will show your shoes so don't forget to bring shoes & socks for each outfit that you plan to wear.
• Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits. Avoid large & bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face. Your senior portrait should be of you, not your clothes. Also remember that large patterns and oversized clothing will add the appearance of extra weight in photographs.

• Musical Instrument
• Letter or Leather Jacket
• Uniforms
• Hats
• Sports Equipment
• Stuffed Animals
• Sunglasses
• Bathing suits
• Pets (check with the studio ahead of time)

• Simplicity is the key to a successful portrait.
• Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended.
• Coordinate your outfit from head to toe.
• Darker clothes minimize body size.
• Keep the tonal range of clothing in the same group; don't mix lights & darks in the same outfit.
• To assure a successful portrait, it is best to bring along several additional clothing choices and let the photographer help you choose.
• Have your hair cut or trimmed about a week before the portrait so your hair will have a chance to "relax" and look more natural.
• Men should shave about 1 hour before their portrait. This eliminates redness from shaving and also "5 o'clock shadow" cannot be removed from portraits.
• Women should wear some makeup, applied lightly, to accent eyes and lips. Use of makeup will also blend skin tones for more pleasing portraits.
• Remember, get a good night's rest, relax and be ready for a great portrait session!