Are you graduating soon? Have you been thinking of doing senior portraits, but you're not sure if it's worth it? Are you worried they will look like everyone else's and be boring? Here are my tips for having a successful senior portrait experience.
1. Think about what you want to do with the images.
Are these for a photo album, to hang on the wall forever in your parent's house, or to display on a shelf or desk? Having a plan for what to do with your images before your session sets you up for success.
If you want to display them in your home think about the colors of the location and your clothing. Will they match the colors of your home? Do you have a particular wall in mind? Will you need a vertical or horizontal image to fill the space?
2. Make your senior portraits all about what excites you.
What makes you unique? What do you love to do? What has made high school special for you? Thinking about your talents and interests, and incorporating them into your session will make the images so personal and meaningful to you. You'll look back and remember all the memories of this time in your life. The senior displayed here is a super star soccer player. She didn't want her whole session to be about soccer, but we did include some of her in her uniform.
Maybe you can't think of anything that makes you unique. I think you're wrong. It can be anything. Do you love to garden, bake, read, hike, row, play the piano, or even sunbathe at the beach? There are fun and creative ways to include those things into your session.
3. Ask your photographer for help.
I hope you hire me, but if you don't, which will make me very sad, ask your photographer for guidance. It's our job to make you look good. Any good photographer should have suggestions for locations, the time of day to schedule your session for the best lighting, what to wear, and any other question you might have. I love it when clients bring a few change of clothes. You might consider wearing a casual outfit that defines you in high school, and then a dressier outfit that you love.
4. Bring a Friend
Let's be honest, it's a little scary to show up at a location with a photographer you don't know at all or only know in passing and have them point a camera at your face for an hour. I always suggest that my clients bring a friend. Bring your parents of course, but maybe you want to bring a friend or two as well. Having a familiar face there who knows exactly how to make you laugh, and make you feel comfortable makes the experience fun. I am more than happy to even take a few shots of the friends all together.
5. Make a Night of It
You will probably spend a lot of time getting all dressed up for your senior portraits. Think about getting your hair and make up done by a professional. I know that I feel amazing after I've been to the salon. It will add a level of confidence you might be craving.
After your session plan something fun to do. Go out and enjoy how amazing you look. I promise you won't regret it.
If you don't live in my area, and are looking for a highly qualified photographer you can search by state here: http://www.napcp.com/blog.php/locations/
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