Choosing your outfits is the most important part of planning for your senior portraits. I’m sharing photos from Quinn’s spring senior session at Reynolda Gardens because her wardrobe is a perfect example of color choices, variety, and coordinating outfits with different locations.

Quinn booked my Full Senior Experience, which gave us plenty of time for multiple outfits and several spots around the Reynolda House, Reynolda Gardens, and even the hidden waterfall at Reynolda Village. Here’s a breakdown of what she wore and why each look worked so well.

1. White Dress Under Her Cap & Gown

Picking the right dress to wear under your cap and gown makes a huge difference. Choose a dress that you like because you won’t be hiding it under the gown the whole time. A neutral color that stands out under your gown is best and white is always my top recommendation. White just says graduation to me! A shorter dress works best so it doesn’t get lost under your gown.

2. Jeans and a White Top

Quinn went with a white top and jeans for the gardens, which paired perfectly with the colorful florals. This outfit didn’t compete with the florals and gave her freedom to move, sit, spin, and have fun. This type of outfit is ideal for movement based photos.

3. College T-Shirt and Matching Shoes

For high school seniors, this is one of my favorite outfit ideas. It’s a fun way to show where you are headed next. Quinn added blue sneakers to match her college tee which tied the outfit together!

4. White Dress for the Waterfall

I encouraged Quinn to choose her white dress for the waterfall location because the background is more textured and busy. The clean, neutral outfit was a good balance for this spot. She was able to splash around in the water and the long dress added a whimsical feel to her photos.

Here are a few extra tops when choosing your outfits…

1. Think About the Season and Background Colors

Pay attention to floral colors and the scenery. Aim for outfits that compliment the background, not compete with it or clash.

2. Wear What You Can Move In

Senior portraits are meant to be fun and full of movement. Choose outfits that let you walk, sit, spin, and are comfortable.

3. Choose Variety

Don’t limit yourself to one style. Pick from dresses, jeans, skirts, and tops. If dresses are your thing, wear as many as you’d like, just make sure each outfit brings something different to the gallery.

Picking yoru outfits is a big part of the senior experience and you don’t have to figure it out alone. As your senior photographer, I help throughout the planning process from personal outfit advie to PDF guides and Pinterest inspiration boards. If you’re ready to plan a senior session that feels like you, I’d love to help bring it to life! Inquire!

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Winston Salem Senior Photos

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How to pick your senior photos outfits