The Ultimate Guide for Senior Guys
How to Prepare for Your High School Senior Pictures
Andrew Samplawski Photography | High School Senior Photographer in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson, Rice Lake & Western Wisconsin
Senior year is one of the biggest milestones of your life, and your senior portraits should capture who you are right now. Whether you’re counting down the days until graduation or you’re only doing senior pictures because your mom told you that you have to, my goal is the same: create photographs that feel natural, confident, and authentic while making the experience enjoyable from start to finish.
After photographing hundreds of high school seniors throughout Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson, Rice Lake, Stanley-Boyd, Cadott, and communities throughout western Wisconsin, I’ve learned one thing:
The best senior sessions aren’t about being a model.
They’re about showing up prepared so you can relax, have fun, and let your personality shine.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before your session, from what to wear and when to get your haircut to how to prepare your outfits, what to bring, and what you can expect throughout the experience.
1. Get Your Haircut 4–6 Days Before Your Session
One of the most common questions I receive is, “When should I get my haircut?”
I recommend scheduling your haircut 4–6 days before your senior session.
That gives your haircut enough time to settle in naturally while still looking fresh. It also allows you to style it a few different ways before your session so you know exactly how you like it.
If you keep facial hair, trim or shave the evening before or the morning of your session.
The goal isn’t to look different.
The goal is to look like the best version of yourself.
2. Prepare Your Clothes Ahead of Time
Preparation makes your session smoother and gives us more time creating amazing photographs.
A few days before your session, wash your clothing if needed and hang every outfit individually. This helps naturally remove wrinkles and keeps everything organized.
Bring every outfit on a hanger.
Keeping everything hanging throughout the session helps us keep track of what we’ve already photographed, prevents unnecessary wrinkles between outfit changes, and makes changing much quicker.
The more organized we stay, the more time we spend creating great images instead of digging through piles of clothing.
3. We’ll Start With Your Least Favorite Outfit
This surprises almost every senior.
We’ll begin with the outfit you’re least excited about.
Why?
Because the first 15–20 minutes are when almost everyone feels a little awkward.
That’s completely normal.
We’ll spend those first few minutes getting comfortable, learning what feels natural, and finding your confidence in front of the camera.
By the time we finish with your favorite outfit, you’ll be relaxed, confident, and that’s usually when we create everyone’s favorite images.
Trust the process.
It works every time.
4. Clean Your Shoes
Your shoes matter more than you think.
Take a few minutes before your session to wipe off dirt, clean white soles, brush off dust, and replace worn shoelaces if necessary.
Clean shoes complete an outfit and help every image look polished.
5. Bring More Outfit Options Than You Think You’ll Need
Having choices is always better than wishing you had brought one more shirt.
If you’ve booked the SIMPLE Senior Experience, you’re welcome to bring a couple of extra outfits even though we’ll typically photograph up to four looks. Sometimes an outfit looks completely different outdoors than it did in your bedroom mirror or sometimes the fit just isn’t right the day of your session. We have backups with us.
If you’ve booked the LUXE Senior Experience, outfit changes are unlimited. For the LUXE sessions, I recommend bringing 10–15 different outfit options.
Don’t worry. We probably won’t photograph every outfit. Depending on our location, we'll choose the best outfits to make you look your best.
Having more choices allows us to mix and match shirts, jackets, shoes, flannels, quarter-zips, and accessories to create a much larger variety of images throughout your session.
6. Try Everything On Before Your Session
This is one of the easiest ways to avoid surprises.
A few days before your session, try on every outfit. Make sure everything still fits comfortably, looks the way you hoped, and makes you feel confident.
Stand in front of the mirror. Move around. Sit down. Squat down. Walk around. Climb some steps to know how your outfit will fit and feel.
If something feels uncomfortable now, it probably won’t feel any better during your session.
Wear clothes that fit well and feel like you.
7. Empty Your Pockets
Before we start photographing, take everything out of your pockets.
Phones, wallets, keys, earbuds, and anything bulky create awkward shapes and can change the way clothing fits in photographs.
Keeping your pockets empty gives every outfit a cleaner, more polished appearance.
8. Bring Multiple Pairs of Shoes
Shoes can completely change the look of an outfit.
Bring a few different options such as clean sneakers, boots, casual shoes, or dress shoes depending on your outfits.
