You made it to your senior year of High School after years of hard work. You still have what feels like tons on your plate before you finish. As a Colorado Springs senior photographer, I totally get it when grads have no clue what to wear for their senior portraits. I also hear it all the time, but don’t worry. I’ve got you and can guide you to your dream photos. Every senior session I do includes a totally optional styling consult. Together, we can plan your outfits to match you and your unique accomplishments. This will also have you completely confident and prepared going into your session! To get you started, here are a few guidelines that can be helpful as you sort out what to wear for Colorado Springs senior photos. And if you ever want a second opinion along the way, you can always text or email me outfit ideas.
Your Outfit Guide To Easily Know What to Wear For Your Colorado Springs Senior Photos
4 Quick Tips Right Off The Bat
- Hair and makeup are not required, but they make a world of difference! Not only will your Colorado Springs senior photos look a million times better, but the confidence boost makes it worth it. You know the feeling of a fresh blowout and perfectly natural makeup that shows off your beauty. It makes everything better. If you need some recommendations, check out my blog to find some of my favorites.
- We will be moving, walking, and more throughout your session. So your clothes should comfortably allow you to sit, walk, and move freely. There is nothing worse than things not fitting right and making sitting uncomfortable.
- Don’t forget the right undergarments (strapless, seamless, etc.). Keep in mind the outfits you are wearing during your session and plan accordingly.
- This is your chance to have some fun! I always try to help seniors relax and open up, sometimes a little out of their comfort zone. This loose and fun energy is often where some of the best moments come from. So be ready to laugh, embrace the fun of a session that celebrates you!
Choosing the Right Colors
I always suggest you start your search with a soft, natural, and flattering color palette. 1980’s neons, bright whites, and bold clothes often wash out skin tones on camera. They also often distract from you being the focus. The same goes for the other way; camouflaging yourself in the photos also loses focus on you. These images celebrate your growth and accomplishments. So you need to stand out from the background. The best palette to consider must be rooted in earth tones, neutrals, or soft pastels. These can include maroons, navy, creams, and olive tones.
Layers + Movement
Photographers everywhere love layers! Whenever you can add layers, we get to play with added movement and dimension in your images, which makes them feel more natural and alive. So in the cooler months, try some jackets, sweaters, scarves, or vests. In warmer months of Colorado Springs, lightweight layers like denim jackets, lightweight cardigans, button-ups worn open, or flowy wrap-style tops work really well. I give extra bonus points for anything that moves! So flowy dresses or loose fabrics are a great way to add life to your photos. The last thing layers do is add extra variety. You can always take off that jacket for an almost completely new look.
Spray Tans (a quick note)
I’m often asked about spray tans before senior sessions. While some people love the glow they give, they can sometimes photograph more unevenly or orange than expected, depending on lighting, application, and tone. For this reason, if you do choose to get one, follow these quick notes.
First of all, a professional is a must! Your best friend may have tried it once, but a DIY spray tan can become a really bad tan extremely quickly. The pros have done it more times than they can count and don’t make catastrophic errors. Next, be sure to schedule your session a few days ahead of time. This gives the treatment a few days to settle, sink in, and blend in any blemishes if there are any. Lastly, I recommend going very light and natural. You don’t want to do something extreme and not be able to undo it.
At the end of the day, your natural skin tone photographs beautifully, and I’ll always guide lighting and editing in a way that enhances you, not changes you.
Accessories Add The Finishing Touch
If something doesn’t look quite right, or something is missing for Colorado Springs senior photos, it is almost always some accessories. You probably wear some kind of jewelry or hat almost every single day. So why change that for your photos? Maybe you have special jewelry that means a lot to you or even a great pair of shoes, then let’s include them in the session. Just keep it true to your style and avoid overdoing it.
A Quick “Don’t Forget” List
- Clean shoes (yes, I notice)
- Wrinkle-free outfits. A quick steam or iron goes a long way in making you look sharper.
- A couple of backup options. These just-in-case outfits are just that. If something happens or another look would fit a certain location better, then we like to have options.
- Chapstick or lip gloss. The dry Colorado air will get you quick if you don’t pay attention.
- A brush or small touch-up items. Movement, wind, and weather can cause issues. So let’s stay prepared to not end the session but keep it going longer.
What to Avoid
This part makes a bigger difference than most people realize for senior photos in Colorado Springs. There are some major “Do Not Do” items that can make or break your photos.
- Large logos or graphics. These will take focus away from you and be distracting in the image.
- Super busy patterns. Subtle patterns can work, but keep them simple and not distracting.
- Neons will reflect light and turn your skin the same color.
- Apple watches or smart watches. These devices date your photos quickly and can be distracting to see. You also are not doing an advertisement for Apple. A nice watch is okay as long as it fits your wrist.
- Hair ties on your wrist! I always forget my own are there, so I totally understand!
- Anything you don’t feel comfortable and confident in. This session is a celebration of how awesome you are! So you should feel confident in what you are wearing and yourself.
How Many Outfits Should I Bring?
Most seniors bring 2–4 outfits depending on their session. If you choose to use your styling consult, we’ll map this out together so your time is used well without feeling rushed. Either way, I bring a pop-up changing tent so outfit changes are quick and easy.
You Will Truly Love Your Photos As Long As You Follow This Guide On What to Wear for Senior Pictures
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel like yourself. So I’ll help guide you every step of the way so your outfits feel authentic and photograph beautifully during your Colorado Springs senior photos.
Your senior year in high school deserves to be remembered, and I want to help you do exactly that! I’m a Colorado Springs senior photographer, and I love being there to celebrate all the wonderful milestones in life. I specialize in senior pictures that let you put your personality front and center. If you’ve been looking for the right photographer for your portraits, let’s chat so you can decide if my style matches yours. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
