Location Guide Page Copy - Portrait Photographer in Granville & Newark, Ohio

Thank you so much for choosing me as your photographer!

I’m committed to making your portrait session an unforgettable experience and am here to support you every step of the way. I know that selecting outfits can feel a bit overwhelming, so I’ve put together my top tips to help you plan your wardrobe with confidence. The guide below is designed to ensure your outfits look amazing and reflect your unique style. Let’s make your session something truly special—let’s dive in!

Mix and Match

Neutral tones are always a classic choice, offering a timeless look that photographs beautifully. But don’t shy away from adding a pop of color! A great starting point is to think about colors and styles that have earned you compliments—maybe someone’s told you, “That color makes your eyes pop,” or “That outfit really suits you.” Incorporating those tones can boost your confidence and make you feel your best in front of the camera.

Patterns can also add depth and visual interest to your portraits. I recommend mixing solids and patterns to create a sense of balance and variety. If you love multiple patterns, just be mindful of how and where you’ll use your images, and aim for patterns that pair well together for a cohesive look.

Young woman in colorful striped sweater poses outdoors with hand in blonde hair for senior portrait.

Smiling teenage boy with curly blonde hair wearing plaid shirt leaning against white wall.

Smiling young woman in coral off-shoulder top laughs outdoors among red branches for senior photo.

Young woman in vintage floral blouse and burgundy skirt leaning on wooden bridge railing in park.

Smiling blonde young woman in plaid jacket standing in a golden field on a sunny day.

Young man with dark curly hair in navy flamingo print shirt sitting on outdoor steps.

Young woman with auburn hair in blue floral off-shoulder dress poses outdoors wearing layered necklace.

Smiling blonde woman in pink ruffled top with hands framing her face outdoors.

Teen girl wearing colorful chevron zigzag sweater and jeans posing outdoors in autumn forest setting.

Smiling teenage girl in red plaid cold-shoulder dress posing outdoors among autumn trees and foliage.

Woman in orange jumpsuit holding yellow flowers in a field with a red barn backdrop.

Young woman in patterned chevron shirt sitting in golden grass field during sunset portrait session.

Pick a Palette

Feeling overwhelmed by colors and patterns? You’re not alone—but thinking in terms of color palettes can make the process much easier, especially if you prefer a more subtle and coordinated look. Try starting with a base of neutrals, then add pops of warm tones like mustard yellow, rust, or burgundy—or go with cooler accents like navy, sage, or lavender.

Your location can also guide your color choices. Consider how much you want to stand out from your surroundings. For example, in a lush, green wooded area, warm tones like golden yellow or deep maroon will create beautiful contrast, while wearing similar greens may blend into the background. Likewise, a white shirt can really pop against darker backdrops like forests, stone walls, or vibrant urban spaces.

Blonde blue-eyed young woman in mustard yellow sweater posing among tall golden grass outdoors.

Large extended family group smiling together outdoors on stone steps surrounded by lush greenery.

Smiling young man in beige sweater standing against white painted brick wall outdoors.

Smiling blonde woman in pink top and white shorts leaning on railing in sunny park.

Young woman in tan sweater dress and brown boots wearing wide-brim hat on autumn pathway.

Smiling teenage boy in navy dotted shirt sitting on rocks among fall foliage.

Woman with green-tipped hair in black turtleneck and skirt leaning against brown wall.

Smiling couple posing outdoors in casual attire with green grass and cloudy sky background.

Young woman with curly hair in white tube top smiling in a golden grass field.

Smiling young woman in light blue strapless dress posing in front of brick wall.

Happy family of six posing in a meadow surrounded by tall pine trees in warm light.

Smiling blonde woman in cream sweater leaning against rustic wooden wall with ivy.

Bearded man in beige hoodie and Titleist beanie smiling among white hanging flowers.

Smiling blonde woman in white floral top seated outdoors with blue flowering shrubs behind her.

Large multigenerational family smiling together outdoors surrounded by tall green trees.

Smiling teenage boy in beige sweater leaning on a fence with sunflowers behind him.