Having options gives us flexibility throughout your session.
9. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your session.
Hydrated skin photographs better, helps reduce dry lips, and simply helps you feel better throughout your session, especially during Wisconsin summers.
10. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A good night’s sleep makes a noticeable difference.
You’ll look more refreshed, have more energy, and your eyes will naturally appear brighter.
Avoid staying up late the night before if you can.
11. Keep Your Face Looking Natural
You don’t need anything complicated.
Wash your face.
Use moisturizer if your skin tends to get dry.
Bring chapstick.
Style your hair the way you normally would.
Natural always photographs best.
12. Bring Things That Tell Your Story
Your senior session should be about more than just great portraits.
It should tell your story.
Bring items that represent who you are.
That could include sports, music, hunting, fishing, agriculture, cars, trucks, dirt bikes, classic cars, tractors, your letter jacket, graduation cap, fishing gear, or musical instruments.
If we’re planning a sports portion of your session, feel free to bring additional equipment beyond just your uniform. Helmets, gloves, bats, sticks, clubs, wrestling shoes, or anything else that helps showcase your sport can create incredible images.
Planning to bring your dog, another pet, your truck, your car, or larger props?
Just let me know ahead of time so I can recommend the best locations and prepare everything before your session.
13. Trust the Process
Almost every senior guy tells me they’ve never done anything like this before.
That’s exactly why I’m here.
I’ll guide you through everything.
Where to stand. Where to look.
What to do with your hands. How to move naturally.
You don’t need experience. You just need to show up… and bring that smile because Mom & Dad are going to want at least 1 or 2 smiling with teeth.
14. Don’t Stress About Posing
I promise you’re not expected to know how to pose.
Throughout your session, I’ll demonstrate exactly what I’m looking for, explain the vision behind each photograph, and coach you every step of the way.
Your job is simple.
I’ll show or demonstrate what I’m thinking… then make it look better than I do. I have been getting my practice in to make you look good… up for the challenge to follow through? HAHA
Thankfully, that’s usually the easy part.
15. Wear Clothes That Reflect Your Personality
Choose outfits that feel like you.
Whether your style is athletic, outdoorsy, classic, modern, western, or somewhere in between, your clothing should represent your personality.
Years from now, you’ll appreciate photographs that still feel authentic instead of trendy.
16. Trust My Location Recommendations
One of my favorite parts of planning your senior session is choosing locations.
After photographing seniors across Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson, Rice Lake, Stanley-Boyd, Cadott, and western Wisconsin, including Madison, Chicago, Twin Cities, and even Iowa… I’ve learned which locations photograph beautifully in every season and at every time of day.
Whether you’re looking for downtown architecture, wooded trails, open fields, rivers, lakes, industrial textures, or incredible sunsets, we’ll choose locations that match your personality and style.
17. Nervous Is Completely Normal
If you’re nervous… That is okay!
That means you’re out of your comfort zone, but you’ll make our session a part of your comfort zone, I promise this!
Almost every senior tells me they’re uncomfortable in front of the camera when we first meet.
Within about 15–20 minutes, everything changes.
You’ll start understanding how the session flows, you’ll become more comfortable, and you’ll probably find yourself having more fun than you expected.
That’s another reason we start with your least favorite outfit.
By the time we reach your favorite outfit, you’ll feel confident, relaxed, and ready to create your best images.
What NOT to Wear
A few things are worth avoiding.
Very busy patterns.
Neon colors.
Oversized clothing.
Wrinkled shirts.
Dirty shoes.
Athletic shorts unless they’re part of your sport.
Baseball hat until it’s your last outfit accessory. Hat hair I can not photoshop or fix.
Apple Watches or fitness trackers if they don’t match your outfit. I can work with tan lines… we all have them
Sunglasses sitting on top of your head.
Anything that doesn’t feel like you.
Simple, timeless clothing almost always photographs best.
What to Bring to Your Senior Session
Before leaving home, make sure you have:
• Your outfits on hangers
• Multiple pairs of shoes
• Belt if needed
• Matching socks
• Hair product
• Brush or comb
• Chapstick
• Water bottle
• Snacks - a cooler with ice packs to keep drinks and snacks cold during warm summer sessions
• Sports equipment
• Props or hobby items
• Jackets or flannels for layering
What happens after my senior session?
