Real World Advice From A Louisiana Senior Photographer
Parents ask me this before almost anything else.
Not “What lens do you use?”
Not “What location is best?”
It is almost always this:
“Kirk, what should my senior wear for their pictures?”
Fair question.
I have spent more than 40 years photographing high school seniors in South Louisiana.
I have seen every trend, every color, every pattern, and every “what were we thinking” moment.
So let’s take all that experience, plus what we know Google loves, and turn it into one simple guide.
You want senior pictures that feel like them.
And you want outfits that look amazing in real life and on the wall.
You want to avoid the “fashion regret” we all have from our own senior year.
Let’s do this.
Step One: Start With The Senior, Not The Closet
Before you dig into hangers, ask one question.
What is their vibe?
- Laid back. T-shirt, jeans, sneakers.
- Sophisticated. Dresses, heels, or sharp jackets.
- Sporty. Jerseys, uniforms, letterman jackets.
- Artsy. Layers, textures, hats, wild shoes.
The outfits should look like the same kid who walks into school every day.
Just cleaned up. Turned up a little. Not a completely different person.
If your senior hates dresses, do not force a dress.
If they never wears a tie, do not start on picture day.
The camera loves confidence more than clothing.
We dress for confidence first, style second.
Colors That Photograph Best
Let me ruin one myth right away.
You do not need to all wear white.
For senior pictures, your best friends are soft, rich, and simple colors.
Great choices:
- Soft blues, teals, and dusty greens
- Deep wine, burgundy, or brick red
- Earth tones like camel, olive, tan
- Classic white, cream, or ivory paired with something darker
- Black, charcoal, or navy for a strong, timeless look
In South Louisiana, we also fight heat, humidity, and a lot of green.
If we shoot near trees, fields, or bayous, neon green will disappear.
Soft colors and medium tones look fantastic against all that green.
Colors to be careful with:
- Neon anything
- Super bright red that can bleed on skin
- Pure white from head to toe
- Very strong black in harsh midday light
Do we sometimes break those rules? Sure.
But we do it on purpose, not by accident.
Outfit Game Plan For Girls
Most of my senior girls bring three to five outfits.
We rarely use all of them, but options are good.
Here is a simple formula that works every time.
1. The “Wow” Outfit
This is the dress that makes her say, “I feel amazing.”
Ideas:
- Flowy midi or maxi dress that moves in the breeze
- Fitted dress with sleeves that show shape but not everything
- Jumpsuit with a defined waist
- Skirt and fitted top that together look like a dress
We use this for big smiles, spinning shots, and wall art.
2. The Casual Outfit
This is how she might dress for a good day out with friends.
Think:
- Jeans that fit well and actually allow sitting
- A favorite top in a solid color or subtle pattern
- Cute but comfortable shoes
We want “real life but upgraded” here.
This is usually the set grandparents love.
3. The School Spirit Outfit
Perfect for South Louisiana seniors.
- Letterman jacket
- Band uniform accessories
- Team jersey or cheer gear
- College T-shirt if she has chosen a school
These shots tell the story of what she did, not just how she looked.
4. The Parent Pleaser
Like it or not, Mom and Dad often want at least one “nice” portrait.
So we plan an outfit that feels like her, but passes the framed 16×20 test in the living room.
Usually:
- A dress or blouse in a solid, flattering color
- Simple jewelry
- Classic hair and makeup
That one ends up on Christmas cards for the next five years.
Outfit Game Plan For Guys
Guys keep it simple.
That does not mean boring.
Here is a solid three outfit plan.
1. Clean Classic
- Dark jeans or khakis
- Solid henley, polo, or button down
- Clean shoes that are not bright white running shoes
Fit matters more than brand.
If the shirt is too big, he looks shorter and wider.
If it is too tight, he will tug at it all session.
2. Slightly Dressy
We are not talking tuxedo.
Just one step up.
- Dark pants
- Long sleeve button down
- Optional sport coat or jacket
Roll up the sleeves. Open the collar a bit.
He will look put together without feeling stiff.
3. Personality Outfit
This is where we show who he is.
Ideas:
- Team jersey, band shirt, or letterman jacket
- Fishing shirt and boots
- Western shirt if he lives in boots and a hat
- College gear if he has decided on a school
We combine this with props when it makes sense.
More on that in a minute.
Patterns, Textures, And Layers
Patterns are like hot sauce.
A little is perfect. A lot will burn the whole dish.
