What to Bring to Your Senior Portrait Session
Preparing for your senior portrait session doesn't have to be complicated. Every senior session at Iron City Studios includes the traditional portraits required for the yearbook, and we'll guide you through each part of the process.
A little preparation beforehand helps ensure your portraits look their best.
Every senior session includes:
- Tuxedo or drape portraits
- Cap and gown portraits
If you've scheduled a session that includes casual portraits, you'll also bring one casual outfit for those images.
Tuxedo & Drape Portraits
We provide nearly everything needed for your traditional senior portraits.
For Male Seniors
We recommend bringing a clean white collared button-down shirt without noticeable texture or patterns. A simple white shirt photographs best beneath the tuxedo.
If you don't have one, that's perfectly fine. We have white dress shirts available for use during your session in sizes Small through 3XL.
We also provide:
- Black tuxedo jackets (sizes 26–70)
- Bow ties
For Female Seniors
We provide the traditional senior drape for every session.
We recommend wearing:
- A strapless bra or bandeau
- Clothing that keeps shoulder straps hidden beneath the drape
If you have a favorite pearl necklace or another simple necklace you'd like to wear, feel free to bring it. Classic jewelry photographs well and can add a personal touch to your portraits.
Cap & Gown Portraits
Caps and gowns are provided for your session, so there's nothing additional you need to bring for these portraits.
Casual Portraits
If your appointment includes casual portraits, you'll be photographed in one outfit.
We currently do not offer multiple outfit changes during studio sessions, so choose the outfit that best reflects your style and personality.
A few suggestions:
- Solid colors generally photograph well.
- Avoid large logos or busy graphics.
- Choose clothing that fits well and feels comfortable.
- Timeless styles tend to age better than trendy fashion.
The goal is for your portraits to look like you.
Don't Forget the Details
Small details often make a noticeable difference in finished portraits.
Before your session, we recommend checking:
- Fingernails are clean and neatly trimmed.
- Nail polish is fresh and not chipped.
- Clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
- Hair is styled the way you normally wear it.
One thing many seniors don't realize is that your hands are often visible in both tuxedo and drape portraits, so it's worth taking a quick look at your nails before arriving.
What You Don't Need to Worry About
We photograph thousands of seniors every year, and we know it's easy to forget something.
If you forget your white dress shirt, we've got one available.
Need a tuxedo jacket, bow tie, drape, cap, or gown? We provide all of those as part of your session.
If you have a question when you arrive, just ask. Our photographers will help you through every step of the process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I need to bring a tuxedo or drape?
A: No. We provide the tuxedo jackets, bow ties, drapes, caps, and gowns used during your session.
Q: What if I don't own a white dress shirt?
A: That's not a problem. We have white dress shirts available in sizes Small through 3XL for seniors to use during their session.
Q: Can I bring more than one casual outfit?
A: Our studio sessions currently include one casual outfit. We recommend choosing the outfit that best represents your style.
Q: Should I wear jewelry?
A: Absolutely. Simple jewelry, such as a favorite necklace or pearls, photographs beautifully and can add a personal touch to your portraits.
PHOTOGRAPHER TIP
When choosing clothing, think classic rather than trendy. These portraits often stay on the wall long after high school, and simple, timeless styles tend to look their best for years to come.
If you have questions before your appointment, our team is happy to help. We want you to arrive prepared and leave with portraits you'll be proud to share for years to come.
Seniors · From Iron City Studios
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