Ultimate Senior Photography Session Tips for Guys – How to Rock Your Senior Photos

Welcome to your ultimate guide for senior guys’ photography sessions! Let’s be honest—for a lot of guys, stepping in front of a camera isn’t exactly their favorite thing to do (and usually, Mom is the one making it happen!). But don’t sweat it. Your senior session isn’t about stiff, awkward posing; it’s about capturing who you really are right now.

Whether you’re into sports, cars, or just hanging out, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top tips to make your senior photography session painless, fun, and totally epic.

1. What to Wear: Keep It Clean and Classic

When it comes to outfits, variety is key. I usually recommend bringing one casual outfit (like a clean t-shirt and jeans) and one formal outfit. If we have a 60-minute session, we’ll easily get through two looks. If you want a third look, book an extended session or else layers are the perfect hack to squeeze it in! Throwing a jacket or flannel over a t-shirt makes for a super quick change.

Try to avoid big logos, as they can be distracting. Instead, opt for solid colors or simple patterns. And don’t forget accessories! A nice watch or a necklace can add a great touch of style to your photos.

PRO TIP: Please de-wrinkle your clothes before you arrive! Store them neatly on hangers in the car so they don’t get crumpled on the way to the shoot.

2. Picking the Perfect Location: Urban Grit to Epic Nature

Your location sets the whole vibe for your photos. I personally love combining a gritty, urban vibe with an escape to a beach or forest.

Urban settings—like downtown alleys, parking garages, or places with cool graffiti and urban decay (like the Village at Grand Traverse Commons)—are awesome for a more stylish or dressy outfit. Then, we can head out to the forested trails or the epic views of Sleeping Bear Dunes, where earthy tones or a simple jeans-and-t-shirt combo look incredibly natural. Want something totally unique? We can shoot at your high school, your favorite arcade, or wherever you love to hang out.

3. Bring Your Passions (and Your Dog!)

One of the best ways to make your photos stand out is by incorporating your hobbies. Guys have brought everything to their sessions: their favorite car, a snowmobile, a guitar, or their football and jersey. (If you bring a jersey, we can spend some time with it or just save it for a few quick, awesome shots at the end!)

INSPIRATION: I love dogs, so please bring yours along! Not only do they make for great photos, but having your dog there is actually one of the best ways to help you relax and loosen up in front of the camera.

4. Beating the Awkwardness: Just Hanging Out

If you’re dreading feeling stiff or awkward, let me stop you right there. This session is going to feel more like exploring with a friend than a formal photoshoot.

We’re going to keep things moving. We’ll take lots of photos, choose the best ones later, and forget the rest. We’ll explore awesome, dynamic locations with dilapidated walls and forested trails.

PRO TIP: Bring a buddy along if it helps you feel more like yourself! We can even separate from Mom for a little bit to explore the location so you don’t feel like you’re being watched.

5. Grooming and Prep: The Basics

Prepping for your session is simple. Make sure you get a good night’s rest so you look fresh. Wear your hair exactly how you normally would—though I do recommend getting a haircut about a week before your session, rather than the day before, so it has time to settle and look natural.

Wash your face, and a fresh shave is highly recommended for a clean look!

6. A Special Note for the Moms

Since Moms are usually the ones reading this and doing the planning—this one is for you! The best piece of advice I can give is: don’t focus on the smile. I know you want that perfect, beaming portrait of your son, and I promise we will certainly get a lot of natural smiles! But the more we tell a senior guy to “smile,” the less natural it becomes. Let him relax, let me guide the interaction, and those genuine, handsome smiles will happen all on their own.

By following these tips, you’ll be totally prepared to rock your senior session. We’ll capture some amazing shots, keep it low-stress, and have a great time doing it.

Josh Hartman – Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes Senior Photographer Ready to book? [Message me to plan your senior photography session today.]