Blonde teenage girl sits cross-legged in golden field grass wearing cream fringe jacket at sunset.

Smiling teenage girl with braided blonde hair in black top poses near sunflowers for senior portrait.

Young woman in white dress smiling in front of a vine-covered wooden trellis.

Young blonde woman in polka dot dress raises arms smiling outdoors in golden sunlight senior photo.

Teenage girl celebrating 16th birthday holding large gold number balloon digits against green hedge wall.

Young woman with curly hair in white sundress smiling at camera in lush garden setting.

Fun with Layers

Layering is a great way to add texture to your images and to play with mixing formal and casual styles. Many of my clients enjoy dressing up their portraits, as it's a chance to put on their best outfits and style their session. However, I highly recommend staying true to yourself. If you're not into formal wear, it's best to avoid incorporating that into your senior photos. Instead, you could try a more business casual vibe for a dressed-up look that doesn't feel forced. Also, I suggest avoiding shirts with large graphics or logos unless you have a specific reason to include them.

Young man in green varsity jacket walking on urban sidewalk beside brick buildings.

Smiling blonde teenage girl in denim jacket poses on stone steps for fall senior portrait.

Young man with pink hair in puffer vest and jeans posing on urban steps with string lights.

Blonde woman in plaid jacket and navy dress posing outdoors in an autumn forest setting.

Young brunette woman in floral coat holding a fluffy fur collar close to her face outdoors.

Young man in plaid flannel shirt and black Fox Racing cap smiling against a brick wall.

Young woman with auburn hair and nose ring poses in sunlit forest wearing black turtleneck.

Smiling teen with auburn hair in plaid shirt posing on metal staircase by brick wall.

Smiling blonde woman in rust-colored cardigan posing outdoors among trees.

Young woman in denim jacket and brown hat lies on green grass for senior portrait photo.

Smiling young woman with long hair wearing fur-trimmed winter parka poses outdoors in snowy weather.

Smiling teen with pink hair in plaid shirt and jeans leaning against rustic brick wall outdoors.

Young woman in vintage style holding fluffy pink collar coat outdoors in park.

Smiling brunette woman in navy jacket and jeans standing on snowy bridge.

Young woman in red floral dress and denim jacket smiling in sunflower field.

Young woman in black jacket and ripped jeans sitting on chair outdoors near brick wall.

The Right Fit

Flowy dresses and shirts look fantastic on camera because they add extra movement to the photos. When choosing an outfit, consider a cut that allows for this beautiful movement. Think about the length and how it will appear in both sitting and standing poses. Keep in mind that revealed areas will draw the eye, so be cautious about showing too much skin which might distract from your face in the photos. Also, remember that a good fit is crucial. If your clothes are too tight or revealing, you might feel uncomfortable during your portrait session.

Smiling brunette in red floral off-shoulder dress and gray hat sitting on rocks outdoors.

Woman with red hair and glasses in white sundress sitting outdoors in sunlit garden.

Young woman in elegant pink ruffled prom gown posing in a bright indoor shopping arcade.

Smiling blonde woman in pink ruffled backless dress posing in a lush garden setting.

Smiling young man in blue oxford shirt and khakis leaning against white wall with fall leaves.

Blonde woman in floral dress and tall brown boots twirling on a sunlit country path.

Smiling teen boy with curly hair wearing black shirt and pearl necklace seated outdoors.

Smiling young woman in floral dress and brown wide-brim hat posing outdoors in green field.

Smiling brunette teen girl in black top with long straight hair posing in garden setting.

Young woman in pink beret and rust overalls holding sunglasses on a scenic outdoor path.

Laughing teen boy in olive green sweater leaning against rustic wooden wall outdoors.

Young woman in blue floral off-shoulder dress glancing back in a sun-dappled outdoor setting.

Young woman in blue floral blouse and black skirt walking on a gravel path by a fence.