Good pattern rules:
- Only one bold pattern per outfit
- Everyone else in solids or very subtle patterns
- Avoid tiny stripes that cause weird moiré on camera
Textures are your friend:
- Denim
- Chunky sweaters
- Lace
- Knits
- Linen
Layers give us variety fast:
- Jackets
- Cardigans
- Vests
- Scarves
- Hats
I can change the entire feel of an image just by adding or removing a layer.
That is free variety without a full outfit change.
What To Avoid On Senior Picture Day
Let me save you some pain.
Please avoid:
- Huge logos and big words on shirts
- Neon colors that glow more than the senior
- Very short skirts that limit sitting or moving
- See through fabrics without proper layers
- Wrinkled clothing straight from the bottom of a drawer
- Shoes that hurt after five minutes
If you are not sure, send me a quick phone photo of the outfit.
I do this all the time. It is part of my job.
How Many Outfits Should You Bring?
Sweet spot is three to five outfits.
Three guarantees variety.
Five gives us options in case one just is not working.
At KVPHOTO.COM, here is what usually works best:
- 1 dressy
- 1 casual
- 1 personality or sport
- 1 school spirit
- 1 backup wild card
We will not try to shoot twenty outfits.
That just creates stress and a lot of “almost” images.
Senior sessions are about expressions, not a fashion show.
South Louisiana Season Guide
We do not get four cute, evenly spaced seasons.
We get “hot,” “less hot,” and “you might need a jacket today.”
Here is how that affects clothing.
Spring
Weather can swing all over.
- Think light layers.
- Dresses with jean jackets.
- Long sleeve shirts with rolled sleeves.
Pastels and soft colors look great with fresh greens.
Summer
Hot. Humid. Period.
- Light fabrics
- Loose fits that allow air movement
- Sandals or open shoes for girls
- Short sleeves for guys, or thin long sleeves
We plan sessions early or late in the day, never at noon if we can help it.
Fall
Our leaves change late and fast.
- Deeper colors work well.
- Denim, boots, light sweaters.
- Plaid is fine if used once.
This is the busiest season, so book early.
Yes, that was your friendly marketing reminder.
Winter
Some years it is chilly. Some years it is a suggestion.
- Layers are key
- Coats, scarves, boots look great
- Avoid bulky coats that hide shape completely
Think “comfortable outside for 45 minutes” more than “fashion over feeling.”
Hair, Makeup, And Details
You do not need a complete makeover.
You do need polish.
- Hair should look like real life on a good day.
- Makeup should be slightly more than everyday, not stage level.
- Avoid brand new hairstyles the day of the session.
Nails show more than people expect.
Chipped neon nail polish becomes a white canvas print forever.
Tip:
If you are not sure, choose simple, clean nails or a soft neutral color.
This works with every outfit.
Props That Actually Work For Senior Photos
Props are great when they say something true about the senior.
Good ideas:
- Sports gear, ball, bat, helmet, or dance shoes
- Band instruments
- Art supplies, sketchbooks, cameras
- Books or a Bible if that fits their life
- Cowboy hat or boots if that is truly their style
Not so great:
- Random balloons with no reason
- Giant signs that cover faces
- Trendy things they do not actually enjoy
If it lives in their room and they touch it often, it might be a good prop.
If you bought it only for pictures, think twice.
Senior Picture Day Checklist
Here is your fast checklist you can screenshot.
The Night Before
- Choose outfits, including shoes and jewelry
- Remove tags, lint, and wrinkles
- Pack outfits on hangers, not stuffed in a bag
- Lay out undergarments that work with every outfit
Day Of The Session
- Eat a real meal
- Drink water
- Light touch up for hair and makeup
- Bring a brush, hair ties, and touch up makeup
- Bring a towel in the car in case of heat and humidity
And most important, bring an open mind.
I will handle posing, lighting, and all the rest.
How Senior Sessions Work At KVPHOTO.COM
Here is how I like to keep things simple and fun.
- We talk first. You tell me about your senior. Their interests, their style, their worries.
- We plan outfits together. You send me photos of possible outfits. I give you feedback before the session.
- We pick locations that fit. Downtown, fields, water, rustic, modern. The clothing and background should play together.
- We shoot, laugh, and keep it moving. You do not need to know how to pose. That is my job.
- You pick favorites. We design wall art, albums, and prints that survive long after social media changes again.
If you are ready to plan senior pictures that actually feel like them, not a cookie cutter session, you can reach me through the contact form on KVPHOTO.COM or call the studio. 985-851-4314 or email: info@kvphoto.com
Bring your questions. Bring your outfits.
I will bring forty plus years of knowing what works and what does not.