Senior
Guide
What to Wear & Grooming Tips for Your Senior Session
Everything you need to look sharp, feel comfortable, and still look like yourself.
Senior pictures don’t have to feel awkward or overly posed. The goal is to create photos that actually look and feel like you.
What you wear can make a big difference, but you don’t need to completely change your style for your session. A few well-planned outfits, clean shoes, a fresh haircut, and clothes that fit well go a long way.
And don’t worry about knowing what to do in front of the camera. I’ll guide you through the entire session.
Outfits
Bring 2–3 Outfits (For Signature & Heirloom sessions)
Casual
Start with something that feels like what you would normally wear just a slightly more polished version.
Think jeans, clean sneakers, solid t-shirt, henley, polo, flannel, quarter zip or sweater
dressy
Bring one outfit that feels a little more polished.
Think something you might wear for graduation, senior awards, a wedding, family event, or nice dinner.
Think dress pants or chinos, button-down shirt, polo, sweater, dress shoes or loafers
Something That Represents You
This one is optional, but these often become some of the most meaningful pictures from the session.
Bring something connected to what you’ve spent your high school years doing or something that represents where you’re headed next.
Examples: Sports uniform, Jersey, Letterman jacket, Football, baseball glove, basketball or other equipment, Car or truck, Skateboard, College sweatshirt, Cap & gown (I have a Central HS cap & gown)
Fit Matters
This might be the most important clothing tip on this entire page.
Clothes that fit properly photograph much better than clothes that are too baggy or too tight.
Pay attention to:
- Shirt sleeves
- Shoulder seams
- Pant length
- Waist fit
- Jacket fit
- Collars that lay correctly
If you haven’t worn an outfit in a while, try it on before the day of your session.
And please don’t bring everything straight from the shopping bag.
Remove tags, stickers and temporary stitching ahead of time.
Add Some Layers
Layers are one of the easiest ways to make a simple outfit look more interesting.
Try adding:
- Denim jacket
- Bomber jacket
- Leather jacket
- Flannel
- Quarter-zip
- Sweater
- Sport coat
- Letterman jacket
You can also take the jacket or layer off halfway through photographing that outfit, which gives us two different looks without needing another complete outfit change.
Shoes Matter
Yes your shoes will probably be in the pictures.
Bring shoes that coordinate with each outfit.
Good options include:
- Clean white sneakers
- Casual sneakers
- Boots
- Loafers
- Dress shoes
- Athletic shoes when they relate to your sport or outfit
Try not to wear beat-up everyday shoes unless they’re intentionally part of the look.
Clean your shoes before your session.
It makes a bigger difference than you might think.
Accessories
Guys don’t need a lot of accessories, but a few can add personality.
Consider:
- Watch
- Chain
- Bracelet
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Belt
- Favorite jacket
Keep it simple.
If you never normally wear jewelry, you don’t suddenly need to wear it for senior pictures.
Grooming Tips
The goal is to look like the best version of yourself not like you’re headed to a completely different event.
Haircuts:
If you’re getting a haircut, try to schedule it about 5–10 days before your session. That gives your haircut a little time to settle in while still looking fresh. Avoid trying a completely new haircut the day before your pictures.
Facial Hair:
If you’re normally clean shaven, shave the day of your session or the night before.
If you normally have facial hair, just make sure it’s trimmed and cleaned up around the edges.
Skin:
Don’t worry about temporary acne or blemishes.
Temporary blemishes are professionally retouched while still keeping your skin looking natural.
Try not to pick at blemishes right before your session. It makes them much harder to retouch naturally.
And avoid spending long days in the sun right before your session. Sunburns are difficult to edit naturally.
Hands & Nails:
Your hands will show in your pictures.
You don’t need a manicure, but make sure your nails are clean and trimmed.
Don't Forget to Iron
Wrinkles are one of the hardest things to fix naturally afterward.
Please iron or steam your outfits before your session.
Bring dress shirts and jackets on hangers rather than folded in a bag.
This is especially important for:
- Button-down shirts
- Polos
- Dress pants
- Jackets
- Suits
faq
Most seniors bring 2–3 outfits, depending on the length of their session.
Don’t worry! I have a portable changing tent for you to use.
Yes!
Jerseys, uniforms, footballs, baseball gloves, basketballs, hockey equipment and other sports gear can be a great way to document something that has been a big part of your high school years.
You don’t necessarily need to wear the full uniform either. Sometimes incorporating a jersey or piece of equipment into a regular outfit creates a more relaxed look.
es!
If your car, truck or motorcycle is something you’re proud of or has been part of your high school years, bring it.
Those photos can be some of the most personal images from your session.
Just let me know ahead of time so we can choose a location where we can photograph it.
Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered!
Temporary blemishes are professionally retouched while still keeping your skin looking natural.
If you do, try to schedule it about 1–2 weeks before your session.
Absolutely! You don’t need to worry about knowing how to pose or what to do with your hands. I’ll guide you through the entire session with natural prompts and gentle direction while also capturing genuine candid moments in between. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and connected so your photos look like you, not stiff or overly posed.
Weather is one thing we can’t control, but don’t worry we’ll make sure you have beautiful weather for your session.
If rain, strong winds, or severe weather are in the forecast, we’ll simply reschedule to the next available date that works for both of us. I’ll keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session and communicate with you if changes need to be made.
things to bring with to your session
✔ Your outfits on hangers
✔ Belt if your outfit needs one
✔ Shoes for each outfit
✔ Comb or brush
✔ Hair product
✔ Face wipes or oil-blotting sheets for hot days
✔ Bug spray during summer
✔ Sports gear or personal items we’re incorporating
✔ Jacket or blanket if it’s cold
One Last Tip
Don’t choose outfits just because you think they’re what you’re supposed to wear for senior pictures.
Your senior photos should actually look like you.
If you’re usually in jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt, we can make that look great.
If you love dressing up, bring the suit.
If you’ve spent the last four years playing baseball, bring the glove.
If your truck is basically your second home, bring the truck.
We’ll create a mix of images your parents will love and photos that actually feel like you.