Style & Inspiration for Your Senior Portraits
Your senior portraits should feel like you — your personality, your style, your vibe. This guide helps you choose outfits, accessories, layers, and personal touches that photograph beautifully and give you the most variety during your session.
Choose Outfits That Feel Like You
Wear what makes you feel confident. Your portraits should reflect your real personality, not someone else’s idea of what a senior photo “should” look like. Bring a mix of casual, dressy, sporty, and personal-style outfits so we can create a wide variety of looks.
Bring Lots of Outfits — 3-5 minimum
Most seniors bring at least 3–5 outfits — but you’re encouraged to bring more. It’s always better to have extra options than to wish you’d brought something. I’ll help you choose what works best with the environment, what offers the most variety, and what avoids redundancy.
Think of it this way: I’d rather send you home with outfits you didn’t use than have you slapping your forehead and saying, “I should’ve brought that sweater… or my bibs… or that sundress… or that jacket and tie.” Bring it all — I’ll help you sort it out.
Think in Layers
Layers add depth, texture, and variety. They also make quick changes easy. Consider bringing:
- Jackets
- Cardigans
- Flannels
- Vests
- Hoodies (one or two — not four colors of the same hoodie)
Layers let us create multiple looks without full outfit changes — especially helpful outdoors.
Accessories Make a Huge Difference
Accessories photograph incredibly well and add personality to your portraits. Bring a variety — even if you’re not sure you’ll use them. I’ll help you choose what works best.
- Jewelry — earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces
- Watches — classic or sporty
- Scarves — great for fall looks
- Hats — beanies, wide-brim, baseball caps, fedoras
- Hair accessories — clips, scrunchies, headbands
Accessories help create variety and can completely change the feel of an outfit.
Logos: Keep the Meaningful Ones, Skip the Distracting Ones
In general, avoid loud logos or giant text — they pull attention away from your face. But if a logo or brand is part of your story, it can be a great personal touch. Bring it, and we’ll decide together whether it enhances or distracts.
Colors That Photograph Well
- Earth tones — greens, browns, tans
- Soft neutrals — cream, gray, charcoal
- Rich colors — burgundy, navy, forest green
- Pastels — soft pink, lavender, sky blue
Avoid neon — it reflects onto your skin and can overpower the portrait. You may also want to stay away from bold, contrasty patterns and wide stripes
Hair, Makeup & Grooming Tips
Keep It Natural
You want to look like yourself — on your best day. Avoid heavy makeup or anything dramatically different from your everyday look.
Avoid Major Changes Right Before Your Session
Don’t try a brand-new haircut or color the day before. Give yourself time to adjust to any changes.
Bring Touch-Up Items
- Powder
- Lip balm
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hairspray
Guys: Shave or Trim the Day Before
Avoid shaving right before your session — it can cause redness. Trim the night before for the cleanest look.
Props, Hobbies & Personal Touches
Bring items that reflect your interests — sports gear, instruments, art supplies, uniforms, books, or anything meaningful. These make your portraits personal and unique.
Real KenMar Seniors
Below is a gallery of real seniors photographed at KenMar. Use these images for inspiration — outfits, colors, poses,
and overall
Explore the Senior Experience
Below you’ll find quick links to every part of the Senior Portrait Experience. Whether you’re choosing a session, exploring style ideas, preparing for your day, or browsing real senior portraits, this section gives you easy access to everything.
KenMar Photography
1120 N. Hickory Farm Ln
Appleton, WI •
(920) 734‑5328