About 1–2 weeks after your senior session, I’ll invite you and your family back to my downtown Chippewa Falls photography studio for your Reveal & Ordering Appointment.
This is one of my favorite parts of the entire experience.
Together, we’ll sit down and relive your session as you see your senior portraits for the very first time. We’ll go through your gallery, narrow down your favorites, and you decide which images mean the most to you and your family.
From there, we’ll create a plan for how you’ll enjoy your photographs for years to come.
Maybe that’s selecting the perfect portrait to hang above the fireplace, creating a wall gallery for your home, or designing an heirloom senior book or album that tells the story of your senior year. Some families choose a handful of gift prints in sizes like 8x10s, 5x7s, or 4x6s to share with grandparents and relatives. Others create custom wall artwork using framed portraits, canvas wraps, metal prints, acrylic glass, keepsake boxes, flipbooks, graduation announcements, or a combination of products.
Every family is different, and there’s no minimum or maximum order. My role is simply to help you choose what fits your home, your family, and how you want to remember this exciting season of life.
One thing I truly believe is this… Your senior portraits deserve more than living on your phone or getting lost on social media.
These images represent a once-in-a-lifetime milestone.
They deserve to be printed, displayed, shared with family and friends, and enjoyed every single day. Whether it’s a beautiful wall portrait that welcomes you home, an album you’ll flip through years from now, or gift prints that grandparents proudly display, printed photographs have a way of keeping memories alive that digital files simply can’t replace.
My goal is to help you create something you’ll still be proud to look at decades from now.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my senior pictures?
Most seniors schedule their session between June and early October. Booking early gives you the best choice of dates, locations, and beautiful evening light before yearbook deadlines. My studio is already booking the Class of 2028 and has inquiries from the Class of 2029.
What if I don’t like having my picture taken?
You’re not alone. Nearly every senior guy says the same thing. My job is to coach you through the entire experience so you never have to wonder what to do. By the end of your session, most seniors tell me it was much easier and more enjoyable than they expected. All I ask is the chance to have a good time during your session. Share that chance… and you’ll have a good time!
What should I wear for senior pictures?
Wear clothing that fits well, reflects your personality, and makes you feel confident. Bring a variety of casual and dressier outfits, along with layers like flannels, quarter-zips, jackets, or hoodies. Even if mom says no to the hoodie or sweatpants… bring them just in case we have a little extra time. We can squeeze in 2-3 pictures with your comfies.
Can I bring my truck, dog, or sports equipment?
Absolutely. Those details help tell your story and make your senior portraits unique. Just let me know ahead of time so I can recommend the best locations and plan accordingly so we can get the right setup for your best photo opportunity.
What happens if it rains?
Wisconsin weather doesn’t always cooperate. If rain or severe weather is expected, we’ll simply reschedule for the next available date so you receive the best possible experience and lighting. We always select a rain date option because my studio is gratefully busy, and fitting in last-minute weather mishaps can be challenging.
How long does my senior session last?
The Simple Senior Experience includes up to two hours with up to four outfit changes. The LUXE Senior Experience includes up to three hours with unlimited outfit changes, multiple locations, and plenty of time for creative ideas.
Can my parents come?
Absolutely. Parents are always welcome and often become a huge help carrying outfits, keeping everything organized, and enjoying this milestone alongside you.
Where do you photograph senior sessions?
I photograph seniors throughout Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson, Rice Lake, Stanley-Boyd, Cadott, and throughout western Wisconsin. The world is our oyster for locations. We can go wherever we can find great lighting and a location theme/look you want. Sometimes we have to get special permissions or schedule a time slot for a location; we adjust and plan accordingly.
Together, we’ll choose locations that best reflect your personality, interests, and style.
Ready to Create Something You’ll Be Proud of?
Senior year only happens once, and your portraits should reflect who you are during this exciting season of life.
My goal is simple: create an experience that’s relaxed, fun, and completely personalized while capturing images you’ll be proud to share today and even more proud to look back on years from now.
If you’re looking for a high school senior photographer in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Menomonie, Hudson, Rice Lake, Stanley-Boyd, Cadott, or anywhere throughout western Wisconsin, I’d love the opportunity to help tell your story and create senior portraits that are authentically you.
