5 Tips For Your Senior Session
Senior year is an incredibly exciting time in your life. You experience graduating, parties and celebrations, moving away from home and on to college or whatever next step you choose! It is an amazing time to capture with a personalized portrait session. You will have photos to cherish for a lifetime, and will look back on this time with so many fond memories. There are a few things you need to think about before getting your photos taken, however. In this blog, we are looking at my top 5 senior session tips to ensure sure you have the best and most memorable senior portrait session. Read on…
Tip #1: Consider your Personality and Unique Style
Consider your own personal style and tastes, first and foremost.
Are you a city girl or do you prefer nature and the outdoors? Are you into high fashion, or more cool and classy? What about hair and make-up? Do you prefer a classic portrait or something more funky and edgy?
Any photographer worth their salt is going to tell you that your photos are a reflection of YOU and everything you want to celebrate. Your personal style is a reflection of your likes, values, creativity and lifestyle!
You may want to create an image board of outfits you like, as well as examples of portrait photos that resonate for you. Peruse some magazine images, make some clippings and really get creative about any style inspiration.
Think about your personality and the types of things you like. Maybe you love animals, nature or have a specific hobby. Whatever it is, note it down.
It’s super important that you keep in mind what styles you like versus what you don’t like. This way we can tailor your photoshoot accordingly and get the best shots, so you can SHINE!
Tip #2 : Be Sure to Bring the Right Outfits !
Before your session, you want to discuss all of your wardrobe options with your photographer. Pick out some outfits that reflect your personal style as well as any hobbies or interests.
Maybe you have a specific outfit that you want to wear that holds a special meaning. I’ve even had past clients choose to wear their prom attire for a few photos! Pack everything you would like to wear into a bag before the photoshoot, and don’t forget to include shoes and accessories! Pack anything that makes you FEEL great.
Consider also bringing some props along. Maybe you play sports; if so, bring along an object that symbolizes it, like dance shoes, a tennis racket or cheerleading pom poms. Do you like art and music? If so, bring along your music instrument or art equipment.
Other things to think about are props and accessories that show your achievements and accomplishments in high school. This could be a trophy, certificate or medal.
Whatever it is, if it is special and memorable to YOU, bring it along to the shoot!
Tip #3 : Browse Some Poses
Now that you have your personal style sorted out and have picked your favorite outfits, it’s time to browse through some photo galleries and see what kind of portrait you would like.
What ideas do you already have in mind? Maybe you have a friend or an older sibling who had a senior portrait session and you would like to replicate a look or two.
Browse through online galleries or Pinterest, and choose images that really draw your attention and start to get a feel for the poses you like. Talk with your photographer in advance and show them the images you have collected.
Tip #4 : Choose Your Perfect Location!
This is a huge milestone in your life and I am so happy that you are celebrating it with your very own personalized photoshoot!
Now you want to think about the location for your shoot. If you already have a specific location in mind, then note that down. You may also come across a location driving by one day. Make a note of it! We want to explore as many options as possible, and choose a location that also fits your personal style.
Ask a friend or family member for their location recommendations. If you are still short on ideas, take a drive and explore off the beaten track. You may be totally surprised what amazing place you find where you can take your photos and look amazing.
Consider the time of year and how much light is available. Are there lots of trees and shadow? What about tall buildings? Note what time the sun will be setting at your chosen location and time of year.
Capture all of your location scouting notes in a Google doc file or Apple note, so they are ready to share with your photographer!
Tip #5 : Be Ready to Have Lots of Fun and Smile!
Your portrait session is much more fun when you are genuinely enjoying it. That’s why we want to help you prepare everything in advance to feel great.
Get ready to come along and have fun, maybe be a little silly, and laugh a lot!
The best photos are the ones that show an authentic you and you may be really surprised by some of the photos you like best.
Maybe you want to bring your mom along. After all, the next time she gets to experience photos with you might not be until your wedding day!
And for college graduates, what about getting on campus and taking some great shots of you celebrating with a cap and gown session? The perfect end to a successful year!
Booking Your Session
Are you ready to book your session and let the planning begin? It can feel daunting to be thinking about portrait photos in the middle of your senior year, and there is a lot to think about from location to style and more.
Get in touch with me and we will talk through everything to make sure your senior portrait session is done in style and comfort.
Contact me to get the available dates for your senior portrait session!
Lavender Lemonade Photography specializes in family, senior and brand photography and serves the Eugene, OR area. Follow along on Instagram for the latest booking dates and tips for your session!
