Can you believe it, Class of 2027? Your senior year is on the horizon! Amidst the rush of choosing classes, planning for the future, and savoring your final high school milestones, it’s time to schedule your senior portrait session!
Choosing outfits, locations, and the season are all part of crafting your senior portrait experience. Here is your inspiration guide to help you craft your own unique style. Whether you are booking a sun-drenched summer session or a crisp autumn shoot, here is some inspiration on how to style your look to stand out this season.
Mellon Institute & Oakland
Oakland offers a high-fashion, collegiate, and European aesthetic all within walking distance, featuring grand limestone columns of the Mellon Institute, the striking architecture outside the Carnegie Museums, the historic gothic vibes of the University of Pittsburgh campus, and the iconic glasshouse exterior of Phipps Conservatory.
The Vibe: Editorial, cinematic, monumental, and minimalist.
Style Tip: Monochromatic looks work great here. Keep patterns to a minimum to let the grand, clean architecture frame you.
Summer
For Her: A breezy, midi to maxi length sundress or a flowing tiered dress in a soft, solid pastel tone like blue, soft blush, or cream.
For Him: A lightweight, crisp white linen button-down (rolled sleeves) paired with jeans or tailored charcoal pants.
Fall
For Her: Wide-leg dark denim paired with a structured plaid blazer, or a monochrome knit mock-neck sweater and leather skirt.
For Him: A flannel button-down layered open over a graphic tee, or a hoodie under a casual denim jacket, paired with straight-leg dark jeans and sneakers.
Hartwood Acres
This beautiful estate offers an elegant, old-world European atmosphere. Between the stunning Tudor-style stone mansion, the rustic stone courtyard at the stables, the slate pathways, and the vibrant, fenced-in perennial flower gardens, this location gives you massive variety ranging from high-end elegance to rustic charm.
The Vibe: Romantic, historic, cinematic, and upscale.
Style Tip: Lean heavily into rich textures like linen and lace in the summer, and wool, velvet, and corduroy in the fall to match the historic stone.
Summer
For Her: A flowing, tiered maxi or a romantic dress in sage green, cream, pastel blue, or an understated, delicate floral pattern.
For Him: A fitted neutral t-shirt or a casual short-sleeve button-down shirt left unbuttoned over a white tank, paired with straight-leg khaki pants or linen shorts.
Fall
For Her: A long-sleeve velvet or heavy cotton maxi dress in burgundy or emerald, paired with classic leather boots.
For Him: A classic sport coat or a rich cable-knit sweater paired with olive or tan pants.
Mexican War Streets
Brightly painted row houses, hidden alleys, and ivy-covered walls give this historic North Side neighborhood an artistic, indie edge. With its distinct Brooklyn-esque architecture, historic street lamps, and gritty-yet-charming city corners, this location feels completely distinct from the rest of Pittsburgh, giving your photos a sharp, urban-metropolitan aesthetic.
The Vibe: Quirky, Brooklyn-esque, urban-vintage, and textured.
Style Tip: Use color blocking. Find a painted doorway or fall foliage that perfectly matches an accent color in your shoes, jacket, or top for a cohesive look.
Summer
For Her: A vibrant, retro-patterned dress, or jeans paired with a baby tee and retro sneakers.
For Him: A classic short-sleeve crewneck tee or a plain pocket t-shirt, paired with comfortable, relaxed-fit straight-leg jeans or simple skate shorts and your favorite sneakers.
Fall
For Her: Baggy utility jeans or cargo denim paired with a jacket or a chunky vintage knit vest.
For Him: A simple hoodie or a basic flannel unbuttoned over a t-shirt, paired with your favorite everyday jeans and clean sneakers or casual boots.
Mellon Park Walled Garden
Tucked away in Shadyside, this hidden brick-walled garden features Gothic archways, wrought-iron gates, and lush, flower beds. Offering an enchanted forest aesthetic with a classical, serene twist, this location feels completely private and cinematic.
The Vibe: Enchanted forest, classical, serene, and soft.
Style Tip: The garden paths are gravel and grass, so leave the thin stilettos at home. Clean sneakers, loafers, block heels, or wedges work best.
Summer
For Her: A dreamy smocked sundress with ribbon tie-strap shoulders.
For Him: A crisp short-sleeve linen shirt paired with light tan trousers or tailored shorts.
Fall
For Her: A long-sleeve floral maxi dress in warm autumnal tones like terra-cotta, mustard, and navy.
For Him: A basic crewneck sweatshirt or a simple knit pullover sweater paired with dark-wash jeans and your favorite sneakers.
Rural Fields & Rolling Hills
Rolling hills, rustic fencing, and endless fields of golden tall grass offer a sun-drenched, cinematic, and timeless Americana backdrop just outside the city limits.
The Vibe: Natural, nostalgic, warm, and free-spirited.
Style Tip: This location looks best during golden hour (the hour before sunset). Avoid wearing bright neon colors, as they will clash with the natural, warm tones of the grass.
Summer
For Her: An effortless cotton sundress with tie-strap shoulders in white, butter yellow, or soft floral patterns.
For Him: A plain cotton t-shirt or a simple lightweight henley shirt, paired with comfortable everyday shorts or light-wash jeans and casual sneakers.
Fall
For Her: A cozy, oversized knit sweater worn over straight-leg medium-wash denim with brown suede ankle boots.
For Him: A basic flannel unbuttoned over a solid tee, or a simple hoodie paired with your favorite pair of jeans and everyday sneakers.
Pittsburgh Bridges & North Shore
Get the ultimate Steel City look with the bright yellow Roberto Clemente bridge, riverfront trails, and the dramatic downtown skyline.
The Vibe: Bold, industrial, modern, and uniquely Pittsburgh.
Style Tip: The North Shore trails can get incredibly windy by the water. Summer breeze is great for flying fabric, but for Fall shoots, make sure to bring extra hair styling product to combat the chill and wind.
Summer
For Her: A bold, solid-colored halter maxi dress in bright red or cobalt blue, or a structured corset top with light baggy denim.
For Him: A fitted t-shirt or a simple short-sleeve button-down shirt left unbuttoned over a white t-shirt, paired with jeans or relaxed-fit khaki shorts and sneakers.
Fall
For Her: A sleek satin cowl-neck mini dress layered under a long tailored wool coat, or dark-wash denim with a leather trench.
For Him: A casual denim jacket or a simple zip-up hoodie over a plain tee, paired with comfortable dark-wash straight-leg jeans and sneakers.
The Ultimate "What to Pack" Session Checklist
Hangers: Keep all outfits ironed and hung up; don’t leave them folded in a bag.
The Right Undergarments: Flesh-colored underwear, strapless bras, undershirts matching your specific outfits.
Comfortable Shoes: Bring a comfortable pair to wear when walking between specific photo spots, if needed.
Water & Quick Snacks: Stay hydrated and keep your energy up! However avoid messy snacks like chocolate.
Touch-up Kit: Translucent powder or blotting papers, lip balm/gloss, and a hairbrush.
Hairspray: A travel-sized bottle to quickly tame flyaways.
Summer
Mini portable clip-on fan: A lifesaver for staying cool and keeping fresh between shots.
Bug spray: Helpful, especially for sessions in the gardens, near the water, and out in nature.
Fall
Warm jacket or blanket: To throw on between shots.
Hand warmers: Helpful for keeping your hands natural-looking, not frozen or red!)
Ready to schedule your senior portrait session?
Your senior year flies by in the blink of an eye, and prime summer and fall dates fill quickly. Let’s create an unforgettable experience that highlights exactly who you are right now.
