Senior Portraits
How To Dress

Downloadable Style Guide

Proper clothing allows the face to dominate the portrait, with all other elements being secondary. 

Yearbook Picture

• Your yearbook portrait will be taken against a medium blue background.
• For your yearbook portrait and other close-up poses, dress in something very simple both in color and style.

Clothing Color

• Choose medium to dark tones of green, brown, rust, wine, or blue.  Darker shades tend to be more slimming. 
• Avoid colors that approximate flesh tones, such as beige, tan peach, pink, white and yellow.  These colors not only dominate a portrait and overpower the face, but also drain color from the face and make the wearer appear unusually pale.
• Especially bright colors such as red, orange or pink will ruin a portrait because their intensity overwhelms the face.
• Stripes, plaids, checks and bold prints also draw the eye away from the face and do not photograph well.
• Be sure to bring clothing appropriate for cap and gown pictures - collared shirt and tie for men, plain white collared blouse for women.

Style

• Boys can choose a suit, sport coat or sweater.  For a more casual look, consider a solid, dark-color polo shirt.
• For girls, a plain dress, sweater or blouse with a simple neckline is best.
  Wear long sleeves to keep the eye from being drawn to the flesh of the arms.
• Bare shoulders or tops with “spaghetti straps” often make the subject look heavier and take the eye away from the face.  Since yearbook portraits are show primarily head and shoulders, a low-cut top may not appear in the picture at all, making it unacceptable for the yearbook.

Hair

• Don’t try a new hairstyle just for your session
• Have your hair cut around a week before your session is scheduled.

Skin Problems

• Don’t worry if you develop a skin problem.  Our finished portraits can be fully retouched to eliminate blemished and soften harsh lines. 
• If you have a mole, birthmark or scar, please be sure to discuss whether you would like to have that removed or retained on the final portraits.  Additional charges may apply if the work required is extensive.

Glasses

• Problems with glasses can lead to extra retouching charges.  We can remove normal glare on glasses, but tinted lenses cannot be lightened. 
• If your glasses are tinted or exceptionally thick, they can distort the way the camera photographs the eye.  In this case, you should ask your optometrist for a pair of empty frames to wear for your portrait session. 
• If you have any questions regarding you glasses or extra retouching charges on glasses, please contact us.

Braces

• Braces can be removed with artwork at an additional charge.  This charge applies for each pose used.  The charge is $10 per visible tooth.
• Some dentists are willing to remove braces for your session if you take the time to schedule the procedure.
• If you are expecting to have your braces removed later in the year, you may wish to have your yearbook picture taken over the summer and have additional poses taken after the braces come off.  With your ClubMoto for Seniors membership, there is no charge for the additional sitting.

Tanning

• Removing tan or sunburn lines may incur additional retouching charges. 
• Plan your clothing to avoid displaying tan lines.

Makeup

• Makeup can affect the way your portrait looks.  Both fresh, natural makeup and “evening” makeup photograph well. 
• Glitter makeup does not photograph well.

Shaving

• Guys, a fresh shave is a must! 
• If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it is trimmed to your liking.