Summer is coming and with it is the end of school.  If you are an upcoming senior, you will be thinking about your senior portraits.  The summer before your senior year is the best time to have your portraits done.  There are several reasons for this: 

1) NO SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.  During school all the school sports, plays, dance, and scout activities are in full swing.  During the summer you are out of school and have more time to prepare for your session. 

2) LONGER DAYLIGHT HOURS.  In the summer the days are longer, so we have more hours to get those great outdoor shots. 

Now that you know when to have your pictures taken, what do you wear?  Think about having one of your outfits repeat your eye color.  Navy and gray are popular clothing colors, but tend to photograph a bit dull.  Look for stronger, richer colors.  Choose 1 or 2 outfits with long sleeves.  Long sleeves are more flattering and don't date the picture as being taken in the summer.  Darker clothing, especially pants, makes you look slimmer.  AVOID HORIZONAL STRIPES!  Shoes with heels will lift and slim.  Don't wear light clothing on parts of your body that you want to conceal!  If your clothing is too tight, it will emphasize bulges and wrinkles.  ALWAYS HAVE A DRESS REHEARSAL!  The night before your session, put on your entire outfit including jewelry and accessories.  This way you won't forget to pack anything!

You should choose an outfit that is classic and won't go out of style.  This will be something your mother will want to display as a wall portrait.  Bring an outfit that makes a statement about you.  It can be a sport, activity or just a really high-fashion outfit.  For your outdoor outfit denim is always a great choice.  You can change the look of your senior portraits by wearing rusts or browns for a fall look or flower inspired colors for a more spring or summer look.  BRING A VARIETY!

Where can you find cute clothes that aren't too expensive? There are several local boutiques that have really nice clothes that are reasonably priced.

Classy Carolina is owned and operated by Brandi Murphy.  It  started up as an online boutique in 2013.  It has just opened a new store front in downtown Kinston. The store is located inside of Leon Thomas' Treasures across from Mother Earth. The building is also home to The Beauty Box and other vendors. Classy Carolina offers boutique style clothing for sizes small to 3xl, jewelry, shoes, scarfs, Simply Southern Tees and more. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram to see new arrivals and keep up to date on sales! 

Emily's Boutique is owned and operated by Emily Crawford.  She started her business selling clothes out of the trunk of her car. Now she has a booming business in Goldsboro on Royal Ave.  She specializes in selling YOUR favorite Boutique trends at affordable prices. She sells all sorts of fashion to accommodate everyone's taste! Emily’s has clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories for women of all ages.  She has a small section of Plus Size clothing as well.

Charlotte Russe in Greenville has a great variety of the hottest new fashions.  Even though it is a chain store, they offer good customer service and are reasonably priced.  They have a variety of jewelry and shoes also.

Southernly Sweet Boutique is owned and operated by Brandy Burd.  It is located in the heart of Pink Hill.  They carry all the newest fashions and accessories that are perfect for your portraits at great prices.  

You don't have to spend a fortune on clothes for your senior portraits.  Go through your closet and I'm sure you will find some cute combinations that will work well for you.  Bring outfits that reflect your personality and interests.  Remember this is your time to shine!