Taking photos, although skill oriented, is as much a learned talent as riding a bike. Whether you need to learn how to take them, or how to be in them; there are always new skills to be learned.

My name is Tyler, and odds are you have seen me at many school events with a camera before. I am a senior who fell in love with photography at a young age. In part, I found the passion I had for taking photos through the countless amount of photos I stood for when we were on vacation, or Christmas. It is a skill passed down from my mother; who has always insisted on documenting every waking moment of my life. But mainly I found this as a way to do something that could actually matter, and because of this my mother and I started a photography business (tylerpaigephotography.com) two years ago so we both could extend our knowledge of photography while helping others capture priceless moments (and making a little extra cash on the side cha-ching!). This is a column dedicated to you and what you can do to better your photos; whether you are behind the camera, or in front of it.

As senior year is quickly moving and senior photos are becoming a staple in every social media feed, it is important that you wear clothes and pick outfits that help represent you and this amazing time in your life, so here are some tips straight from a person who edits more zits and brightens more eyes than any person should.

1. Do not wear clothes that will date your photos. With this, I am talking about those photos of your parents from the eighties in neon and fake costume jewelry, those photos you see at your grandparents house that make your skin cringe a little. Yeah don’t be that person.        

(This may be Madonna, but the neon peach eyeshadow is still a bad choice)

(image from: google images)

2. You want to wear clothes that will not distract from you and that you will not regret.

a. Earth tones that complement your skin tone, eyes, hair color etc. are the best outfits. They do not detract from you, but compliment. Helping your eye color pop and removing the focus from the clothes, to the person in them.

(The gold is not only an earth tone, but also compliments blue eyes)

3. If you are planning on wearing a flowy shirt, wearing flowy bottoms are not advised. This also goes for wearing loose dresses without a cinch at the waist or a belt. Outfits like these often enlarge areas of that body that many people deem “problem areas” and once again, removes the focus from your face.

4. The last and in my opinion most important tip I have for you is that wearing dresses, shirts, pants etc. with very full, crazy and intricate patterns most often do not compliment the person wearing them or create a focal point that is where you want. The point of a senior photo is to focus on you and your transition into adulthood. So wearing a neon pink Aztec print shirt does not help the focus remain on your face.

(She has a pattern on her shirt, but it is small, subtle and not a bright color that detracts from the photo. It instead adds a little extra fun)

 a. With this I HIGHLY recommend wearing outfits (specifically shirts) that are simpler and can be complemented with different accessories. Whether you are male or female, bring along fun hats, scarves necklaces, jackets, shoes, umbrellas etc. that can be taken off quickly but change your outfit in many ways. I often wear items in photos that I have NEVER worn in public but they usually turn out looking the most unique and fun. Bring accessories that compliment your personality.

(Notice: White dress with an added fun hat, crazy necklace, intricate shawl, cool boots)

This is a lot to soak in, and with all the college applications, tests, games, school dances and family events, senior photos may be the last item on your list. If this is you do not worry. If your outfit closet is at an all-time low and you don’t have anything to wear (like I think every day before school), a white t-shirt with jeans and a variety of shoes, scarves and hats may be the best choice for you. Remember these photos are all about you, who you are, and who you are becoming, so have fun!

So with that, if you see me at a game with my camera and have an outfit question or want to know more about photography, stop on by and say hi!