Becoming a senior in high school is probably one of the first big milestones that most people will be able to look back on and remember for the rest of their lives.
Of course there are many milestones before this particular one, and many more after it, but this will be not only one you remember well, but also one that will be well documented, and likely the first time you will remember being the center of attention in front of a camera. There is a lot to think about when planning your senior portraits, and you can really send your images over the top with a few of my tips and tricks for senior portraits!
Dress to Impress
Wardrobe is one of the things that can make a huge impact on your senior portraits. Most of my senior packages allow you to change your wardrobe at least once, so you can get completely different looks across your images. One of my recommendations when it comes to wardrobes is to have two different styles to give a whole other appearance. The most common way to accomplish this is to have one outfit that is more trendy and casual, while the other outfit is more dressy and classy. Another way of putting this would be the outfit that you pick, and the outfit that your mom picks ;-) You will be amazed at how different just a change of clothes will make your images look, so if your package includes a wardrobe change, put it to good use! And don't worry about getting stuck, you will receive my style guide when you book your session which is packed with details on how to look your best, so I have you covered there!
Think Outside the Box for Location
Where you choose to take your senior portraits can make a huge difference in the overall vibe of your images. You don't have to limit yourself to the same types of locations that are typically seen either! There are tons of fun options out there that can really step up your whole experience and put you in your element for your images. I have had seniors with a passion for farming choose to have their photos taken on their family farms, among crops that they helped to plant and tend to. Recently one of my seniors who loved house plants contacted a local shop, Fern and Petal, and was able to get her photos taken in the shop, which allowed her to be completely in her element. I have even had a senior have their portraits taken at Selinsgrove Speedway with some classy cars! The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing a location, so push the envelope for what is typically done.
Include Details that Define You
What are the things that drive you, the details that help mold your personality? Are you an avid hunter or fisherman? Maybe you LOVE your car, or your dog is your very best friend. Include those details in your portraits! Bring along your bow, gun, or fishing rod, plan for images with your beloved pet or vehicle. Maybe you love sports and want to have shots with your gear, or maybe you have a passion for music and want to have photos with your instrument. Whatever it is that drives you, puts a smile on your face and lights up your life right now, find a way to incorporate it. Passions and hobbies change throughout our lives, but it will be a great memory to look back on someday and remember all the joy that something brought to you at this point in your life!
Go with Your Favorite Season
While it's common for seniors to have their portraits taken in the late Summer and Fall, that doesn't mean that is the only time you can have them taken. There are no rules saying that you can't have your photos done in the Winter or even Spring! If you hate being hot, I would definitely recommend going for cooler weather so you have an overall more enjoyable experience. Photos in the snow can be a bit chilly, but they can also be a ton of fun! Maybe you're like me and just love the way everything comes to life and is magical in the peak of the Spring bloom time and prefer a Spring session. Remember, these are your senior portraits and you are the one that should enjoy the experience, so pick the season that suits you the best!
Plan for Fun!
I know it can be daunting to think about having someone take photos of just you for more than just a quick yearbook or activity photo, but that doesn't mean it has to be overwhelming! I love interacting with the seniors I get to work with and learning about them throughout their session, and I like the help them feel at ease. You don't have to be serious or stiff for your portrait session, you can totally have fun with it and laugh and joke! I especially love to joke with the senior guys because for the most part, the last thing guys want to do is have their picture taken, so joking with the guys helps to lighten the mood and make it seem less like torture for them. It is possible to have your senior portraits taken and enjoy the process, and that is always one of my top priorities, so don't dread them!
Hopefully now planning your senior portraits no longer seems like a daunting task that you should dread, and is more an event that you can look forward to and enjoy! I am always happy to help with planning out your perfect senior session, so feel free to bounce ideas you have off of me so I can help ensure the best possible senior experience :-)
