You’ve made it to your senior year! Congratulations! An exciting next chapter awaits, as you’re thinking about which colleges to visit, what your college major might be, or which career path you will choose! You have the rest of your life ahead of you, but this last year of high school is a time to make lasting memories, spend time with friends and celebrate your accomplishments.
One of the most exciting things about being a senior is taking your senior portraits! These special images capture a big milestone and mark the end of your high school journey. Senior portraits celebrate your interests, clubs, sports, and all the other things that have made your high school experience special! My goal is always to encourage seniors to have fun and enjoy this process. Let’s dig into the process of planning the perfect senior session!
Session Planning: Season + Location
Our senior portrait process will start with a good planning session. If you are interested in booking me as your senior photographer, I will begin this process by sending two questionnaires. These questionnaires will help us ensure that your senior session is tailored to your unique style. As your photographer, I want to showcase your personality and make sure your images feel like you. We want to capture your personality and tell the story of your senior year. We’ll need to consider when and where you want your session to take place. Do you enjoy the cozy fall vibes? Do you love the bright and colorful hues of spring? Filling out these two questionnaires will ensure that we select both the right season and the right locations.
I aim to provide a lot of variety for my seniors in their final gallery. One way that I accomplish this is with a few different locations. We want to choose locations that have the right look and feel but also that might have some sentimental value. Some choose places like outdoor parks and gardens for a pretty backdrop and lots of color. Ultimately we want the locations to fit your style and the look you are going for.
Telling the story: Props + Outfits
Once we’ve picked the perfect date and location, we’ll decide on your outfits. I want to be sure your outfits coordinate well with the places where we will be shooting, but also capture your personality and style. We can talk through colors and how casual or dressy you want your outfits to be. We also want your hair and accessories to be coordinated with your outfit changes. Many of my seniors splurge a bit and have their hair and makeup professionally done. This is a great way to make your senior shoot extra special! We’ll make sure whichever outfit or hairstyle you choose makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Your senior session is all about telling the story of your unique high school experience. Another way that we will ensure this session is tailored to you is by using props. Do you play a sport? Seniors who are athletes use different props such as softball bats, basketballs, uniforms, etc. Are you in a marching/concert band? We can use your instrument! I’ve even had seniors take pictures with their pets or best friends!
Seniors also love to take pictures with props or clothing to showcase which college they will be going to. We can use balloons, confetti, and even do portraits in your graduation cap and gown. The possibilities are endless! Remember, we want to capture your experience, so bring along any props that will help tell the story of your senior year and what’s to come!
Leave the rest to me
Next, I will do all of the planning and preparation. Senior photography is my specialty so you can trust me to ensure every detail is thought through. I will plan the timeline and scout for locations. I’ll also come prepared with plenty of poses for you so that you feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. We will even go through some of the poses during some test shots to shake off all the nerves!
I have created a free, downloadable Session Planning guide to get you thinking and inspired for your own senior session! This will walk you through a few questions about outfits, locations and the overall vibe you’d like to see in your senior portraits.
Download your own Session Planning Guide here to get started!
Are you ready to book a photographer for your senior session?
Fill out my contact form HERE and let’s get your senior session planning started today!
