Helpful Tips for Senior Photos
Choose Great Locations
You have heard the saying before! LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, is everything. I want to capture you being you so for this reason, I do not like to choose session locations. The client is responsible for that. Scout out some places after you book! Somewhere you love. Find somewhere you are comfortable. When choosing a location, remember, that places with equal amount of sunlight and shade provide the best opportunities for photos! Also, diverse location are perfect (such as Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, diverse parks, etc.); offers many different types of backdrops for photos, giving the client a better variety of shots. If your choosing different locations, make sure the locations are in close proximity. That way we will benefit from the change still having PLENTY of time to shoot.
Dress in Outfits that Make Sense
What you wear is important. You need to be comfortable while also looking your best. One can have the best locations and props etc....and the photos will look sub-par if the outfit is not just right. However, do not overthink it. When dressing yourself, I want you to be you. However, I want you to be the BEST you. Be stylish! Let loose and show off your personality. Prepare!
In addition, there are certain types of clothing that look better in pictures. For the most part, solid colors photograph better than patterns. Solid colors never go out of style but today’s fashion pattern might be out of style next year. However, still feel free to wear patterns, but keep it iconic. Be careful wearing graphic tees. If you do, make sure it will still be in style 10 years from now. Don’t forget jewelry to go along with each outfit. Sometimes less is more, some key pieces of jewelry can bring drama to an image. it might also be a good idea to bring a lint brush.
Other Tips
Baggy clothes will look bad (unless that is what you are going for)
Go for skirts over shorts
Layers look great in photos
Don’t forget shoes with each outfit (If needed)
Bring comfortable shoes (If needed)
Formal attire photographs beautifully
Jeans are classics
See Blog link for more detail. https://www.nationsphotolab.com/blog/senior-portrait-photography-trends/.
Bring Props With You
Bring Your Own Props (B.Y.O.P.) that recall your high school years --band instrument, sports gear, like a tennis rack and balls, basketball, softball, lettermen jacket, sun glasses etc… Most importantly, rep your style, whatever that may be. Your senior photo should be unique to your life and personality. If wanting to take photos with cap and gown, make sure you do not forget the tassel. Ladies may want to bring something to hold the cap on top of the head in case it maybe a little windy outside.
Timing
Both photographer and client will need to be on time. Timing is everything! sessions are planned around certain times because of lighting. Especially, when shooting outside. The more punctual we are, the more opportunity we will have to create some great photos.
Find Inspiration
Planning the session is up to you. To get AWESOME results, you must prepare. Think things through. Let your creative juices flow. Use inspiration. There are so many tools available to us in the technology world we live in today (Pinterest, Photography Websites, Facebook, Twitter etc…). Build off the ideas of others. Find a concept you like and create something that represents you and your them theme.
Show your Personality
Learn to pose. Sometime the client can be shy and nervous at the beginning, which is natural for most people. I am confident that you will warm-up as time progresses. I know for a fact, the more prepared the client is, the more relaxed you will be and the more fun you will have. I recommend learning about posing through Pinterest or other internet sites.
When you are at the session, there will be many times you are posed by me. I will be consistently giving you direction to get the best shot possible. However, I do not want the session to be stiff. There will be times where I will just want for you to walk around or do certain things to bring out your personality.
While learning about posing,. it may be a good idea to practice a few techniques and/or ideas you like. I want your input! if you have some ideas, please share them with me, so when the moment feels right you can strike a pose. Also, be sure to keep an open line of communication with me. If at any time during the session you need more guidance or feel uncomfortable with a pose, tell me, we will work through it. Lots of information, but necessary information.
The information has been gathered from research and experience. Hopefully, this will help you prepare and think about some things that may not have crossed your mind. Contact us if you have any questions and we look forward to working with you in the future.