Pretty Feet

When preparing your outfits, consider your look from head to toe. It's okay to wear the same shoes for your entire session, but only if they work well with all your outfits. If you combine casual and formal styles, you'll probably need different shoes for each. Also, take your session location into account when choosing your footwear. Also, wearing shoes that you are okay with getting dirty might be a good idea, as some places can get muddy. Then, just before the shoot, you can switch to your nice shoes. And barefoot photos are always fun if you're feeling close to nature and a little boho!

Young woman in boho rust maxi dress and wide-brim hat posing under tree branches outdoors.

Laughing teen with pink hair in Newark Wildcats sweatshirt crouching on outdoor walkway.

Smiling blonde girl in a floral dress and tall brown boots posing in a sunlit autumn forest.

Young woman in a black dress and combat boots looking down while standing on a garden pathway.

Smiling teenage girl in red dress sitting cross-legged on brick pathway in urban alley.

Smiling blonde woman in pink crop top and white shorts leaning on metal railing outdoors.

Happy curly-haired girl in a white dress balancing on one foot on a stone path in a garden.

Young brunette woman in white ruffle top and jeans leaning on wooden fence.

Smiling blonde woman in sage green top and jeans standing on stepping stones.

Smiling teen boy in red plaid shirt and jeans sitting on stone steps with columns.

High school senior girl in green graduation cap and gown posing at outdoor market brick walkway.

Smiling blonde teen girl sitting on a park bench wearing a black tank top, white marble print leggings, and black sandals.

Young woman in beige knit dress and brown hat walking on autumn tree-lined pathway.

Smiling young woman in colorful striped sweater and boots sitting on stone steps outdoors in fall.

Young woman in white lace dress sitting gracefully against teal diamond-patterned tile wall, smiling brightly.

Teenage girl in orange floral dress playing ukulele outdoors under a large tree in natural setting.

Hair & Makeup

Your hair and makeup are important components of your senior portraits. Consider whether you will do your own hair and makeup or hire a professional.

If you plan to have your hair and makeup done by a professional, schedule that appointment well in advance and pick a time that will allow flexibility if the appointment takes longer than expected.

If you prefer to do your hair and/or makeup yourself, I recommend applying a little more makeup than usual while sticking to your signature look. This is not the best time to experiment with your makeup.

Don't forget your nails too. Both fingers and toes. A well-manicured set of nails can add a polished and put-together look to your senior portraits. The ideal nail color for photos is white, light or French manicure.

Smiling brunette woman in red off-shoulder top posing outdoors among autumn trees.

Blonde woman in floral strapless top posing outdoors with soft natural background.

Young woman lying on grass wearing denim jacket and brown hat, looking up at camera.

Smiling teen boy with pink hair in a plaid shirt leaning against a rustic brick wall.

Smiling blonde teen girl in a black off-shoulder top posing near tropical green and purple foliage.

Smiling curly-haired teen boy in a plaid flannel shirt leaning against a white wall.

Smiling redhead teen girl in a black sweater and ripped jeans sitting cross-legged on a wooden bridge.

Young woman lying in tall grass field wearing white dress looking up.

Young woman with an elegant updo wearing a floral top, glancing over her shoulder on a park path.

Two young women with curly hair wearing gold jewelry posing closely together outdoors.

Elegant woman in white boho dress and straw hat posing in garden setting.

Young blonde woman with long curly hair smiling in floral print blouse outdoors.

Smiling young woman with wavy blonde hair and green eyes in outdoor portrait.

Brunette woman in lavender dress wearing gold floral crown poses outdoors.

Young woman with blonde hair resting face in hands among green leaves backdrop.

Blonde woman with hoop earrings smiling softly in outdoor bokeh portrait.

Keep in Mind

1. If you plan to change outfits, please note that there may not be a designated space available for changing clothes during your session. You can plan to change in your car or you are welcome to use my car, which has curtains for privacy.

2. If you wear glasses, please ensure that the lenses are non-reflective. Reflective lenses can cause a glare that will obscure your eyes in photos. You may want to consider bringing an old pair of glasses with the lenses removed, wearing contact lenses, or purchasing an inexpensive pair that closely resembles your everyday glasses and removing the lenses.

Style Guide

Pick the right look for your portrait session.