Senior Picture Tips: How to Prepare for Your Photoshoot So You Feel Confident & Authentic
Getting your senior photos taken is an exciting rite of passage and this photo will likely be spread far and wide, seen and cherished by many. Senior photos are used in yearbooks, graduation announcements and given framed as gifts to loved ones or to friends as mementos with notes written on the back of memories shared and wishes for the future given. In order for the session to be enjoyable, memorable and stress-free, please read and follow these senior picture tips to ensure your photos reflect the true you while also helping you feel organized, prepared and confident, knowing what to expect.
What do you bring to a senior photo shoot? What can I expect? Do you have any senior pic tips for me?
Bring your well-rested, well-prepared, well-fed, open-minded self. The goal is to capture your authentic smile and body language as well as what makes you you in terms of hobbies, style and interests. If you play an instrument, bring it along for some photos. If you play a sport or two bring a ball, baton or racquet – varsity jackets also look great in photos! Your photos should reflect and celebrate your individuality. Your pet is welcome and often a furry pal brings out genuine smiles and natural poses. Some seniors opt to pose with their car or bike or horse. You and I are a team, working together to make your senior photos stand out from the mundane or typical. Your session should be fun and utilize clothing, props, backgrounds and poses that make sense for you. Here are some senior pic tips that have helped others during their senior photo session with me:
Bring water to stay hydrated and a light non-messy snack.
Bring more outfits than you think you need for your senior photo experience and be prepared to change outfits throughout our time together based on backdrops and poses used.
A general rule of thumb is 2-3 outfits, each of which reflects your individual style.
It’s a good idea to try on each ensemble to ensure it allows you freedom of movement and comfort in all sorts of poses and to steer clear of clothing that is too tight, too short or too much of a fad.
Bring accessories like jewelry, hair ornaments and neck ties for individual outfits in baggies and a brush, comb and makeup, especially powder and lipstick, for touch ups.
Bring a close friend or family member to help you fix hair and outfit issues and to lend you support.
If you have photos of poses you like, bring the pictures or magazine pages. I will suggest poses but am open to your ideas. You can preferably get these to me ahead of the shoot to maximize our time together.
What if I feel awkward or stressed?!
Um, that means you are among the majority! Most high school students have not been through a professional portrait session experience prior to their senior photos so many initially have the jitters. As we ease into the session and I help you figure out where to place your arms and hands, how to sit, stand or lean toward the light in natural ways, you will likely begin to enjoy the time.
Once you are in a pose, I will take a handful of shots and adjust angle and composition and then will likely have you change position, background and/or outfit and prop and do the same thing over again.
Having a family member or friend there with whom you feel at ease will help you be yourself and relax which then comes out in the pictures. I often see the senior I am photographing enjoy laughs and special moments with their family member or friend during this unique time.
Please let me know if you have any questions. If you need help planning wardrobe, feel free to text me ((615) 521-6938) with photos of what you are thinking. I can either give you a thumbs up, or guide you on how you might be able to improve what you have.
Below is a quick questionnaire so that I can learn more about you and your vision for your session.