WHAT TO WEAR??
SO. . . you have a closet full of clothes, but don't know what to wear.   Here are a few suggestions that will help you choose the BEST clothes to wear for your Senior Portraits:

Feel free to print this out.  
We want EVERYONE to look their best!

• Choose a VARIETY of outfits.  It is a good idea to include both casual and formal outfits in your senior portraits.  You choose a few 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 in comparison to the other portraits.  White or pastel outfits are fine for the more casual portraits photographed 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, but also bring some different clothes for "fun" poses.
• Some poses will show your shoes, so don't forget to bring shoes and socks for each outfit that you plan to wear.
• Busy patterns and loud colors can be very distracting in your portraits.  Limit  large and bold patterns that might tend to draw attention away from your face.  Generally, your senior portrait should be of YOU, not your clothes.  An exception would be for a contemporary black and white portrait, if that is your preference.  Also remember that large patterns and oversized clothing will add the appearance of extra weight in photographs.
• Bring something that is "REALLY YOU."  If you have a special T-shirt, belt, ball cap, hat, boots or birks, plan on wearing them for a pose. 
• GLASSES - If you wear glasses, please ask your optometrist to supply you with a pair of frames without lenses for your portraits.  This will eliminate the glare, distortion and darkness caused by some lenses. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!

Props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities that you are involved in.  Please be sure to bring some of your own props to your portrait session to "customize" your portrait.  Here are some ideas:

• SIMPLICITY is the key to a successful portrait.
• Long sleeve dresses and shirts are recommended. (Exception - evening gowns)
• 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 and 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 by retouching.
• Women should wear evening makeup, applied moderately, to accent eyes and lips.  Use of makeup will also blend skin tones for more pleasing portraits.  Bring your makeup with you to make changes if needed.

• Remember, get a good night's rest, relax and be ready for a great portrait session!