What to Wear for Senior Photos - The Guys Edition

I photograph lots of seniors and here I wanted to feature some photoshoots with graduating senior boys (young men!) and ideas on what to wear for their senior photos.

Parents often ask about what their son should wear, and my advice is to keep it pretty simple. Feel free to bring a few different options to the photoshoot if you cant decide, but a good rule of thumb is nicer jeans or khaki type pants with a solid shirt, or subtle pattern.

Most guys also bring a college shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie, or a jersey from the sport they played.

As parents, you will likely keep some of these photos in frames forever because of this huge milestone in their life (and yours).

Suggestions include:

• A button down with a t-shirt underneath for a simple and quick change from nicer to more casual

• Nice jeans and golf style polo or tee shirt

• A sweatshirt or hoodie with jeans since teens pretty much live in these

• Some young men dress up into suits, or nicer slacks, blazers and shirts

• Many teens also wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt from the college they are planning to attend

• Some bring their school jersey from their beloved sport; others bring instruments they play

• And some bring their cap and gown if they already have it

Senior photos with teenage boys typically last about 30-45 minutes since the majority of guys don't love taking photos longer than that, and with me, we get a ton of photos in that time. If they are changing a couple of times, or we are walking around a downtown area like Old Town Scottsdale, the session may take be a little longer.

Here are some ideas for colors, outfits and poses for #senior guys. You will also find full posts linked of other sessions with guys for more ideas on locations, looks, clothing and more.

Girls are up next!

Keep it simple & clean. A solid long sleeve t-shirt that is new, washed and wrinkle free for a timeless look.

Solid neutral polo to keep the eye drawing to the face first. I typically recommend a color that brings out their eye color.

White always photographs beautifully, especially when new and fresh (not dingy white).

A favorite lived in sweatshirt that captures who they are at this stage in their life.

Blue is pretty universally flattering as well.

Patterns can bring a little pop to the photo:

If your teen plays an instrument, you can definitely bring that to capture their passion

A suit, or blazer, can also elevate the experience and photos, and stand out.

Charcoal gray is also universally flattering and a tad softer than black. It works beautifully for both color and BW images.

Their sports jersey if they play a sport, or a piece of equipment easy to incorporate (football, glove, etc.)

A nicer crisp button down for a cleaned up look:

College t-shirts and sweatshirts

Cap and gown

Basic t-shirts that capture who they are.

No matter what they wear, I always try and capture who they are at their core.