First Look: Graduation Day Suit + Tie (Most Important Look)

For your first and strongest look, we’ll typically start with what you are planning to wear for graduation itself.

 This is your most iconic and meaningful outfit, and it photographs beautifully because it reflects the real moment of the day.

 What we’re looking for:
Your graduation suit and tie (or full formal graduation outfit)
 A well-fitted dress shirt (pressed and clean)
A tie that complements your suit (solid colors or subtle patterns work best)
Dress shoes that are polished and clean
Why this look matters: This set of images feels the most timeless because it captures you exactly as you are walking across that stage—polished, accomplished, and fully in the moment. We’ll focus on: Clean, confident portraits Cap and gown images layered over this look Detail shots (tie, jacket, hands, etc.) Full-body graduation-ready portraits

More Than Just Graduation Photos

This first look also doubles as an opportunity to capture professional headshots for your next chapter.

Whether you’re applying for jobs, internships, or building your presence on LinkedIn, you’ll walk away with clean, polished images that feel both professional and authentic. It’s the perfect way to maximize your session and make sure you’re fully prepared for what’s ahead.

Accessories & Watches (The Small Details That Matter)

A watch is one of the best accessories you can wear for senior photos. It adds a subtle level of confidence and maturity without distracting from the overall look.

A classic metal or leather-strap watch photographs best
Keep it clean and simple—this is not the moment for overly sporty or bright digital watches
Make sure it fits well on your wrist (not too loose or sliding around)

Other Accessories

Less is more when it comes to everything else.

Belts: Match your belt to your shoes for a clean, cohesive look
Tie clips (if you wear one): Keep it minimal and classic—silver or gold tones work best
Pocket squares: Optional, but if used, stick with neutral or complementary tones
Rings or bracelets: Simple and understated is ideal—avoid anything too bold or distracting

Haircuts (Timing It Right for Your Session)

One of the easiest ways to instantly elevate your senior photos is a fresh, well-timed haircut.
Ideally, you’ll want to get your haircut 3–7 days before your session. This gives your hair enough time to settle in naturally, while still looking clean, sharp, and intentional on camera.
A haircut done the day of or the day before can sometimes look a little too fresh or stiff, while waiting too long can lose that clean edge that really polishes your overall look.

If your session includes enough time, we can absolutely build in a second outfit—and I highly recommend it.

While your first look is all about polished, timeless, and graduation-ready, your second look is where we get to loosen things up and show more of your personality. This is where your photos start to feel a little more relaxed, natural, and uniquely you.

What This Look Should Feel Like

Think of this outfit as your “off-duty” version of yourself—still put together, but more effortless.

We’re going for:

Relaxed confidence
Movement and variety
A style that feels authentic to your everyday life (just elevated)
Second Look Recommendations
Option 1: Elevated Casual
Fitted jeans or chinos
A clean t-shirt, henley, or polo
Layer with a jacket, flannel, or button-down
Clean sneakers or casual shoes

This look is simple, versatile, and photographs incredibly well in almost any setting.

Option 2: Smart Casual
Dark jeans or tailored pants
A button-down shirt (short or long sleeve)
Optional layering piece like a sweater or lightweight jacket
Loafers or clean sneakers

This gives you a slightly more refined feel while still staying relaxed.

Option 3: Personal Style Piece

This is where you can bring in something that represents you:

A favorite jacket
A college sweatshirt
Something tied to your major, hobbies, or future plans

These images often end up being favorites because they feel the most personal.

Colors & Fit Tips

A Second Look

When it comes to color choices for male senior photos, think clean, timeless, and true to your personality. Neutral tones like navy, gray, white, black, and earth tones (olive, tan, and brown) photograph beautifully and keep the focus on you rather than your outfit. These colors also tend to be the most versatile, making them perfect for both casual and more polished looks within your session. If you want to add a bit of personality, subtle color is a great way to do it—like a soft blue button-down, a muted burgundy, or a patterned shirt layered under a jacket. Just try to avoid overly bright neon colors or loud, distracting patterns, as they can pull attention away from your face and don’t always translate well on camera. The goal is to look elevated, confident, and natural while still feeling like yourself.

At the end of the day, the best senior photos come from feeling like yourself. Use this guide as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to bring in pieces that reflect your personality and style. When you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, it naturally shows in every image. I’ll guide you through every step of the session—from posing to outfit changes—so all you have to do is show up ready to enjoy the experience. The goal is simple: to create images that feel authentic, elevated, and true to this season of your life.