Tag Archive for: Orange County Photographer

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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!

FAQ: What to Wear to a Senior Photo Session

Planning your senior pictures? One of the biggest questions is what to wear—and the right outfit can make all the difference. This guide answers the most common questions about senior photo session wardrobe choices so you can look and feel your best.

1. What should I wear for my senior pictures?

Choose outfits that reflect your personality, style, and confidence. Aim for 3–4 outfits that offer variety:

  • A classic look (e.g., a button-down and jeans or a simple dress)

  • A trendy or fun outfit that shows your unique style

  • A formal look for something elegant or timeless

  • An outfit that highlights your interests (sports uniform, band gear, college sweatshirt, etc.)

Layers, accessories, and textures (like denim, knitwear, or lace) photograph beautifully.

2. What colors look best in senior photos?

Solid, rich colors like jewel tones (emerald green, burgundy, navy) and earthy neutrals (tan, cream, charcoal) work great on camera. Avoid neon shades and overly bright patterns, as they can distract from your face.

Tip: Choose colors that complement your skin tone, eyes, and hair, and consider the season or location of your shoot.

3. Should I avoid certain clothing for my senior session?

Yes! Avoid:

  • Busy patterns or logos that can look dated or draw attention away

  • Wrinkled, ill-fitting, or see-through clothing

  • Graphic tees unless they’re meaningful (like a favorite band or college)

  • Trendy pieces that may go out of style fast (unless that’s your vibe)

4. Can I wear jeans or casual outfits for senior photos?

Absolutely! A great-fitting pair of jeans with a tucked-in blouse or tee and some layered jewelry can look polished yet natural. Mix casual with dressy to create contrast between your looks.

5. Should I dress differently for studio vs. outdoor senior photos?

Yes. For outdoor sessions, go for lighter, natural tones that complement your surroundings and adjust for weather. For studio shoots, bold colors, strong lines, and structured outfits pop against controlled backdrops.

6. What kind of shoes should I wear to my senior session?

Wear shoes that go with each outfit and reflect your style. Consider:

  • Neutral heels or flats for formal looks

  • Boots or sneakers for casual or edgy outfits

  • Clean shoes in good condition (scuffed shoes stand out in high-res photos!)

Also, bring backup shoes if you’ll be walking a lot outdoors.

7. Can I include props or accessories in my senior photos?

Yes! Props like sports gear, instruments, books, hats, or a graduation cap can add personality and tell your story. Accessories like earrings, scarves, and layered necklaces can elevate an outfit and add visual interest.

8. Should I do hair and makeup professionally for my senior photo session?

Professional hair and makeup can enhance your features, minimize shine, and help you feel confident. If you do it yourself, keep it natural and avoid heavy contouring or overly dramatic looks unless that’s your signature style.

9. What’s the best way to plan my senior photo outfits?

  • Lay out full outfits ahead of time (including shoes and accessories)

  • Try them on and take mirror selfies to see how they look together

  • Coordinate colors and textures

  • Ask your photographer if they offer a style guide or wardrobe consultation

10. Can I change outfits during the session?

Yes, most senior photographers allow at least 2–4 outfit changes. Be strategic:

  • Start with your favorite outfit

  • Progress from casual to formal

  • Plan quick-changes if you’re shooting on location

Bonus Tips for Senior Photo Session Outfits

  • Steam or iron clothes before the shoot

  • Avoid tanning or trying new skincare products right before the session

  • Bring a lint roller and extra safety pins or clips just in case

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Orange County Photographer | Highlighting Nellie Gail Horse Trails

Orange County Photographer

Best Location for a family session in Orange County- For rustic family portraits

After nearly 20 years of being a professional photographer in Orange County, I have discovered lots of amazing places to photograph families.  So many of my Orange County photography clients come back year after year.  Each time they return for a session, they want to make it unique.

If my clients are looking for something rustic, that has a great Fall feel to it, I always suggestion the Nellie Gail trails in Laguna Hills.  This location has a great old fence, meandering paths and lots of open shade.  One of my favorite spots on the trails is a grove of pepper trees.   These trees have red berries and fluffy red flowers that are the perfect accent to a Christmas outfits.

This location works with Fall colors, monochromatic type colors (such as grey and black) and with holiday colors.  Here is a beautiful family portrait session.  The old metal tunnel gives a great urban feel to this otherwise rustic backdrop.

Orange County Family photographed in the field surrounding Laguna Hills. This family when with a black and grey color scheme for their family photographs.

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If you are ready to document your family and experience a fun Fall family portrait session, you can get more information by clicking here.

Blue Sky’s Studio is a family, high School senior and branding photography studio that specializes in magazine quality photography in Orange County, California.  Kristin loves photographing Orange County families, high School seniors and Orange County businesses including corporate headshots.   To schedule a session with Blue Sky’s Studio, in Laguna Beach or other Orange County surrounding areas, you can send an email to Kristin@blueskysstudio.com.  We are now booking for the Fall Portrait session 2020.  We are taking special precautions because of Covid-19 to ensure that you are safe and healthy.

Blue Sky’s Studio specializes in photographing on location in the following areas, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Coast, Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Coto De Caza, Dana Point, The Ritz Carlton, The Montage Resort, the Surf and Sand resort and the Monarch Beach Resort.

Q & A with Kristin: How long does a photo session take?

It’s important to know just how long your professional photography session will take, so here’s the lowdown on what to expect when you book a session with Blue Sky’s Studio.

Anthony & Jessica Engagement: Orange County Wedding Photographer

This was a really tough post for me, cause there were just so many beautiful shots from Anthony and Jessica’s engagement photography session!  All the elements were there for a fun and funky shoot including their cutie pie dog, Anthony’s new hairdoo and Jessica’s great wardrobe.  Oh, and of course, I love the tattoo of Jessica’s Dad’s name on her wrist!   For me, I had extra fun because I just got myself a new toy….. a Q-flash.  I am totally in love with the moody shots and flexibility this little light gives me!   Well, I am off to another beautiful wedding at Laguna Village.  Thanks to An All Inclusive Event for this great couple and so many others.  Enjoy!!