Here is a list of Essential items for your senior portraits. Tips for your session!
If you are asking yourself… what exactly should I bring with me to my senior portrait experience? Here is a list of Essential items to help you on your way. Some are common sense items and the others are items that I’ve seen clients forgot.
For the Fellas
- Pick Out Your Suit
- Pick Out Your Yearbook Look
- Learn How to Tie That Tie!
- The Pocket Square
- Casual Outfits
- Round up your Jerseys
- Letterman Jacket
- Choose The Right Shoes for Your Outfit
- A Belt is Not Just for Holding Up Your Pants
- Socks or No Socks
- Put on a Nice Watch
- Accent Pieces
- Think about locations for your session
- Permission for the Field
- Don’t Forget the equipment ~ sports {football, lacrosse sticks, bats, balls} & instruments
- Get a Trim Before Your Shoot
- A Little Hair Gel / Spray, Comb, Brush, for a Windy Day
- Sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s cold… best to hydrate!
- Bring Water or a Cooler with snacks
- A Towel for Sweat or extra layers if it’s chilly
- It’s Michigan, you may need an umbrella
For the Ladies
- Pick Out Your Yearbook Look
- Makeup for touch-ups
- A Dressier Outfit
- Casual Outfits
- Round up your Jerseys
- Letterman Jacket
- Choose The Right Shoes for Your Outfit
- Don’t forget the accessories ~ necklaces, rings, earrings, hats
- Think about locations for your session
- Permission for the Field
- Don’t Forget the equipment ~ sports, instruments
- Get a Trim Before Your Shoot
- A Little Hair Spray & Brush for a Windy Day
- Sometimes it’s hot, sometimes it’s cold… best to hydrate!
- Bring Water or a Cooler with snacks
- A Towel for Sweat or extra layers if it’s chilly
- It’s Michigan, you may need an umbrella
Pick Out Your Suit






One of my favorite looks for the fella is a well-fitted suit. I start with the yearbook look, so this is usually the first outfit of the session. Two or three piece… whatever your style… making sure it fits properly is key.
Here’s some tips on how to look Flawless in Suits
Tie or not… that’s up to your senior!
Learn to Tie Your Tie!
Half Windsor Knot
Double Windsor Knot
Bow Tie
Dressier Outfits












Casual Outfits
























Express yourself in your casual outfit! It’s the perfect secondary option. Primary and solid colors are great choices and would shy away from heavy patterns or large logos.
Choose The Right Shoes for Your Outfit


Whether it’s your favorite pair of heels, your favorite sandals or a sweet pair of sneaks… make sure you pick shoes that match EVERY outfit!
Location!








Let’s find that perfect location that fits your senior! Is it in your local downtown, your favorite lake or is it on your high school field? Also open to new locations or ideas…. get creative!!
Get Permission!

When thinking of possible locations, if you want part of your session on the field, at an airport or some other special location, make sure to get the OK. Most days it’s not difficult to get on the field, but with team practices and weekends… we have to make sure the field and other locations are availablefor use.
Don’t Forget the Props/Equipment {sports {football, lacrosse sticks, bats, balls} & instruments

No matter your sport or activity… love to incorporate those into your photos!
Don’t Forget the Jersey and Letterman Jackets










Jeans and your jersey can make a great second or third outfit for your senior portraits. Remember that you might need to sign out your jersey from your coach or athletic director. So make sure to ask for it well in advance of your portrait date.
Letterman jackets are a great way to show off your school pride in your senior portraits. They can go with any outfit but they pair nicely with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. You could also wear your team’s jersey underneath. You can have additional looks with your jacket by taking it off and throwing it over your shoulder or even just have it sitting next to you.