Here at SJP, we LOVE a good pop of color! One of my favorite parts of planning senior sessions is helping my clients embrace color in their portraits. Whether you’re into bold hues or soft tones, the right colors can make your photos shine. Gimme all the color! 

But picking the perfect outfits for your session? Well, that’s where things get a little tricky! You’ve got to consider your style, current trends, and, of course — colors! What shades make your eyes stand out? What tones complement your skin? 

Let’s dive into my favorite tips for embracing color in your senior portraits!

1. Warm skin tone? Choose these colors!

If your skin tone has a warm undertone — meaning it has a yellowish or greenish tint — certain colors will make you glow. Warm tones pair beautifully with earthy shades like oranges, reds, golden yellows, and warm greens. Amber and red purples are gorgeous choices, too. These colors naturally highlight your complexion and create a vibrant, warm feel in your photos!

2. Cool skin tone? Think about these!

On the other hand, if your skin has a cool undertone (blueish tints), you’re in for a treat with a whole range of jewel tones. Think bright blues, royal blues, sapphire, emerald, amethyst, and ruby! These rich, deep colors enhance cool skin and make your portraits feel elegant and timeless.

3. Make your eye color pop!

Want your eyes to be the star of the show and truly pop in your senior portraits? Here are some tips based on eye color:

• Blue Eyes: Try neutrals, pinks, deep blues, and light greens. These shades bring out the coolness in your eyes and add depth to your photos.
• Green Eyes: Lean into purples, deep greens, coral, and pale yellows. These colors create beautiful contrast and make your green eyes glow.
• Brown Eyes: Soft pinks, khaki green, rich blue, and gold will enhance your eyes’ warmth and bring out their richness.

4. Trust the pros for makeup!

Choosing colors isn’t just about your wardrobe! I always recommend working with a professional makeup artist for your senior photos. Makeup artists know how to contour your face, highlight your best features, and, of course, pick makeup shades that suit your skin tone, eyes, and hair color. Plus, they’ll make sure your makeup looks flawless on camera!

5. Go bold with your look!

Don’t be afraid to go bold! Bright, trending colors like hot pink can create a striking, standout look in your portraits. Consider trying a monochromatic look or playing with color blocking to make your outfit really pop. Bold colors add personality and confidence to your photos.

6. Think about your outfits!

Last but not least, let’s talk about outfits! When planning your senior photo outfits, think about what colors you’re naturally drawn to. Which shades make you feel like your best self? Don’t shy away from embracing those! Here at SJP, I’m all about color and variety. I always challenge my seniors — if you’ve got green eyes, wear something that contrasts and brings out that vibrant green. If you have blonde hair, try a bold red to make your features stand out!

Your outfit choices should also complement your photo locations and the season of your session. Bright, summery colors might shine in a grassy field or Chicago beach setting, while deep autumn hues will look magical against a backdrop of fall leaves and forest. At the end of the day, it’s all about working with your photographer (hi, that’s me!) to choose outfits and locations that bring out the best version of you.

Embrace the color, embrace the season, and embrace YOU in your senior portraits! Book your SJP senior portraits today!

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