Girls Senior Style Guide
Layers!
Adding a layer or a coat is one of the easiest ways to elevate your look and show off your personal style. Whether it’s a sleek blazer, a cozy cardigan, or a statement trench, layering brings dimension and versatility to any outfit. It allows you to transform a simple dress or jeans-and-tee combo into something more polished or fashion-forward. Don’t be afraid to experiment with textures, colors, and fits—outerwear can be both functional and a bold style statement.
Mix it up
As you plan your outfits, aim for a mix of different styles to keep things interesting! I always suggest picking 2–3 style categories that really reflect who you are—think dressy, casual, cozy, sporty, preppy, or edgy. Choosing from a few of these will help you create a well-rounded set of looks that show off different sides of your personality. This way, your final gallery will feel diverse and true to you. Focus on pieces that feel authentic to your personal style and make you feel your best.
Number of Outfits
For a 90-minute photoshoot, bringing three different outfits gives you variety and keeps your photos feeling fresh and dynamic. When choosing what to wear, go with pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and genuinely excited to be seen in. Pick outfits that highlight your favorite features—whether that’s a top that shows off your shoulders or jeans that fit you just right. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it truly shows on camera.
School Spirit
Showing your school spirit in your senior pictures is a great way to celebrate your time and achievements at your school. Bringing items like your varsity jacket, letterman sweater, school mascot gear, or anything featuring your school colors instantly adds pride and meaning to your photos. Whether it’s a sports jersey, a club sweatshirt, or a banner, these props highlight your connection to your school community and make your photos feel more personal and memorable. It’s a fun way to honor your journey, showcase your pride, and capture the spirit that’s been a big part of your high school experience.
Dresses
Dresses are a great option for senior photos because they tend to be naturally flattering and add beautiful movement to your images. Flowy fabrics can catch the breeze or move as you walk, bringing life and softness to your photos. Whether you choose something casual or more dressed up, a well-fitting dress can highlight your shape in a subtle, elegant way. They also offer a timeless, feminine look that photographs beautifully in just about any setting.
Tell a Story
Bringing personal items that reflect your hobbies and passions is a fantastic way to make your senior photos truly unique. I’ve had seniors bring everything from horses and athletic gear to musical instruments and even guns, all of which add a special touch that tells their individual story. Whether it’s something related to a sport, a creative passion, or a hobby you love, these props help capture your personality and make your photos feel authentic. Including meaningful items allows you to showcase what makes you you and adds depth and character to your images, creating memories that are truly one of a kind.
Choosing Colors
When choosing colors to wear for your senior photos, pick tones that complement your skin tone, hair, and eye color. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, or muted pastels often photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you. Bold colors can also make a strong statement—just make sure they don’t clash with your location or distract from your face. Avoid overly bright neons or busy patterns, as they can be distracting in photos. Most importantly, wear colors that make you feel confident and reflect your personality!
Make a statement
Your senior photos are the perfect chance to make a statement and show off what makes you you. Whether it’s through a bold outfit, a unique accessory, or a pop of color, don’t be afraid to stand out. Statement pieces—like a wide-brim hat, fun boots, or a standout jacket—can add personality and make your photos feel more editorial and memorable. Just make sure whatever you choose still feels like you—the goal is to express your style in a confident, eye-catching way without overpowering the moment.
Focus on your features!
When planning your outfits and looks, think about how to highlight your favorite features. Whether it's your eyes, smile, legs, or hair, choosing the right styles and details can help draw attention to what you love most about yourself. For example, off-the-shoulder tops can show off your collarbones, while high-waisted jeans can accentuate your waist. Hair and makeup can also play a big role—soft waves, a bold lip, or defined brows can enhance your natural beauty. The key is to focus on what makes you feel confident and let that shine through in your photos.
Hair
Your hairstyle can make a big difference in how you feel and how your photos turn out, so it’s worth giving it some thought. Choose a style that you feel confident in and that reflects your personality—whether that’s loose waves, a sleek straight look, a soft updo, or a casual braid. Hair with some movement tends to photograph beautifully, adding a natural, effortless touch to your images. If you’re unsure what to go with, stick to a style you’ve worn before and loved. This helps you feel more comfortable during your session and avoids any last-minute stress. You can also bring simple accessories like clips, barrettes, or a hat to add variety and fun to your shots. The key is to keep your hair looking like you, just a slightly elevated version of your everyday style.
Makeup
When it comes to makeup for your senior photos, less is often more. A natural, polished look tends to photograph best and ensures you still look like yourself—just with a bit of extra glow. Focus on even skin tone, soft definition around the eyes, and a touch of color on the lips and cheeks. Matte or slightly dewy finishes work well on camera, but avoid anything too shiny or heavy. If you normally don’t wear much makeup, don’t feel pressured to overdo it—just enhance your features in a way that feels comfortable to you. On the other hand, if you love a bold lip or dramatic lashes, go for it! The goal is to feel confident and radiant, so choose a makeup look that highlights your natural beauty while staying true to your personal style.
Nails
Your nails might be a small detail, but they can really impact the overall look of your photos—especially in close-ups or hand-focused shots. Keeping your nails clean and well-groomed gives a polished, put-together vibe. Whether you prefer a natural look with clear polish or want to add a pop of color, choose something that feels like you and complements your outfits. Avoid chipped polish or overly flashy designs that might distract from your face. Simple, neat nails help complete your look and show attention to detail without stealing the spotlight.
Skin
I totally get how feeling confident about your skin can be a little tricky, especially if there’s a blemish popping up right before your session. But here’s the thing—your natural beauty shines through, imperfections and all! That said, I know blemishes can sometimes make you feel a bit self-conscious. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered. I use skin retouching techniques during editing to smooth things out and minimize any spots, so you can relax and enjoy the session. If anything shows up, I'll take care of it!
Urban/Downtown
- Brick walls, stairwells, or alleyways
- Murals, textured doors, or industrial buildings
- Parking garages or rooftops
- Locations: Downtown Vancouver, Vancouver Waterfront, Downtown Portland
Parks/Nature
- Fields with golden grass
- Forest trails or bridges
- Riverbanks or lakeside areas
- Wooden fences, gravel roads, or open sky views
- Locations: Daybreak Park, Lewisville Park, Vancouver Lake, Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge
Meaningful Spots
- High school stadium, track, gym, or bleachers
- Your truck, car, motorcycle, or favorite gear
- Family farm, backyard, or property
- Favorite fishing spot or hiking trail
- Skate park or basketball court
Session Checklist
Here’s a handy list of what to bring to your senior photoshoot to make the day smooth, fun, and stress-free:
- Three outfits that make you feel confident and represent different styles
- Jewelry and accessories organized by outfit—either in separate piles or hanging up—to make quick changes easy
- Touch-up makeup kit for keeping your look fresh throughout the session
- Hairbrush and hairspray to tame flyaways and keep your hairstyle looking great
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Snack to keep your energy up between locations
- Props or items that showcase your talents, hobbies, or school spirit (like instruments, sports gear, or anything meaningful)
Keeping your outfits and accessories organized will save time and help you stay relaxed. Having snacks and water on hand means you can focus on having fun and looking your best, while bringing meaningful props lets your personality shine through every shot!
