Following these tips can help you get the most out of your professional photography experience and ensure that you have beautiful, timeless photos to cherish for years to come.
Your senior year is already packed full of new responsibilities, commitments and opportunities – like having your senior portraits done at KenMar! This can be one of the best parts of your senior year! I hope you have had, and will continue to have, many opportunities to be professionally photographed. For many, this exclusive one-on-one professional portrait session is a rite of passage. A way to truly know: YOU ARE A SENIOR! You’ll want to do it right!
For many, this exclusive one-on-one professional portrait session might be a bit intimidating. How do you plan for an experience like that?!
Here are some tips I think are most helpful in getting the most out of your senior portrait session!
- 1. Hire a GREAT photographer! – Ask your friends where they went and what their experiences were like. These pictures are too important not to choose an experienced photographer who specializes in the style of pictures you love. Know that their experience and training on the best poses, lighting, and editing will also know how to make you feel comfortable. All this will guarantee that you have the best experience possible!
- 2. Schedule your session – A professional photographer will make sure a picture you love is included in the yearbook. We know the deadline and sizes for submitting your pics. Just be sure you schedule several months before that date! You don’t want to be stressed out trying to get them done last minute. And what happens if you need to reschedule?!
- Consider which season you’d prefer to be photographed in. Be sure to book your session a month or so in advance if you want flexibility in scheduling.
- 3. Choose your outfits:
- Colors: Do you have a favorite color? Do you get compliments when you’re wearing that color? Then bring it! I can recommend that you stay away from too many bright neon colors as these can cast a be a distraction from your face.
- Fit: choose clothes that fit closely without being tight. You don’t want anything too baggy. (I know, mom thinks you’ll grow into it.)
- Layers: an outfit with layers like a sweater, vest, scarf, or hoodie, or jacket makes an interesting look and a quick way to get in a lot of outfit changes!
- Variety: bring a lot of different types of outfits. Variety is the key to better portraits! Bring something more dressed-up, bring what you wear to school, and bring an outfit you wear when you’re totally chillin’.
- Personality: most importantly, choose comfort! You want your friends and family to recognize the person underneath the clothes.
- Don’t stress!: last but not least – remember that your pictures are about you, as a person, not your wardrobe! The best thing to do is to arrange a pre-portrait session to really get all you can out of your session.
- 4. Hair, nails, and makeup – Whether you want to get your hair and/or makeup done professionally before a session is up to you. Either way, here are a few tips: If you’re going to get your hair cut, get it at least a few weeks before your session. Go with tried and true, not so much experimental. Guys should have a fresh shave the day of your session. Girls, hiring a professional to do your makeup for your session is not a bad idea. Blemishes, bruises, and basic skin boo boos are what professional retouching is for and it’s included in the price of your portraits. Braces removal, glasses glare, and more intensive retouching may cost more. Hands, and sometimes, feet may show up in the pictures so be sure to make them look good.
- 5. Using props – I encourage bringing in what ever make you – you. Your sport, hobby, your passion, your pet:
- You want your pictures to be timeless so that you can enjoy them for many years. Trendy props can date you really fast!
- Bring along equipment and/or uniforms if you are wanting to take pictures around your sport. Full gear looks best and makes the most sense in pictures.
- Be sure to have someone else along to handle your pet!
- 6. Bring a friend, sibling, or parent – You will feel even more comfortable if you have a friend with you who knows just the right thing to say to make you laugh! And we’ll even take a professional picture with them!
- 7. Meet with your photographer ahead of time! – (I had to put an exclamation mark behind that one.) It can really help to chat a bit in person, or at least on the phone, before the session. Meeting face-to-face will help you get even more of a sense of comfort.
- 8. Have Fun! – Remember that you have worked hard to get to this milestone and to celebrate this achievement!
No time to read the long version?
These are great tips for getting the most out of your professional photography experience, and I would like to summarize them for you:
- Hire a GREAT photographer: Choose an experienced photographer who specializes in the style of pictures you love.
- Schedule your session early: Book your session a few months in advance and consider the season you want to be photographed in.
- Choose your outfits carefully: Bring a variety of outfits that fit well, have layers, and reflect your personality. Don’t stress too much about your wardrobe.
- Take care of your hair, nails, and makeup: Get a haircut a few weeks before your session, and consider hiring a professional for your makeup. Take care of any skin blemishes or bruises, and make sure your hands and feet look good.
- Use props sparingly: Bring props that reflect your personality and hobbies, but avoid trendy props that may date your pictures.
- Bring a friend or family member: Having someone you’re comfortable with can make the experience more enjoyable and help you relax.
- Meet with your photographer ahead of time: Get to know your photographer, either in person or on the phone, to help you feel more comfortable during the session.
- Have fun: Remember to enjoy the experience and celebrate this milestone in your life!
Need a slightly shorter version of session preparation?
Following these tips can help you get the most out of your professional photography experience and ensure that you have beautiful, timeless photos to cherish for years to come.
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about your senior portrait session, but with some planning and preparation, you can make the most of the experience and feel confident in front of the camera. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Choose the right photographer: Look for a photographer whose style you love and who has experience shooting senior portraits. Check out their portfolio and read reviews from past clients. Schedule a consultation to get to know them and discuss your vision for your photos.
- Plan your outfits: Choose a few outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Make sure they fit well and flatter your body type. Avoid bold patterns or logos that can be distracting in photos.
- Think about hair and makeup: Consider getting your hair and makeup done professionally for your session. This can help you feel polished and camera-ready.
- Choose a location: Discuss location options with your photographer. Do you want a natural setting or an urban vibe? Are there any special locations that have meaning to you?
- Bring props: Bring props that reflect your personality or interests, such as a musical instrument, sports equipment, or a favorite book.
- Practice posing: Look up posing ideas online and practice in front of a mirror. This can help you feel more comfortable and confident during your session.
- Relax and have fun: Your photographer will guide you through the session and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Try to relax, be yourself, and have fun with the experience.
Remember, this is your time to shine and celebrate your achievements. With some planning and preparation, you can have a successful and enjoyable senior portrait session that captures the essence of who you are at this special time in your life.
