LONDON - PARIS
FeEl Your Best, Look your best
How to Dress and Prepare for your Senior photos
Feel Your Best, Look Your Best.
Your senior session is all about capturing your personality, your style, your vibe. The right outfit doesn't just look good, it helps you feel confident and comfortable, setting the stage for photos that truly reflect who you are.
Think about the story you want your photos to tell. Are you aiming for a classic look, something trendy, or perhaps a bit of both? Listen to your instincts and choose outfits that feel authentic to you. Remember, you don't have to follow the crowd -- If everyone else is wearing white dresses or jeans and tees, feel free to stand out!
CHOOSING YOUR OUTFITs
Choosing your Look
My shorter (30 minute) Simple Sessions, allow time for just one outfit, so choose wisely! Keep reading for more specific tips on what kinds of clothes photograph well. Choose one of the types of looks listed below (Casual, Dressy, Personal) and run with it!
If you have booked a Custom Session, you have the luxury of variety and time. You have the flexibilty for up to three (sometimes four) outfits. Here's how to make the most of them:
CASUAL Look
Think of this as your everyday-but-upgraded outfit. Jeans or joggers with a favorite top, a relaxed dress, or jumpsuit, a layered tee with a button-down or hoodie -- anything that feels effortless and true to your style. This look is great for starting the session because it helps you ease in and get comfortable in front of the camera. Just avoid anything too oversized, wrinkled or with big logos -- clean well-fitting clothes always photograph better, even if they are super casual.
Dressier Look:
A dressier outfit doesn't have to mean "fancy" -- it just means a step up from everyday. That could be a flowy dress, a stylish jumpsuit, a skirt and top combo, a button down with tailored pants, or even a great blazer layered over something cool and simple. The key is choosing pieces that feel like you, but a little elevated.
Make sure you can move comfortably, we'll be sitting, walking, maybe even twirling (see the photo at right!), and bring something that gives you that "I look good and I know it" kind of energy. Bonus points with anything with pockets -- seriously they help with posing!
Something Personal
Is there something that says something about who you are? Are you a ballerina, sneaker-hound, musician, athlete or gymnast? You're welcome to bring an outfit or special item that reflects that. I even had one senior bring her pet chicken!
Other Tips
Layer It up
Jackets, flannels, hoodies, sweaters -- layers not only change the look but they also help with posing and hand placement (no one ever knows what to do with their hands!)
If you're WEaring a dress, cut matters
Mini-dresses are super on-trend right now, and they can look amazing in photos. But it's worth thinking about how comfortable you'll be moving and sitting in your dress. Form-fitting and short can sometimes make posing a little limited, especially for seated shots or anything playful. If you're doing a Custom Session, feel free to rock your favorite mini, but also bring along another dress or outfit that offers more flexibility and movement. You'll thank yourself when it's time to sit on the beach, or spin around in the sun!
Accessorize!
Accessories can totally elevate your look and add personality to your photos. Think jewelry, hats, scarves, watches, sunglasses (for a few fun shots) or even a layered necklace or bold earrings. A statement belt, cool socks, or a standout pair of shoes can also bring a basic outfit to life. If you love it and it feels like you, bring it. Just avoid over-accessorizing -- one or two standout pieces per outfits is usually the sweet spot. And if you're not sure what works, I'm always happy to weigh in.
Pockets are your bestie!
Most common question I get asked? What do I do with my hands? Well, pockets give you one more option (and I'll help with the rest!).
Don't forget your Shoes
Shoes will show in a lot of shots so bring something clean and intentional. If you're wearing open toed shoes, give those feet a little TLC.
Fit Check!
Please be sure that clothes fit well. Clothes that are too big will look messy.
Wrinkle-free = Worry-free
Please make sure your clothes are pressed and wrinkle-free before your session. I cannot stress this enough. Wrinkles are distracting in photos and take a lot of time to fix in editing. (And yep, I do charge for extensive retouching!). Plaid and printed fabrics are especially tough to clean up in Photoshop and sometimes it's not possible to make them look smooth. So do yourself a favort: give everything a quick steam or iron, and hang your outfits ahead of time Future you will be very grateful (and so will I!)
A bit about Color
A bit about color and patterns
COMPLIMENT YOUR EYES!
If you've got a striking eye color, use it! Blues, greens, and browns can really pop with the right top.
Consider JEWEL TONES AND Deep NEUTRALS
Think emerald, burgundy, navy, and charcoal.
Classic black and white
Always a sharp choice, but add texture or layering so it doesn't fall flat.
Colors to be careful of:
Really bold reds and oranges can draw attention from you, but not always. And when choosing a green, just make sure it's a rich color that doesn't match the color of the environment too closely (if we're shooting in a park for instance!). Bottom line, almost anything can work, just be mindful.
PATTERNS ARE OK!
As long as they don't take over. Tiny florals, thin stripes, and checks = yes! Loud logos or giant prints -- probably not.
Finishing Touches
Hair
Style it the way you usually do, but smooth down flyaways with spray. If you're getting haircut, do it about a week before your session. If you have long hair, definitely bring a brush along with you for touch ups.
Makeup (if you wear it)
A natural, matte finish photographs best. Professional makeup is a great option too -- just avoid super shiny products.
Pearly Whites
Consider using a teeth whitening product for a week or two before your session, or at the very least give them an extra good scrub before you arrive to have them sparkling!
Come rested and hydrated!
Make sure you get a good night's sleep before your session and drink lots of water the day before.
BONUS: PRO STYLING HELP
If you're looking to book professional hair and makeup, check out Melissa Perrault's Instagram. She's fantastic! You can DM her on Instagram, or text her at 978.382.2501 for more information.
Lastly, Because Everyone Asks
Yes, I have some photoshop tricks up my sleeve, and I'm willing to use them (sparingly). Cleaning up acne is absolutely no problem, so don't stress out if a zit pops up that morning!
Still lost or need a second opinion?
I'm here to help, so just shoot me an email, text me some photos of what you're considering, or check out my Pinterest board for Inspo!
Check out the Gallery Below for Inspiration!
FIND US
Based in Andover and available
North and West of Boston.
LONDON - PARIS
@cristenfarrellphotography
LONDON - PARIS
A
B
C
D