I've been photographing seniors for over 27 years and I've seen the craziest clothing styles, colors and patterns and it really has me wondering... What were we thinking?

I know it is fun to wear new styles and try out the latest fads but when it comes to your senior portraits...well, let's just say...some of it just isn't cool for senior portraits!

We can always tell how many seniors didn't take the time to read the clothing brochure we sent. Don't you want to look back at your senior portraits and see how awesome you looked rather than wondering...What was I thinking?

I want your portraits to turn out the best for you and I know your parents want the same. PLEASE take this seriously and plan ahead! Here are some IMPORTANT tips that you need to pay attention to...

• DO NOT WEAR horizontal stripes or busy patterns. This takes attention AWAY from you face and redirects it toward your clothing.

• Stay away from super bright or neon colors! Medium to darker colors always look better.

• Make sure clothes fit YOU and were not made for someone bigger than you! Baggy, oversized clothes will make you look huge & sloppy.

• DO NOT WEAR clothes that are too tight! If you're clothing is too tight and your buttons are about to burst, this WILL NOT look good!

• Short sleeve shirts are OK for portraits but LONG SLEEVES LOOK BETTER! Short sleeves take away from your face where as long sleeves keep the focus on your face.

• If you want to wear shirts with logos or pictures, then just bring in one. DO NOT have every outfit represent your idols. Graphics on shirts always take the focus away from your face!

• Make sure your clothes are IRONED and not full of dog or cat hair.

• If your session allows poses with your friends or siblings, plan your outfits to coordinate with each other. Again, stick with solids and long sleeves.

• If you need a hair cut, get it done at least two weeks before your session. This will give it time to grow a bit and look more natural.

• Plan to use some light hair gel or spray to keep your stray hair in place. You may not see them in the dressing room but against the studio backgrounds, they will definitely show up!

• FACIAL HAIR... needs to be cleaned up before your session. DON'T disappoint your parents and forget to shave!

• If you will be wearing glasses, we suggest that you have the lenses removed or borrow frames from your optometrist without lenses to prevent glass glare. Glass glare can be removed in your pictures BUT it costs money.

• If your glasses are wider than your face, there will be facial distortion that cannot be fixed!

• Too much sun deadens your natural facial highlights. As for sunburns...well let's just say you don't want to look like Rudolph for your senior portraits. If you have tan lines, be sure your outfits cover them up. We can fix some of it but I don't think your parents want to spend the money!

• If you are doing an outdoor session and want to be photographed with your car, have it washed, waxed and tires cleaned beforehand.