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How to Choose the Perfect Outfit for Your Senior Portraits

How to Choose the Perfect Outfit for Your Senior Portraits

Your senior year is such an exciting time, and your portraits should capture the best version of YOU! Whether you’re dreaming of a stunning Laguna Beach senior portrait session or a bold and stylish urban senior photoshoot, what you wear plays a huge role in how you’ll feel in front of the camera. No stress! I’m here to help you pick the perfect outfits that will make you look and feel amazing.

1. Dress for the Location

Think of your backdrop as part of your style story! Here’s what works best:

  • Laguna Beach senior portraits: Flowy dresses, linen shirts, or soft pastel colors blend beautifully with the ocean’s natural tones.

Blonde high school senior standing on a rocky shoreline at sunset, wearing a white eyelet two-piece outfit. The ocean and glowing sky create a dreamy, golden-hour backdrop for this Laguna Beach senior portrait.

  • Urban senior photos: Chic streetwear, leather jackets, or bold pops of color bring out the edgy city vibe.Two stylish high school seniors standing back-to-back in an urban alleyway, smiling confidently. One wears a denim jacket and floral skirt, while the other sports a black leather jacket and a bold patterned skirt, showcasing a mix of casual and edgy styles.

2. Pick Colors That Make You Glow

Not sure what looks best? Stick with classic, flattering tones like soft neutrals, deep jewel colors, or earthy shades. Try to avoid super bright neons or busy patterns that can take away from your gorgeous face!

High school senior sitting barefoot on a rocky beach in Laguna Beach, wearing a stylish pink two-piece outfit. Captured by an Orange County senior photographer, this coastal portrait highlights natural beauty and modern fashion.

3. Be Yourself (Seriously!)

The best photos happen when you feel like YOU. Love casual looks? A great pair of jeans and a stylish top can be just as stunning as a dressy outfit. The key is wearing something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

High school senior smiling brightly in a Laguna Beach outdoor portrait session. Wearing a vibrant pink sweater, she poses naturally with lush greenery in the background, captured by an Orange County senior photographer

4. Bring a Few Options

The best senior portrait sessions allow for outfit changes! I always recommend bringing at least two different looks—one casual and one a little dressier—to get a variety of stunning images.

High school senior posing in three different outfits and outdoor locations in Orange County. Featuring a cozy knit sweater with jeans, a chic olive green dress, and a casual striped vest with denim, this Laguna Beach senior photography session highlights versatile style and natural beauty

 

 

5. Don’t Forget the Little Details

A few last-minute checks can make a huge difference—make sure your clothes are wrinkle-free, and double-check for lint or pet hair. Natural-looking hair and makeup can enhance your professional senior photography without making you feel overdone.

Let’s Create Something Amazing!

Your senior portraits should capture who you are at this incredible moment in life, and I’d love to be part of that journey. If you’re ready for a one-of-a-kind experience, check out our Senior Model Program! Whether you’re looking for Laguna Beach senior portraits or urban senior photos, this is your chance to shine, build confidence, and have an unforgettable session.

Apply Now for Our Senior Model Program and let’s bring your vision to life!

Looking for the perfect spot for your session? Check out our previous blog for recommendations on the top 5 urban locations in Laguna Beach for stunning senior portraits. Check here!

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Top 5 Urban Locations in Laguna Beach for Senior Portraits

Top 5 Urban Locations in Laguna Beach for Senior Portraits

Looking for an urban-inspired twist on your Laguna Beach senior portraits? While the coastline is iconic, Laguna Beach also offers stylish and modern backdrops that bring a unique edge to your Orange County senior pics. Here are the top five locations that blend urban aesthetics with coastal charm, perfect for urban-themed high school senior portraits.

1. Heisler Park

high school senior girl with blonde hair and a radiant smile poses at Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. She wears a straw hat, a white crop top, and a vibrant orange floral skirt, surrounded by lush greenery and coastal plants. The soft sunlight highlights her joyful expression, creating a warm and carefree senior portrait.

Heisler Park isn’t just about ocean views—it also features artistic murals, modern pathways, and sleek architecture that create an urban-meets-nature look. The sculpted landscaping, geometric stairways, and contemporary benches provide a stylish setting for a fresh take on senior portraits.

2. Table Rock

This hidden gem offers an incredible mix of textures—rustic wood staircases, rocky cliffs, and a tunnel-like pathway that brings an urban edge to your session. The contrast of industrial elements with the natural beauty of the cliffs makes for a stunning, dynamic backdrop.

3. Montage Beach

A senior girl sitting gracefully on a rock at Laguna Beach, wearing a flowing white dress, with ocean waves crashing softly in the background, capturing a serene and elegant moment.

