What Really Happens in One of Our Sessions?

At Michael Barton Studios, we celebrate individuality and creativity. Our goal is to capture your unique personal style while also adhering to your schools’ guidelines.

Your session will typically include three different outfits. One formal look, and two of your own choosing to showcase your personality and accomplishments.

Your formal portrait will be the image submitted to your school’s yearbook. We recommend tuxedos for those who typically wear tuxes, and dresses for those who prefer dresses, in alignment with school traditions. During this portion of the session, we will capture multiple poses to ensure both you and your school have a variety of strong options to choose from.

 

In the final two outfits, we focus on your individual looks. These outfits are all about showcasing you. Feel free to wear casual clothing, school spirit wear, team jerseys, academic or club uniforms. Anything that reflects your personality, interests, or accomplishments. Feel free to bring along medals, sports equipment (like footballs, basketballs, tennis rackets, etc.), musical instruments, books, gaming gear, robotics parts, or art supplies. Whatever represents your passions, whether you’re an athlete, artist, gamer, academic, or anything in between.

Senior Portrait Style Guide

The senior portrait section of the yearbook is often referred to as the “formal section.” We want to help you look and feel your best, and most importantly, like yourself. The goal is a timeless, polished look that reflects your personality while meeting the yearbook’s dress code requirements.

General Style Tips
  • Choose classic, solid colors. Darker tones tend to photograph best and offer a timeless look. Lighter colors can work well as layers underneath darker jackets or sweaters. Avoid bright whites, beiges, or flesh tones on their own, as they may wash out your skin tone on camera.
  •  Avoid logos, text, or busy patterns. These can distract from your face and expression, which should be the main focus.
  • Keep accessories simple. If you choose to wear jewelry, go for timeless pieces rather than trendy or oversized styles. The goal is to keep the attention on your face and eyes.
  • Stay true to your style. This isn’t the time for a dramatic change, such as a fresh new haircut, the day before your shoot. Stick to hairstyles you feel confident in, just polished and photo ready!
  • Hands matter too. Close-up poses may include your hands, so it is worth making sure nails are trimmed and clean. If you usually wear nail polish, a quick touch up or clean coat can help ensure your hands look their best.
  • Footwear won’t be visible. Choose comfortable shoes you can move around in easily. They won’t be visible, but comfort can make a big difference in how relaxed you feel in front of the camera.
Outfit Suggestions and Yearbook Guidelines
  • Tops and dresses should have sleeves and cover shoulders. Strapless, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder, or low-cut styles will not be accepted for the yearbook use, but may be used in the second and third outfit. Be sure to choose attire for both formal and fun. (See Overview)
  • Layers photograph well. Button-downs with a blazer or sweater, or long-sleeved tops with cardigans, often create a balanced, professional look.
  • Ties and jackets are optional but always a classic choice. If you choose to wear a tie, a neatly tied knot (like a Full Windsor) adds a nice finishing touch.
Most importantly

  • Wear something that feels like you. Confident, comfortable, and authentic. We’re here to capture your personality, not just a posed photo. We hope these tips help you feel prepared and excited for your session. We can’t wait to meet you and capture this important milestone!

    -  Michael Barton Studios