HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SENIOR PORTRAITS

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. It is that time of year, The New Year is around the corner and graduation will be here before you know it. That means if you haven’t scheduled your Senior Portraits already it is time to schedule them NOW. As a seasoned Senior Portrait Photographer, I would like to give you 5 tips to make your Senior Portrait experience the best it can be.

• Location, Location, Location
  • Location is EVERYTHING. The location you choose should tell your story. Sure, it is just the “background” but can you interact with it? Is your location beautiful or does it speak life into your vision? Is it visually appealing? Will your location be inside or outside? If you are stumped on locations talk to your photographer, they are the expert after all and should be able to assist you for the best set up. I personally, keep a list of locations and venue prices on hand to help my clients with suggestions.

• Golden Hour or Bust
  • Yes, yes , yes sunrise and sunset has the most beautiful lighting during the day. It is always flattering and always just so colorful and we photographers just can’t get enough of the rising or setting sun. However, you don’t have to shoot at this time of day. There are plenty of indoor venues available from coffee shops to arcades. There are also spots with beautiful shade for nice even light and if your photographer is really fancy they have a huge light that can over power the sun and you can shoot at any time during the day as well. Golden hour is great but don’t feel like it is a necessity. Consult with your photographer for the best suggestions on lighting and time.

• Let’s go shopping
  • Ah yes, the moment most of us love to plan. Outfits! How many, which ones, how do I accessorize? My suggestion, at most 5 outfits, for a two hour session. Bring casual, dressier, and if you choose, formal. I absolutely love shooting my clients in formal wear. I think it is so editorial and look straight out of a magazine. You deserve to feel like a model in front of my camera. With that being said, you should also have images that represent who you truly are. Choose outfits you are comfy in and outfits that make you feel good. ALSO SO IMPORTANT: Choose clothes with texture. Lace, ruffles, velvet, fur. All of these textures and more photograph beautifully. Pops of color are so fun too. Don’t be scared to wear purple or blues. Ask your photographer for outfit suggestions. I love when my Seniors send me their Pinterest boards and ideas or come into my studio to look through my client closet for help with outfits.
  • Bring accessories: HATS. Hats are huge right now. You don’t have to wear them but they add something special to an image and you can hold them to relax your hands. Don’t forget jewelry, jackets, or cute purses. Whatever makes you, YOU.

• Give me Props
  • What items represent your Senior Year or high school years? Bring them to your shoot. Here are a few: Cap and gown, letterman jacket, WEAR your class ring. If you are into sports, bring a ball or two, helmet, bat, racket, jersey, etc. Do you dance or cheer? Bring your poms, shoes, or outfits. Library club? Bring your books, library card, etc. Are you into Cosplay? Bring your costume, lets dress UP! Nothing is too much. These are your IMAGES! No matter what your hobby is, what extra curricular activities you are a part of bring your items to your shoot. This is about personalizing your images, so that you have memories and a fair representation of this time in your life.

• Bring a parent, Bring a bestie.
  • The Senior Portrait experience should be the most fun you have ever had(not exaggerating here). Bring your mom or dad, and let’s make memories. This year only happens once and senior portraits should be one of the best parts about it. Our parents do not want to miss out, you want them there. Bring your bestie. Besties come in handy during shoots, they make us laugh, they take great behind the scenes and they are usually part of the the greatest memories of our lives, so why not be part of this one? I encourage an entourage for my seniors because it should be a party, let’s have fun and make great images.

Senior Portraits should be one of the greatest experiences leading up to graduation. You will leave our shoot feeling confident, refreshed and excited. But most of all you will have had the TIME OF YOUR LIFE! You are one of a kind, your images should absolutely reflect your personality and how amazing you are. I hope this article inspired you to make the most of you Senior Portraits and I hope you have the best senior year ever! Congratulations Class of 2021!