 

With its mix of paved walkways, oceanfront railings, and unique rock formations, Moontage Beach offers a creative blend of structure and coastal vibes. The nearby architecture and colorful storefronts add an urban touch, perfect for seniors looking for variety in their photos.

4. Alta Laguna Park

Two high school senior girls sit on a large tree branch at Alta Laguna Park, surrounded by soft sunlight and lush greenery. They wear cozy, neutral-toned knit sweaters—one paired with jeans and sneakers, the other with flowy pants and sandals—creating a relaxed and natural vibe. Their warm smiles and effortless poses capture a carefree and timeless senior portrait in this scenic outdoor setting.

Nicknamed “Top of the World,” Alta Laguna Park features breathtaking views, graffiti-style artwork, and rugged pathways that bring an adventurous, city-meets-nature feel. The modern lines of the park benches and scenic overlooks create a bold and striking background for high school senior portraits.

5. Downtown Laguna Beach

A high school senior guy leans against a vintage turquoise phone booth in downtown Laguna Beach, arms crossed with a confident expression. Dressed in a casual blue sweater and light-wash jeans, he stands against a charming backdrop of brick storefronts and European-style architecture, creating a stylish and timeless urban senior portrait.

For the ultimate urban-themed high school senior portraits, downtown Laguna Beach is the perfect spot. The stylish storefronts, alleyways, and iconic Laguna architecture provide a trendy and energetic setting. Whether posing in front of a colorful mural, a modern café, or along the palm-tree-lined streets, this area brings a fresh, fashion-forward vibe to senior pictures.

Book Your Laguna Beach Senior Portrait Session

If you’re looking for a unique take on Orange County senior pics, these urban-inspired Laguna Beach locations will make your photos stand out. Whether you love bold city vibes or subtle modern aesthetics, let’s create a session that’s uniquely YOU! 📸✨

Looking for Models for Our Urban-Themed Photoshoot in Laguna Beach!

We’re searching for high school seniors who want to be part of our upcoming urban-themed photoshoot in Laguna Beach. If you’re interested, apply here!

Check Out Our Previous Senior Portraits!

Want to see more? Take a look at our past senior portrait sessions to get inspiration for your own photoshoot! Click here!

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High School Senior Fashion: What to Wear to Your Photoshoot

High School Senior Fashion: What to Wear to Your Photoshoot

Celebrate this milestone in style by using these fashion tips and tricks for your high school senior photoshoot.

What to wear to a senior photo shoot at the beach including incorporating your letterman jacket

Fashion plays a crucial role when it comes to preparing for your high school senior photoshoot. By curating your fashion choices, you’ll elevate your photoshoot from ordinary to extraordinary.

I recommend two to three different outfits for your photoshoot, so you have some room for creativity.

Let’s dive into some fabulous fashion tips and tricks that will have you looking and feeling your absolute best as you embark on this exciting new journey:

Dress Like Yourself | High School Senior Fashion

What to wear to a senior session to represent your own person style. Converse sneakers and torn jeans are always a great choice.

It’s important to find your own unique style that reflects your personality and showcases your individuality. Experiment with different trends, colors, and silhouettes to discover what resonates with you. Remember, fashion is all about self-expression!

Beauty in Elegance | High School Senior Fashion

An image of an orange county high school senior portrait at the beach wearing her prom dress. The location is Heisler park in Laguna Beach

Choosing to wear a timeless and elegant dress or suit for your high school senior photoshoot is an excellent way to elevate your look and create stunning, memorable images that will last a lifetime.

Whether it’s a sleek black tuxedo or a chic A-line dress in a neutral shade, classic pieces effortlessly exude grace and refinement. A perfectly fitted dress or suit exudes sophistication and confidence, instantly making you the center of attention in every frame.

Have Fun with Accessories | High School Senior Fashion

An image of what to wear to a senior session including accessories such as a hat and chunky jewelry. Image taken in Laguna Canyon in a field.

Don’t be afraid to add some eye-catching accessories like statement jewelry or a stylish clutch that complements your outfit. From statement belts to fashionable scarves and hats – these small details can truly elevate an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.

Add Some Fun Props | High School Senior Fashion

What to wear for a senior portrait session in an urban location if you are a musician. Incorporating a instrument in the session makes it stand out.

Capture your unique journey and reflect your high school experience with props that speak to who you are. If you’re a sports enthusiast, include a basketball or volleyball. For the musically inclined, why not pose with your instrument, capturing the harmony of your passion for music?

These props not only add an exciting touch to your photoshoot, but also provide a visual representation of the memories and achievements that have shaped you throughout high school.

Show Your Next Path | High School Senior Fashion

An image answering the questions of what to wear to a senior session on the beach. It is a great idea to incorporate college gear.

