Preparing for Senior Portraits

​Senior portraits should be interesting, fun and exciting.  There can be a range of styles depending on what you want to capture as you transition to a new phase of life.

Below I’ve created some tips to help you prepare and get the most out of your session.

Personalize

Props can be fun to incorporate into the session, whether its sports equipment, instruments or hobby items.  However, this is not for everyone.  It can be fun if you’re into it, but it’s not necessary for a successful photo shoot.  Same goes for accessories.  Bring items that will compliment your personality and unique style.  Hats, sunglasses and scarves can often add character and personality.

Location is another way to personalize your photos.  Do you prefer more of an urban or natural setting?  If you have a perfect spot, then mention it.  I’d be happy to recommend some spots based on your preferences.

Don’t get a haircut the day before your session.  Give your hair at least a few days to learn how it will lay best and how you want it styled.  You might even wait about a week.

Keep it Simple

Bring at least one change of clothing.  If there’s not a place to change, I’ve got a pop-up tent I can bring.  This is probably most necessary in a natural setting.  Speaking of clothing, stay away from logos, crazy patterns, graphics or stripes.  It’s important to maintain focus on your face, not the graphics on your shirt. Jewelry and makeup are very similar.  I’m not saying, don’t do them, but make sure it’s not too distracting.  Also, both jewelry and graphics can date a photograph pretty quickly.

Bring Someone

If you bring a friend or family member, it may help you relax, which results in more natural photos.  They can actual be of assistance while they are there.  They can keep an eye on hair, help with clothing, make you laugh.  Sometimes someone close to you is better at making you laugh than I might be.  They know your sense of humor.

Communicate

It’s important to let me know if you’re not comfortable with a setting or a specific pose.  It’s not a big deal for me.  I’m happy to move on to another idea.  Everyone has different taste and I just want you to be happy and completely satisfied with your photos.  So don’t be afraid to speak up!

Don’t Stress

Again, if you bring someone you feel comfortable with along,  it may help you feel at ease and relaxed.  Usually the first few poses are more of a practice session.  They are not always the chosen images of the bunch.  That said, use this knowledge to relax and not worry about how you look in the beginning.  As I continue to capture images, you will most likely get used to it and start to relax.  I will be taking a variety of shots, using a variety of different angles, compositions and poses.  I will be be letting you know if your hair gets in your face, clothing is sitting wrong, etc.

If you’re worried about blemishes, don’t!  Once you select the images you want from your online gallery, I will retouch the images and they will be removed.

Hopefully this post has helped.  I want this experience to be something you look back on fondly.  So, if you have any concerns, questions or ideas, please contact me.

For more information on what to wear, see my article.  To see examples of my work, view my gallery.

To book a session, contact me.