Let's be honest: figuring out what to wear to your senior portrait session can feel like its own part-time job. You want to look great. You want your outfits to feel like you. You do not want to spend three weeks in your closet having an existential crisis about whether the floral top is "too much." (For the record, it probably isn't.)

Here's the good news: I have been photographing high school seniors since 2009, and helping seniors and their families navigate the wardrobe puzzle is one of my favorite parts of the pre-session consultation. I will walk you through everything. But in the meantime, here's a solid starting point.

Before we talk colors, patterns, or trends, the number one rule of senior portrait wardrobes is this: wear what makes you feel confident and happy. Portraits where you feel like yourself are always the most beautiful portraits. Period.

Think about your everyday style. Are you a jeans-and-a-great-top kind of person? A dress and boots kind of person? An athletic-wear-is-a-lifestyle kind of person? All of those are perfect. We are building a portrait experience around who you actually are, not a version of you that exists only for the camera.

Most sessions include unlimited outfit changes, so I really do encourage you to plan a variety. A good mix might look something like this:

• One or two casual, everyday outfits that feel most like "you"

• One dressier or more formal look

• One outfit tied to a sport, activity, or interest if applicable

• A fun or unexpected option that lets your personality shine

Variety in your outfits creates variety in your gallery, and variety in your gallery means more portraits you love. Just as you cannot be defined by one word, you cannot be defined by one outfit.

These are the things I share with every single senior before their session:

• Solid colors and simple patterns photograph beautifully. Large, busy logos or graphics can compete with your face in the frame.

• Layers, textures, and accessories add visual interest and dimension. A cardigan, a scarf, a great jacket — these things are your friends.

• Make sure everything fits well and that you feel comfortable sitting, standing, and moving around in it. If you spend the whole session tugging at something, it is more difficult to achieve the level of comfort that makes for great portraits.

• Avoid anything brand new that you haven't broken in. You want to feel natural, not like you're wearing someone else's clothes.

• Bring your outfits on hangers, not stuffed in a bag. Wrinkle prevention is worth the extra effort!

• Do not forget shoes. (Sometimes, the shoes totally make the outfit.)

Rich, deep colors photograph beautifully: navy, burgundy, forest green, warm rust, cream, and blush are all gorgeous. Neutrals are timeless and elegant. Bright, saturated colors can be stunning as a statement piece.

One thing to be mindful of: very neon colors or overly bright whites can be tricky in certain lighting conditions. Not impossible — just something we can chat about when we plan your session together.

Absolutely yes. A formal or semi-formal look is a wonderful option for senior portraits, especially for seniors who love that elevated, editorial feel. Prom dresses, formal gowns, tailored suits — all of it is welcome. If there's a specific look you've been dreaming about, bring it! This is your session.

When I look at your outfits, I will be thinking about all of the creative options that outfit will allow. Here is what I mean:

• Are the sleeves or skirt flowy? I will want to do some action shots!

• Do we have vertical stripes on the pants? I will want to accentuate that with some low-angle shots.

• Are there bold colors? I will look for backgrounds to make that pop even more.

• Is the outfit very soft and feminine? I will capture soft expressions to fit that mood.

Basically, I take what you bring to me and make it part of your story. This is the creative part of my job makes me giddy.

One of the most valuable parts of your pre-session consultation is the wardrobe conversation. Before your session day, we will talk through your options together and I will help you finalize your lineup. If you are stuck or unsure about anything, just bring it up and we will figure it out. I have seen it all, and I promise there is no such thing as a silly wardrobe question.