Senior Portraits

Your senior year is an exciting time, and it is best to remember these times by getting high quality senior portraits. It’s a time of sentimental goodbyes and new beginnings, a time to reflect on your accomplishments and ready yourself for the tasks still ahead. For some, senior year means deciding on college plans and collecting acceptance letters; for others, it’s the beginning of adult responsibilities and a new career. Each student is one of a kind, with his or her own story to tell. Your high school senior portraits should capture your individuality, preserving images of your story forever. The right photographer can work with you, expressing your interests and capturing the moments you’ll always want to remember. Students no longer have to decide on just one pose for their senior portraits; multiple clothing changes and locations are usually offered for most senior portrait sittings. How do you find a photographer who will bring out your unique style? Here are a few guidelines to help you decide.

If you admire one of your friend’s senior portraits, ask where they had them done. Senior portrait photographers vary widely in creativity and flexibility, so finding a portrait studio that will work with you and is open to your ideas is essential to get the portrait that’s just right for you.

It’s usually best to sit down with the photographer you are considering and discuss your expectations for your senior portrait session. Most photographers are happy to consult with you on what sort of portraits you are looking for. While the approximate cost of your photo session should be discussed at this first meeting, keep in mind that your actual costs will be based on how many poses and settings you want, and how long your photo session lasts. Generally, the longer the photo session lasts, the more options you will have to choose from, and the greater the cost will be.

Whether you were the star of the marching band or a long distance runner, there are elements of your high school experience that make you unique. Think about a few of the most important events in your high school life, and consider incorporating them into your senior portrait. If you’re an athlete, cheerleader, or band member, you may want to wear your uniform for one or more poses. Be original and creative. Your photographer can suggest ideas for clothing and poses, and will help you select the right ones for you.

Your photographer will help you select the most photogenic options out of the choices you bring. If you want various poses, you’ll want to look your best in each. Consider the locations you wish to be photographed in; you will want to match your clothing to the appropriate scene. For instance, if you are being photographed outside in winter, you’ll want your school jacket, if only for warmth.

Most photographers offer an airbrush service that will eliminate temporary blemishes and imperfections in your senior portrait, rendering heavy “cover-up” makeup unnecessary. This process is called “retouching” and is usually included in your sitting fee. If your photographer doesn’t mention it, ask about it. Retouching can make the difference between an ordinary portrait and one you’re proud to show your friends.

Heavy and dark eye makeup can photograph harshly, so tone it down for your photo session. A simple, natural look is usually the way to go. This leads neatly into the next consideration.

What kind of lighting does your photographer intend to use? If you’re being photographed outside, will your portraits take advantage of natural light, or will they require the use of studio lighting? The wrong lighting setup can create unflattering shadows, wash out your skin tone, and generally produce disappointing senior portraits. Ask to see examples of both outdoor and indoor portraits, and find out how the photographer intends to light your portraits to ensure the best picture quality.

Large chain photography studios can offer you less expensive senior portraits, while independent photography studios usually provide more individuality for your portraits along with a higher price tag. You do get what you pay for in senior portraits; large studios can reduce their prices because they have a high volume business. This can lead to less personal time and attention for your senior portraits. If affordability is your most important consideration, or if you can develop a rapport with the photographer in the large chain studio, then these cheaper alternatives may be the right choice for you. For truly unique and original portraits, however, independent photographers usually have the edge.

Your senior portrait session should be a chance for you to show off your own unique personality. By choosing the right senior portrait photography studio and incorporating your personal style, you can be sure you’ll get senior portraits that are as original and one-of-a-kind as you are. Relax, have fun, and enjoy your photo shoot. It’s your chance to be the star!