Accessorize Your Style

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

Ok, let’s be honest here. Who doesn’t love to go shopping? Well, I mean, yeah, there are a few out there who would rather watch paint dry than go out shopping (like my husband) but for the rest of us, it’s definitely one of our favorite pastimes. Whether it’s a super sale going on, the release of a new line, an upcoming holiday or event or whatever the case may be, it’s always great to have an excuse to go shopping. I say that having a photo session should definitely be added to the list of reasons to buy fun new things. This can be especially important for a high school senior photo shoot. For the purpose of this blog entry, I’m going to keep it there; how to buy for senior photos. Guys, don’t think this is only limited to the ladies because that’s not the case at all, at least as far as the basic principles go.

Make the Most of It

I personally like to get several looks in each session that I do for my high school students. After all, these photos are more than just what to put in the yearbook. These images are all about who you are right now and will most likely be immortalized in a beautiful custom album. Moms and dads (and grandmas and grandpas) want to see graduating seniors in all their multi-faceted glory. My favorite 5 different looks are something monochrome (so think subdued single colors like all gray, black, white or beige), something patterned or floral, something really dressy, something very casual and an at least two-piece coordinating outfit (like a suit or pants, shirt and jacket that were obviously meant to go together). This will give a very nice variety that will easily fill an album with photos that don’t all look the same.

Where to Go

I have several suggestions for shopping to get a nice group of selections. Some are available online and some are an in-person experience. My favorites are Free People, H&M, Nordrtrom and Nordstrom Rack, Zara, PacSun, Forever 21, Lulus and Zara. Wherever you decide to go, it should be at a place that reflects the personality of the person being photographed (I highly recommend allowing the senior to be involved in choosing) so they feel comfortable and excited to wear the new clothes. I promise you, if you put your son in his grandfather’s suit for his senior photos he will be scowling and look uncomfortable in the photos. You want the pictures to look like the young man or woman is having fun, happy, excited to be alive, not upset and frowning. The right (or wrong) clothes can do that! The selections should reflect what they feel their personality is. After all, that’s the whole point in getting senior photos done; to have a tangible memory of who they are when they are in their graduating year.

It’s the little things

So, you have bags and bags of mall goodies to take home and hold for the day of the session (though, let’s be honest, we all know you will be trying them on and showing your friends). Before you leave and start walking to your car, ask yourself if you need any accessories. Honestly, sometimes it’s the accessories that can make or break an outfit. That scarf or hat or scrunchy socks could add the extra zing that you are looking for and elevate an outfit to an entirely new level. Plus, you’ll also get more variety in the photos, going between with and without. I call that a win-win scenario. If you want an example of what I am talking about, Pinterest and Google will have probably a million guidelines, how-to’s and suggestions. I will say that there is a lovely live demonstration that Free People put out. You can view a little 10 minute video HERE. It’s not too long (though some parts do get a little boring as the presenters wait for the model to return in a new outfit…you have been warned) but does have a lovely visual on what accessories can do for an outfit to really bring it to life. Just click that link and then the watch link for it to play.

I’m here to help

If you are still just really feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do, as your photographer, I am here to help you. Just reach out to me for guidance, suggestions or even shoot me a quick photo via text to ask my opinion. I will be able to tell you if an outfit or item will photograph well, look good with your hair and complexion and even help determine the best hairstyle and makeup. That’s what I’m here for and I’d be happy to assist in any way that I can. Just email me at Info@TSGallantPhotography.com or text or call me at (406) 696-6760. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!