Senior Guys Style Guide
Senior pictures are a great way to mark the end of high school and capture who you are right now. Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of your session—from choosing the right location to planning outfits that look great in photos.
🏞️ Choosing a Location
The location sets the mood and style of your senior pictures. I usually recommend picking one main location and, if possible, a second nearby spot for variety. Urban or downtown settings are a great choice if you want something modern with clean lines, cool textures, and interesting backgrounds. Brick walls, stairwells, murals, and even parking garages photograph really well. Great options include Downtown Vancouver, Uptown Village, or Downtown Portland.
If you prefer outdoor or natural settings, parks and nature spots offer timeless, relaxed backdrops. Places like Daybreak Park, Lewisville Park, Vancouver Lake, or Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge give us fields, trees, rivers, and golden light—perfect for senior portraits. These spaces allow for a wide range of looks from casual to classic.
Some of the most meaningful photos happen in personal or unique spots. Think of places that reflect your life right now: your high school stadium, track, or gym if you’re involved in sports; your truck or motorcycle; your family property or barn; or even a local fire station or workshop. If you’re into music, we can use your guitar, drum set, or practice space. If you skateboard, fish, or work with horses—those details can become part of your session. These locations help tell your story and make your gallery personal and memorable.
👕 What to Wear
Outfits play a huge role in how you feel and how the photos turn out. Plan to bring two to three outfits. A casual look—like jeans and a solid t-shirt or hoodie—is great for relaxed photos. A more polished option, like a button-down shirt with chinos or dark jeans, adds variety. And a third outfit can reflect your interests or activities, like a team jersey, work uniform, or something with sentimental value.
Stick to solid colors or simple patterns. Neutral tones like gray, navy, olive, and tan photograph well and don’t distract from your face. Avoid bold logos and busy graphics—they can pull attention away from you. If you like plaid or stripes, go with something subtle. Earth tones work especially well in natural settings, and you can always add layers like a jacket or flannel shirt for variety.
Make sure your clothes fit well. This can’t be overstated—baggy shirts or pants may feel comfortable, but they don’t always photograph cleanly. Try everything on before the session and move around a bit to make sure you’re comfortable and everything sits right.
Shoes matter more than people think. Unless they’re part of your story, skip the running shoes. Choose casual boots, clean sneakers, or dress shoes depending on the outfit. A clean pair of shoes finishes the look and keeps your photos looking sharp from head to toe.
Don’t forget the small details. A watch or simple bracelet can add a nice touch. Glasses are totally fine—bring both your regular pair and contacts if you have them so we can get a few different looks. Also, it’s a good idea to get a haircut a few days before your session so it looks fresh but natural.
🎯 Final Tip
The most important thing is to be yourself. I’ll help guide you through poses and prompts, so you don’t need to worry about what to do. With a bit of planning and the right setting, your senior photos will reflect who you are—and you’ll actually enjoy the process.
