High School Senior Photos are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should be treated as such. Your photos will capture this important moment in your life and serve as a keepsake to remember your high school years. It is important to make the most out of your session to ensure you get the best photos possible. In this blog post, we will provide you with helpful tips to make the most of your High School Senior Photo session.
Preparation
I always recommend getting your hair cut a week before so it has time to relax. No spray tans please as they don't photograph well. If you'd like to get a facial, plan that for a week in advance as well so your skin can calm down. It’s also a good idea to chat with me about the type of look you’re going for in your senior photos so we can plan accordingly. Outfits are very important for high school senior photography, and you’ll want to pick something that flatters your body type, as well as expresses your personality. Don’t be afraid to mix it up—choose one casual outfit, one dressy outfit, and maybe one more creative look, like incorporating props or accessories that showcase your interests and talents. During your senior session, don’t forget to be yourself! A relaxed atmosphere is key, so we'll chat during the shoot and I'll be directing you every step of the way. My goal is to bring out your best features and create lasting images you’ll love forever. Finally, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy this special moment in your high school journey!
Location
We'll chat beforehand about location. Would you like beach, park, rustic, or urban? There are a number of possible locations that can be utilized for your High school senior photography session! Of course, you should always consider your comfort level and personal style when selecting a location for your Senior photos. For example, some seniors may prefer a more formal backdrop for their senior session, such as a college campus while others may prefer a more relaxed setting, such as a local park. As long as your selected location provides plenty of natural light and interesting backdrops, your High school senior photography session is sure to be a success!
Clothing
I recommend bringing at least two outfits. Remember that this is a special time. Have fun with it! When selecting your clothing for the session, try to stay away from busy prints and overly baggy clothing - this won’t photograph well and could distract from the overall look you’re going for. Pick clothing items in colors and styles you love, as these will make you feel more comfortable in front of the camera during your session. A great way to ensure everything looks cohesive is to select two outfits - one that’s casual and another that’s more formal or dressy - with items from each outfit coordinating in some way. For instance, if you go for a more dressy option, pair it with flats or booties in a matching colour instead of heels so you can easily move around during your senior session. High school senior photography can be an unforgettable experience! Preparing your clothing ahead of time will give you more confidence when it comes to your session, so get creative and have fun with it!
Poses
Don't worry about posing or "what to do with your hands"! I got you. I will guide you through the entire session. I have a workflow guaranteed to create a well rounded gallery. We'll start out with some traditional poses for High School Senior photography. You'll get that classic yearbook photo look that you need, but then we can move on to something more creative and unique! For example, we can incorporate props such as musical instruments, sports equipment, etc., depending on what interests you! After that, we can get some cool senior photos. Finally, we'll wrap up the senior session by finding some great light and having some fun! No matter what kind of senior photos you are looking for, my goal is to make sure that we capture these moments that represent who you are in this moment and all the potential for what lies ahead!
Props
Bring your football or tennis racket. Bring your letterman's jacket or track shoes. These props will help to tell your high school story. Senior photos are a great way to remember your high school days and highlight who you were as a senior. So, don’t be afraid to bring those things that remind you of the best days in high school - it can really make for an amazing senior session! If you’re not sure what you should bring for your high school senior photography session, let's chat and we'll dial you in!
Lastly, if you are wondering what in the heck you will do with all of the images you receive, never fear! I have a "creating wall galleries" blog post that gives insight and advice on how to create wall galleries. Check it out!
I also have exciting news! I have launched my online senior portrait course: Creating Genuine Senior Portraits. I created it for hobbyists and established photographers alike. If you are looking to get into Senior Photography or would like to level up what you offer now, THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU! Check it out!
I'm a natural light photographer working in beautiful, southern California! I focus on high school seniors + families. I photograph families + seniors all over San Diego, Poway, and Coronado and would love to work with you, document who you are today, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
And one more thing before you go, I’d like to invite you to head over to my friend Jillian's blogpost. She is a Calgary Newborn Photographer and her post is about 5 tips when including your toddler at your newborn session.