In what feels like a blink of an eye, the high school journey culminates in senior year. It’s a season marked with milestone after milestone, and tons of memories that bring the beginning of new adventures. Among these milestones and memories is the senior photo session. How do you put a value on senior photos? Well, you really can’t. But there are ways to make sure this moment is the one your senior has been dreaming of, and to make the most of the special day:
Model and practice great communication: Whether you’re the parent or a high school senior, communication is key. Before your session, you’ll want to have a detailed discussion about your expectations and any specific ideas that you have in mind. If your senior has an idea that they specifically want, be sure to bring that up early in the process. Make sure you all feel heard and listened-to, and that you feel confident in the photos you are getting.
Be punctual and prepared: If you want to maximize your senior session, it starts with managing your time well. That means being on time to any consultations or other meetings, and arriving early for your senior session with plenty of time to spare. By respecting the time frame and the shooting time allowed, I can devote my whole attention to making sure that your session is amazing.
Choose the right location and great lighting: Obviously, I am choosing most locations and I work hard to curate the best lighting possible for your session. However, sometimes clients have ideas of their own as to things that we can incorporate (like a place that means a lot to them), and I love weaving those pieces into your shoot. Please let me know if you have a specific idea for a location, since I am always scouting and curating the very best places here in Western NY.
Plan your outfits carefully with lots of advance time: Your outfits play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your portraits. Choosing clothing that fits well and makes you feel confident will translate into all of your images. Avoid busy patterns or large, oversized designer logos that can look outdated or gaudy. Always have a backup outfit, and be sure all your clothes are steamed and wrinkle-free before your session.
Embrace variety: Although most of the seniors I work with are not models or experienced in posing/modeling, all of them look like models in your images! That’s because I work hard to capture a variety of looks and moods in each session, and I carefully instruct you in natural-looking poses that feel authentic to you. I also encourage everyone to have an open mind that is ready to try new things to express yourself and show your individuality. Sometimes the best photos happen when you go with the flow and embrace the moment!
