It’s Always Sunny in Arizona: Grab Your Shades
Senior pictures should feel like you! Whether you want a mix of classic, stylish, playful, or a little bit of everything, your session can include all the looks and personality that make this season so special. And here in Arizona, sunglasses can be such a fun way to add a little extra flair, variety, and style to your senior pictures!
Hot Trends, Cool Looks: Sunglasses That Look Great in Senior Pictures
Let’s be honest — in Arizona, sunglasses are basically part of life. But for senior pictures, they can also be such a fun way to add style, personality, and a little extra variety to your session. The right pair can make a look feel playful, confident, trendy, or effortlessly cool.
And guys, this definitely includes you too! A great pair of sunglasses can add that relaxed, confident vibe that looks so good in senior pictures.

Whether you love aviators, wayfarers, retro frames, or something bold and fashion-forward, there are plenty of styles that can work beautifully in photos. If sunglasses are part of your everyday look, they might be the perfect accessory to bring along.
- D-Frame Sunglasses
- Heavy Browline Sunglasses
- Square Wayfarer Sunglasses
- Oversized Aviator Sunglasses
- Round Vintage Sunglasses
- Metal Sunglasses
- Flat-Brow Sunglasses
- Navigator Sunglasses
- Retro Sunglasses
- Classic Cool Clubmasters
Bright Ideas: Fun Ways to Use Sunglasses in Senior Pictures
Thinking about bringing sunglasses to your senior session? They can be such a fun way to add personality, variety, and a little extra style to your pictures. And the best part is there are so many creative ways to use them. I love when seniors bring their own ideas, because that helps me plan a session that feels even more personal and unique to you. Here are a few fun ways to work sunglasses into your senior pictures:
- The Standard – Of course, you can always wear your sunglasses the traditional way. It’s simple, stylish, and perfect for those fun, confident, sun-soaked Arizona shots. Sometimes classic really is the way to go.

- The Flirty Peek – This one is always so fun! Slide your sunglasses slightly down your nose and peek over the top for a playful, flirty look that still lets your eyes show.


- The Head Prop – When we move into a shady area or you want a more relaxed feel, sunglasses can look super cute pushed up on top of your head. It feels casual, effortless, and still adds to the overall look.

- The Casual Hold – Sunglasses do not always have to be on your face to make the picture interesting. You can hold them in your hand, rest them on your knee, set them beside a coffee cup or stack of books, or use them as a small detail that adds personality to the image.

- The Intentional Reflection – This is such a fun artistic option. With the right angle, sunglasses can pick up reflections that make the image even more meaningful, whether that’s your cap, the track you run on, or another part of your story.
- The Writing on the Lenses – Hey, grad, 2027 looks great on you! Keep it simple and write your grad year on the lenses of your sunglasses in window paint. Then use them as a prop on a table or hold them to show off your major accomplishment.
I Wear My Sunglasses at Night
I know you just sung that, didn’t you? Sure, during the day your sunnies are cool looking and protect your eyes from the sun, but they can bring a sense of drama and to your senior pictures at night too!


Guys, pair your sunglasses with your suit at night for a dressed up look. Don’t forget to add a watch!

Now for the fun part! What kind of creative ideas can you come up with? If sunglasses are part of your style, we can absolutely find ways to work them into your senior session in a way that feels natural, playful, and stylish!
Things to Remember
Sunglasses can be such a fun, stylish accessory for senior pictures, but there are a few things to keep in mind before you bring them to your session:
- Keep the lenses clean.
Make sure your lenses are clean and free of smudges, dust, and fingerprints. Since sunglasses bring so much attention to your face, clean lenses will always photograph better. - Be careful with super-reflective lenses.
A little reflection can look fun and creative, but too much can become distracting. If your sunglasses are extremely mirrored, you may want to bring a second pair too so we have options. - Try a few different pairs.
Not every shape works the same on every face, so it can be fun to bring a couple of options. If you want the style of sunglasses without completely hiding your eyes, lighter or more transparent lenses can be a great choice.
Look Your Best
The fun part of senior pictures is getting to add the extras that make them feel more personal. Maybe that’s your favorite pair of sunglasses, a jacket you wear all the time, or a location that already feels like your place. Those little details are what make your pictures feel like yours.
This is your moment! So wear the shades, throw on that jacket you love, and choose a place that feels like you. These are your memories, and your senior pictures should reflect the things that make you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.

A little sunshine, a little style, and the right pair of shades can go a long way!
Class of 2027, Start Here!
Where are my Class of 2027 seniors? Grab your FREE download of the Senior Client Welcome Guide and get all the details about the senior portrait experience with Magical Memories by Michelle.
Keep the Ideas Coming…
Want even more inspo for senior pictures? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—I’m always posting the latest looks, posing ideas, favorite location, and real client sessions to help you plan the senior pictures of your dreams!
Got a few more tabs open? Same! So if you’re on a roll, check these out next:
→ What to Wear for Senior Pictures
→ Best Outfits for Summer Senior Pictures
→ Wear Hats for Senior Pictures
→ What to Wear for Guys Senior Pictures
18 Responses
These photos are awesome and I love how you added them into their sessions and the ideas for them. Shows off the cool way to have them in their sessions!!
Thanks Shunta! It always helps you have awesome seniors!
I absolutely love sunglasses in senior photos! I love how you not only give them this idea for their senior photo session, but also list several different ways to wear them and different styles!
Thanks so much for the comments, Brandi! I really appreciate it!
What a great idea from this senior portrait photographer. Sunglasses are a simple and wonderful way to add some fun to any session!
Hey Jodi! So glad you like these ideas for senior photos!
I love this, and I love how you broke it down by shot! PERFECTION! I am never without my sunnies, so this shot would be a MUST!
Right?!?! I love that you don’t just have to wear them…there are lots of ways to mix it up!
I think it’s great to show seniors how they can sport sunglasses for their senior photos. There are so many fashion trends you’ve outlined and the most important thing for each senior it to let their personality and style soar! This is their time! Love your post and your senior pictures show all the joy!
With sunshine about 300 days out of the year, sunglasses are a must-have in Arizona! So I gotta make sure my seniors look trendy!
Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could help me out.
Hi! Are you aware that there are two different WordPress platforms? WordPress.com and WordPress.org are different, and I don’t know which one you’re having problems with. I have used WordPress.org for many years, so if you’re not already using it, give it a try!
The future is bright for these seniors’ Phoenix Arizona senior portraits! I love the fun you have with your seniors and it’s clear they love it too!
Hey Jeanine! Thanks so much for your kind words!
Who knew sunglasses made such amazing props?? These are great, creative ways to use them to add style and sophistication and FUN to each and every senior session!
Honestly a must-have in Arizona! LOL!
Love all these images with Seniors and their sunnies! They strike the right balance between cool and timeless.
Thanks Susan!