When it comes to your high school senior photoshoot, it’s not just about capturing beautiful memories; it’s also an opportunity to showcase your aspirations and the potential that lies within you. One way to do this is by wearing a college sweater or any other representation of your future endeavors.

You can see examples of high school senior photoshoots by clicking here and more fashion tips by clicking here.

Follow us on Instagram at @blueskysstudio, on Facebook at facebook.com/blueskysstudio, and follow along for more photography tips and tricks by signing up for our newsletter below.

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High School Senior Photography: Styling Chloe’s session

Most of you probably know about our annual high school senior photography styled session giveaway.  We pile Blue Sky’s team, including Brittany Norton for hair and makeup, Rebecca Pantel for video and Lily Fassnacht for styling and second shooting into a van with the senior portrait winners.  Then head out to a destination that we think will make a unique backdrop for a senior photography session.  Some recent locations include downtown LA art district, Balboa Park in San Diego and this year Salvation Mountain in Joshua Tree.

High school senior portrait at Salvation Mountain

When I put together the inspiration boards for the 2019 Styled senior session giveaway, I envision a magazine editorial.  I want all of the clothing, hair and makeup and styling for the session to compliment the location.  As you can see from this image, Salvation Mountain has a LOT of color.  Since it is out in the middle of nowhere, in the dusty desert, it almost has an “end of days” vibe.  For this session, I mixed bright, bold colored clothing with combat boots and edger accessories. The very first article of clothing I purchase was this yellow dress, from Urban Outfitter.  I knew it would look amazing on Chloe with her dark hair and eyes and it would stand out against a colorful background.

Styled high school senior portrait session at Salvation Mountain

One of my favorite things about being a senior portrait photographer is that I get to create sessions that are inspired by fashion.  Making a senior photography session feel like an editorial shoot for my client’s favorite magazine,  make everyone involved feel great.  Not to mention that we create gorgeous images of the senior that their family will enjoy for generations to come.

If you are a 2020 graduating senior and would like to be considered for next year’s session, please fill out the form and we will get in contact with you.

Now just a few of my favorite yellow dress images from the day. More from the Salvation Mountain Senior portrait session to come in the upcoming weeks.

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To inquire about your own personalized session please email me directly at kristin@blueskysstudio.com.

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Popular Trends in High School Senior Photography

Where should I shoot my OC Senior Portraits?

Orange County is an excellent spot for amazing high school senior portraits. We have beaches, open fields, city scapes, historic architecture and gorgeous parks.

Blue Sky’s Studio strategy for any portrait photography session is to start with your personal fashion style. If you tend to dress more edgy and high fashion, I would definitely recommend choosing a city background or in the studio. If FreePeople clothing is more your vibe then a flower field, a beach at low light or an open meadow would enhance the look of your session.

Fashionista Senior Session

If you love trendy clothing, fun accessories and the latest style in shoes and boots you are probably a fashionista. For your session, we want to highlight your amazing style. That means staying away from really busy backgrounds so all of the emphasis in the image is on you and your cute outfits. Here are some of my favorite spots for this type of session.

  1. At Blue Sky’s Studio in the Studio.
  2. The Noguchi Museum
  3. Downtown Laguna Beach
  4. Old Town Orange
  5. San Juan Capistrano Historic District
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Boho Senior Session

If you love vintage clothing, neutral colors, free flowing hair and lots of texture, then a Boho inspired session is probably your jam! Think of Free People Clothing, or shop at your favorite vintage store or even raid your Mom’s old wardrobe. I love these sessions when the colors are really monochromatic as is the background look. The perfect locations for this type of session include.

  1. Alta Laguna Park In Laguna Beach
  2. San Juan Open Spaces A gorgeous field in San Juan Capistrano
  3. James Dilley Wilderness Park In Laguna Canyon
  4. San Clemente State Beach With gorgeous white cliffs and wide open beaches (to see more beaches in San Clemente Click Here.
  5. The Great Park in Irvine Complete with small zoo, open fields, split rail fences and flower fields.
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Endless Summer Session

Shooting your high school senior portraits on the beach is great any time of the year. It is true that Southern California is a photographers paradise. There are so many sunny days every year that it doesn’t matter if you book in August or February, you are sure to get at least a few, beautiful sunny So Cal days. Here are my top five spots for an endless summer session.

  1. Picnic beach in Laguna Beach
  2. Table Rock Beach in Laguna Beach
  3. San Clemente Pier
  4. Aliso Creek Beach in Laguna Beach
  5. Dana Point Harbor
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Enter to win a free fully styled high school portrait session with Blue Sky’s Studio!

CLICK HERE

If you are really into bold colors and statement clothing, you can read more in the Color blog post by clicking on this link: Using Color in your shoot to create style.