02 — What to Wear
photograph.
What looks great in a mirror and what looks great on camera are often different things. Here's exactly what works — broken down by category.
Your outfit should complement you, not compete with you. Solid colors, clean lines, and minimal patterns are always the right call. The more simple your outfit, the more timeless your photos will look.
Graduation gowns and stoles tend to be dark and color-heavy. Wearing something lighter underneath — ivory, cream, soft white, blush, or light neutrals — creates a natural contrast that makes the whole look more balanced in photos.
Stripes, plaid, polka dots, florals, and anything with text or logos will fight for attention in your photos. The camera always finds the busiest thing in the frame — make sure that's you.
Your gown will have fold lines from the package — take it out at least the night before. Hang it in the bathroom while you shower to let the steam work out the creases.
Put on your outfit, stole, gown, and shoes together at least once before your session. Make sure everything works as a complete look and nothing clashes.
We'll cover a lot of ground during the session. If you're wearing heels, bring a pair of flip-flops or flats as backup. Heels that sink into grass affect your posture and energy.
Outdoor light and camera sensors flatten features more than you'd expect. Add more definition to your brows, a bit more contour, and go with matte over glossy finishes.
This isn't the day to experiment with something new. Pick a style you've worn before and feel confident in. If you're booking a blowout, schedule it for the morning of your session.
A lot of guys don't love how they look immediately after a fresh cut. Get it done 2-3 days before your session so it has time to settle into its natural shape.
If your beard or mustache is part of your look, keep it — just make sure it's clean and shaped. Trim it up a few days before.
Earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets all add to your look and photograph well. Leave the Apple Watch or Fitbit at home.
Lenses catch outdoor light and create glare in photos. If possible, remove the lenses from the frames before your session — that's the cleanest fix.
Now let's make sure you show up ready on shoot day.