Senior Portraits in Arizona: 5 Fresh Tips for Guys to Look Their Best
- Jennifer Bowen
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Are you getting ready for your senior portraits in Arizona? Whether you’re searching for Scottsdale senior portraits, a trusted Phoenix senior photographer, or just looking for inspiration for your big photo day, we’ve got you covered — especially the guys!
Arizona’s year round sunshine, incredible desert scenery and cool hidden gems of locations with more green or architecture make it one of the best places for bold, stylish senior pictures. But what you wear and how you prep can make all the difference. Here are 5 tips for guys to help you look and feel amazing in your senior photos:
1. Go Beyond the T-Shirt
A basic tee is fine, but layering adds instant style and depth. Think button-down shirts over tees, denim jackets, flannels, or even lightweight blazers. Layers look great in photos and give you more variety in your shots.
2. Choose Colors That Flatter You or Pop
Arizona’s desert backdrops are warm and earthy. Blues, greens, white, dark gray and deeper jewel tones coordinate beautifully with the soft hues of the desert. You will ideally want to avoid neon shades or super crazy graphic tees that can distract from your face.
Circling back on the layers, they really do give more visual interest to your portraits, and they also allow for super quick changes (take off the pull over for the polo look underneath).
3. Show off Your Shoes
Your shoes will show in full-body shots. Clean, stylish sneakers, casual boots, or dress shoes are all great options. Skip athletic running shoes unless you’re going for a sporty look.
4. Plan for Hair & Skin
A fresh haircut about a week before your session will help your hair look your best, but also allow it that settling in time if you like it best one week after.
Many teens have blemishes, and those will get edited out, however a few nights before your session, start wearing the little round zit patches that help them heal and avoid picking. For one or two simple ones, honestly a tiny dab of powder or concealer can help camouflage them for photos, ensuring a faster turnaround time on the editing.
5. Show Your Personality
Bring items that reflect who you are—sports gear, musical instruments, a skateboard, a letterman jacket, or your college shirts or sweatshirts. It makes your photos unique and tells your story.
You can even bring your Cap & Gown for a few photos at the end to highlight this big milestone in life!
Comments