How to prepare for your senior photos
Senior photography photos are a great way to capture your personality, style, and achievements as you get ready to graduate from high school. They are also a fun and memorable experience that you can share with your family and friends. However, preparing for your senior photography photos can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect or how to plan ahead. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you prepare for your senior photography photos and make them the best they can be.
Choose a photographer that suits your preferences and budget. Look at their portfolio, reviews, and availability, and contact them to discuss your vision and expectations. Ask them how they work, what they charge, and what they include in their packages.
Fill out a questionnaire that your photographer may provide to get to know you better and understand your interests, hobbies, goals, and personality. This will help them plan a session that reflects who you are and what you love.
Plan your outfits and accessories. Pick clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable, and that match your style and the season. Bring a variety of outfits for different looks and moods, and coordinate them with your accessories, such as hats, glasses, jewelry, scarves, and shoes. Avoid clothes that are too tight, too loose, too wrinkled, or too distracting. Iron your clothes and transport them on hangers to prevent wrinkles.
Plan your props. Props are a great way to add some fun and personality to your photos. Think of items that represent your hobbies, passions, talents, or achievements, such as musical instruments, sports equipment, books, awards, or anything else that is meaningful to you. Pack them in a bag and bring them to your session.
Plan your hair and makeup. You want to look your best for your photos, but also natural and authentic. Consider getting your hair and makeup professionally done for a polished appearance, or do it yourself if you prefer. Avoid any drastic changes to your hair or makeup that you may regret later. Bring some touch-up products with you to your session, such as a comb, a brush, a mirror, a lip balm, and a powder.
Plan your location. Your location should match your personality and style, and complement your outfits and props. Choose a place that is meaningful to you, such as your school, your home, your favorite park, or anywhere else that you like. Make sure the location is safe, accessible, and allowed for photography. Ask your photographer for suggestions if you need some ideas.
During the Session
Relax and have fun. Your senior photography photos are a celebration of you and your achievements, so enjoy the moment and be yourself. Don’t worry about posing or smiling perfectly, just let your photographer guide you and capture your natural expressions and emotions. Be playful, creative, and spontaneous, and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Communicate with your photographer. Your photographer is there to help you and make you look your best, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your ideas, or give feedback. Tell them what you like and what you don’t like, and trust their expertise and suggestions. They want you to be happy with your photos, so be honest and respectful with them.
Change your outfits and props. Depending on your package, you may have one or more outfit changes during your session. Make sure you have a place to change, such as a restroom, a car, or a tent, and bring a friend or a parent to help you. Switch your outfits and props according to the location and the mood, and make sure they are clean and neat.
After the Session
After your session, your photographer will edit your photos and send you a gallery or a proof sheet to review and select your photos. Take your time and look at your photos carefully, and choose the ones that you love the most. You may have a limited number of photos to choose from, depending on your package, so be selective and decisive. Ask your photographer for advice if you need some help.
Order and share your photos. Once you have selected your photos, you can order them in different formats, such as prints, albums, canvases, or digital files. You can also share your photos with your family and friends, either online or in person. You can use your photos for your graduation announcements, your yearbook, your social media, or your personal collection. Enjoy your photos and cherish the memories they capture.