When you look back at your senior photos 20 years from now, it will be like looking into a little time capsule. These photos will be a snapshot of who you were and what was important to you at this point in your journey .

Let your personality shine

Being a senior in high school can be a very tumultuous time. Your style is constantly changing as your tastes are influenced by so many different things. Finding the perfect outfit that encompasses all the little pieces that make up you as a person is almost impossible. Lucky for you, you don't have to be stuck with one choice.

I suggest one formal outfit so the family has something to hang on the wall and send out in those Christmas cards. For gals; a simple summer dress or a blouse paired with dark wash jeans (no holes). For guys; a button up, polo or sweater with dark wash jeans, and if your really feeling it, a blazer is a very nice touch.

Once the formal photos are out of the way, it's time to get down to the fun part. Bring your favorite casual outfit so you can get comfortable. Holey jeans, a vintage band tee, denim or leather jacket, really anything that makes you feel confident and brings out your personality!

Another thing I love to suggest my seniors bring is any sport jersey or club uniform. FFA jackets, baseball jerseys, wrestling singlet; anything along those lines. When you look back on these photos, you will remember those sports and clubs with fond memories. You may not know it now, but those organizations are helping shape you as a person and will be a huge influence on you throughout the rest of your life.

*TIP* If you play a fall sport and want photos with your jersey in the summer, you may need to touch base with your coach or school administration well in advance (possibly even before the summer break) to make sure you will have access to that.

choosing colors/patterns

I mostly suggest solid colors for gals to be sure all their other details shine through although a soft floral print goes a long way. Light colors typically pair well with dark colors in terms of tops and bottoms (ie, if you have dark wash jeans, a light color top will pop and vice versa). For guys, a pattern is typically okay when wearing a button up such as plaid.

Colors can get a little bit tricky but for the most part, just wearing what makes you happy and confident will work the best. If you have options in mind, take the season into consideration. For instance, in the fall, warm rich tones such as burgundy, olive green, mustard yellow and burnt orange compliment well with the foliage. In the summer, lighter colors like white/cream, baby blue, or blush pink look great.