Senior photos are the perfect way to capture the special occasion of graduation. It’s fun, exciting, and a bit of a bonding moment between parents and seniors. Of course, seniors are likely going to want to get dressed up for their session, right? Well here’s the thing. . . and I’m specifically talking to the young ladies out there . . .

Getting dressed up DOES NOT mean you need to be sexy.

There. I said it. Well, actually, I’m *working* on saying it so hold on to your seats. This is about to get serious.

I’m about to get really honest here with senior girls.

But I’m also talking to senior photographers, too.

So. If you ran across this post and you photograph senior girls. Listen up.

If you ran across this post and you ARE a senior girl? Also, listen up.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO WEAR INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING TO BE BEAUTIFUL.
Before your session, it is a really good idea to show your parents, as well as your photographer, what you’re hoping to wear. If it’s a skimpy dress with loads of cleavage? I’m going to flat out tell you “That’s a gonna be a no from me, Dog”. Parents? If you’re having a hard time putting your foot down on an outfit your daughter has chosen for her session? Just have her text me. I will be the Bad Guy and shut it down.

THERE IS A LINE BETWEEN RACY AND CLASSY AND THERE IS NO GRAY AREA.
Please, pretty please, do not show up to a session in an outfit that looks like (I’m just going to say it) you work the streets. I can promise you that I will not photograph you and you’ll need to find a different photographer.

But listen, these racy and inappropriate photos of senior girls are NOT only because of the outfits. In fact, I place 75% of the blame on the photographer. Why? Because honestly? The most perfectly dressed senior can roll out of her car and end up with sexy photos in the end all because her photographer chose to pose that sweet girl in unflattering and inappropriate ways.

Pose after pose. After pose. After pose.

PHOTOGRAPHERS YOU NEED TO STOP DOING THAT.

So really, clothing isn’t the only issue. I’ve seen photos of a senior girl in jeans and a letter jacket lying down on her back in a bus lane with her legs up against a school bus. One thousand percent improper.

If you are a senior photographer, there is NO REASON for you to pose these girls like that. What in the world is your inspiration here?! The 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition?!

Because that’s what it looks like.

It’s tacky, tasteless, gross and one hundred and thirty-seven million miles from classy.

So. If you haven’t figured it out yet? This is a major pet peeve of mine. Parents, don’t let your daughter show up to a senior session in something that she can’t wear to school. Photographers, put your foot down on the outfits and STOP POSING THESE INNOCENT GIRLS IN SEXY WAYS.

Senior photos are for celebrating a huge milestone in life. Senior photos are NOT something for a pinup calendar.

And hey. If you decide to choose me as your senior photographer, I can assure you that your daughter will look just beautiful and her images will be classy and gorgeous. I don’t pose my clients in unsuitable poses and I am completely mindful of their wardrobe choices.

Because being beautiful doesn’t mean looking sexy.