Senior Guides

Outfit and location guide

My goal is to make your session feel relaxed, comfortable, and even a little fun. You don’t need to worry about what to wear or where to go. I’ll walk you through all of it. Whether we’re taking a walk in a garden, hanging out at your home, or picking a spot that has meaning to you, I’ll help make sure everything feels just right.

What You’ll Find in This Guide


This guide was created to make planning simple and enjoyable. Inside, you’ll find:


Comfortable, camera-friendly outfit ideas

Location suggestions chosen with seniors in mind

Tips to help your session go smoothly


This isn’t about posing stiffly or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about capturing you, just as you are.

What to wear:

Comfort Comes First.


You look best when you're confident. Choosing an outfit that you are not comfortable in can make you feel self-conscious—and that shows in your photos. Instead, pick something that feels like you, something you can move in, sit in, and smile in without constantly adjusting or worrying. The goal is to feel good, relaxed, and at ease, so your personality shines through.

Flattering Colors & Styles


When you choose me as your photographer, you're also trusting my eye for color and style. Thank you for that! Some colors work beautifully with my editing style, while others can be distracting or fall flat on camera. To make things easier, I’ve included images below with tones that photograph best.

When picking your outfit, try to avoid busy patterns or bold graphics. These can pull attention away from you as the subject. Aim for solid colors, soft textures, or subtle prints that add interest without overwhelming the image. Think simple, timeless, and most importantly: something you feel great in!

Classic vs Personal Style


There’s something timeless about simple, classic outfits, but that doesn’t mean you have to hide your personality! If you have a favorite hat, a piece of jewelry with meaning, or even a family heirloom, bring it along. These little touches can add so much heart to your photos and help tell your story.

The key is finding a balance. Start with a clean, classic base, and then layer in a few personal touches. This way, your style still shines through, but the overall look stays polished and photo-ready.

Denim and neutral tones tend to photograph beautifully and work really well with my editing style. Soft earth tones, warm grays, light browns, and classic denim create a timeless, flattering look without stealing the spotlight.


If you're planning to wear white, I recommend choosing a softer shade—like cream, ivory, or off-white—instead of bright, pure white. Bright white can sometimes reflect too much light and make your skin appear washed out in photos. Softer whites blend more naturally and are much more flattering on camera.

Rich, warm tones like deep burgundy, rust, and mustard pair beautifully with soft neutrals and darker shades like charcoal or slate gray. These combinations create depth and contrast in your photos without being overpowering. They add a cozy, grounded feel that works especially well in fall settings or more rustic locations.



Pairing a bold warm tone with a deeper neutral creates visual interest while still keeping the focus on you. These colors also complement a wide range of skin tones, making them a great choice for portraits.

 

 

 

Cool, calming tones like dusty blue, sage green, and soft lavender create a relaxed and elegant feel in your photos. These shades work beautifully in outdoor settings—especially in gardens, open fields, or near water—where the natural surroundings complement the colors effortlessly.


 

 

They’re subtle enough not to distract from you, but still add just the right amount of color and softness. These tones also pair well with neutrals like light gray, cream, or beige for a balanced, airy look. If you're going for a peaceful, graceful vibe, cool tones are a perfect choice.

Colors to Avoid

(These can clash with the editing style or cause distractions)


Bright white (can be too harsh and reflective)

Neon or fluorescent colors

Bold, high-contrast patterns (like stripes or loud florals)

Locations

Hopewell Winery

 

 

Summer Hill, IL

 

Pittsfield Lake

 

 

 

Pittsfield, IL

 

 

Brosie Farm

 

 

 

Rockport, IL

 

 

Botanical Gardens

 

 

St. Louis, MO