The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear for your High School Senior Photography shoot

June 16, 2023

Guide to What to Wear for your Laguna Beach High School Senior photography Shoot

A woman in a white crop top and jeans is standing next to a tree.

Capture Your Journey: Senior Portrait Tips for a Stunning Shoot

As the day of your senior portraits approaches, it's important to get ready for the big event. From deciding what to wear to choosing the perfect location, there are plenty of things you'll need to consider when preparing for your photo shoot.

As a high school senior, you want your senior pictures to be a reflection of who you are and how far you've come. With careful planning and preparation, you can ensure that your senior portraits capture this moment in time perfectly. To help make this happen, here are some tips on what to wear and where to take your senior pictures.

Creating Aesthetic Harmony With Your Outfit

As a high school senior, you want to look your best for your senior pictures. You want to create an aesthetic harmony with your outfits that will be a reflection of your personal style. To help you out, we've put together some great wardrobe tips and outfit ideas for senior pictures that will ensure you look amazing in all of your photos. From colors and patterns to textures and accessories, we'll show you how to create the perfect look!

A young man in a blue jacket and white shirt is standing next to a cactus.

Tip 1:  Choose Clothing that reflects your personality and style

Clothes are a great way to express your personality and show the world who you are. Whether it’s for a senior picture or just everyday wear, there are plenty of options to choose from that reflect your unique style. From classic looks to modern trends, you can pick out clothes that showcase your personality and make you feel confident in who you are. Whether you choose a suit on the beach or a summer sun dress, all clothing should fit and make you feel great.

A man in a suit is sitting next to a woman in a dress on the beach.

Tip 2: Pick the outfits based on your photoshoot locations

When it comes to looking your best in pictures, the colors you choose can make a huge difference. Choosing the right colors that suit you best can help you look more vibrant and attractive, and can also bring out your personality in photos.

We recommend you select two to three colors to highlight in your session. These colors should be of a a similar hue and tone and work well with the background. For example, beach portraits look great with blues, white, tans and blacks. The colors in the background should compliment the colors in your outfits. If you are doing an urban senior photo shoot, then you should incorporate more bright, colorful clothing.

A young man in a green jacket is leaning against a wooden wall.

Tip 3 Avoid Wearing Bright Patterns & Logos

Wearing bright patterns and logos can be a distraction from the subject. It's best to stick with solid colors to ensure that the focus stays on the person in the photo. Wearing solid colors also helps create a more cohesive look in photos.  By avoiding bright patterns and logos on clothing for pictures, you can make sure that all eyes are on you! Wearing solid colors will also help create a timeless look that won't draw attention away from your face or body shape.

A woman in a green dress is standing in front of a palm tree.

Tip 4: Plan on a variety of looks for your session


Planning the perfect outfit for your senior pictures can be a daunting task. But with these tips and tricks, you can create a variety of looks that will make you look stunning in your photos. From classic styles to trendy looks, we'll help you find the perfect outfits for your senior pictures. We recommend that you pick 3-4 outfits in similar color schemes to make your entire session the the story of you. 

Some ideas include, one casual look such as jeans and a crop top or casual pants and a nice shirt. For the second look we suggest something a little dressier. This could include a fun sundress for the gals or a t-shirt with a sports coat for the guys. For a third look, we recommend an outfit that truly reflects your style and personality. This outfit can be a little trendy and should help define your “look”. Finally your cap and gown or college gear makes a great bonus outfit for your senior pics.

A woman is sitting on the beach with her legs crossed.

Tip #5 Don't forget accessories when planning your senior portrait outfit

Accessorizing your outfit for a photo shoot can be a fun and creative way to add an extra layer of personality and style to your look. With the right accessories, you can transform an ordinary outfit into something extraordinary. Whether it’s jewelry, hats, bags or scarves, adding accessories to your look can make all the difference in a photo shoot.    I love a great pair of sneakers in an urban setting or a hat with cool glasses at the beach.  Whatever your style, accessories can finish off your look and make your portrait amazing.

A woman in a blue dress is sitting on the steps of a building.

Tip # 6 Pockets make for a great posing option


When picking out your favorite articles of clothing, don't forget pockets.  Pockets in a dress or a cool jacket are a great way to pose.  And of course your favorite pair of jeans is always a great choice.


A woman in a black tank top and green skirt is standing in front of tall grass.

Get Ready To Shine in your senior photo session


It's time to shine and show off your style for your senior photos!  With the right outfit, you can make sure your senior pics turn out perfect and capture all of the best moments from this special time in your life.

A young man is sitting on the steps of a train car.
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