Tips for Your Senior Portrait Session

With the school year ending, many seniors have already begun planning for their senior portrait sessions. It is never too early! Here are a few tips to ensure your senior portraits are the very best they can be.

Tips for Your Senior Portrait Session

1. The most important part of the shoot is having fun! Relax and have fun in your shoot.
2. If your senior photographer shoots using natural light only, it is very important to be on time. Since the sun is the main light source, the sun depends on how long the photographer can continue shooting. If you’re late to your shoot (morning or afternoon session), you cut into the time allotted for the shoot. If you show up 30 minutes late, your session isn’t extended, but rather will end when there is no longer adequate light to keep shooting.
3. Girls want to feel especially pretty and confident for their shoot! Spending a little extra time getting ready or hiring a professional makeup artist achieves just that.
4. Bring props that showcase your wonderful personality! Don’t be afraid to bring along anything that truly reflects your individuality. If you have your cap and gown or just the tassel that also make memorable photos.
5. Bring a change of clothing! This allows for a little diversity in your images. I like to suggest a very casual outfit and one a little dressier.
6. However, whatever clothing you bring, make sure you are comfortable in it. Make sure it isn’t trendy; this will date your images. Don’t choose clothing that is too loose or too tight.
7. PLEASE, PLEASE do not dress in all white, or black, or any color for that matter. Get creative! Wear colors and patterns and textures that complement each other! Don’t forget to accessorize!
8. Make sure you keep your location in mind. You don’t want to blend into the background, you want to stand out! If your session is in a forest, I’d suggest staying away from green and brown colors. If you plan on jumping in a pool, I wouldn’t wear white.
9. If at any time during your shoot, you have an idea, share it with your photographer!
10. It’s best to have your senior session (mini or regular) completed prior to January 1st. This will leave time to post process all the images and still have time to order any prints or customized graduation invitations in time for the big day!
11. Trust your photographer. See #1 above.