Whether you’ve been planning what you’d like your senior pictures to look like for a while or have no idea where to start, this is the guide for you! Before you start thinking of clothing or location, make sure to be honest with yourself and your parents about what you are looking for.

Creating Your Unique Shoot 

When you meet with your photographer at a planning session let them know your interests, the style of photography you love, and your parent’s goals. What type of look do you want?

Do you want outdoor images or studio images or both? Outdoor images with natural light in pretty nature backdrops, the city and urban surroundings, or at your home for more of a lifestyle session? What about multiple locations? Do you want your senior pictures to include friends, siblings, family members, or pets?

Do you want beautiful art portraits for your home? Often our clients want a larger art piece to hang in their home or add to other smaller portraits in your home. Would you like to create a memory book? Our custom albums start with creative senior images, custom designed and hand made, our albums are priceless heirlooms you, your family and friends can look back on for years to come.

Turn Anticipation Into Preparation

Begin to think about what you want your senior pictures to say about you, right down to the little details that reflect you best. How do you want to look back on your senior year? Preparation is key to a good senior session, which includes the specific location or locations you would like your senior pictures, what kind of clothing and props you may want, how you want your hair and makeup, and what kind of poses you like. Thinking of these things ahead of time will help you enjoy every minute of your senior shoot, which is our number one goal!

Choosing Your Clothing 

Clothing makes a big difference with your shoot. Make sure to bring plenty of choices because it is always better to have more than not enough. Are you wanting outdoor nature images, studio setting, urban images, or lifestyle images? Maybe you want to do multiple looks? If this is you, you may want to consider what kind of outfit you want to wear for each location and setting you are shooting at.

The type of clothing you bring should complement the background so make sure to bring multiple options. Think about patterned clothes but also have options with solid color. You could also bring belts for dresses, and hats and boots can be a great addition to liven up your outfit. Consider bringing your prom dress for one of the looks or your favorite team’s jersey. Have fun with your outfit changes! Having a variety of different outfits is a great way to add character to your images.

Spiritwear is also always a great option! College gear is a great way to show off your plans for the future and if you earned a letter during High School show it off!

Glam It Up 

Girls may want to set up a hair and make-up artist for their shoot. Remember that getting your senior pictures taken is a special experience. Some images may become wall portraits for your home so hire a professional hair and makeup artist. Some suggested places to get your makeup done or get some of your own are Sephora, MAC Cosmetics, The Glam Bar, and MAJ. Most local hair salons have stylists that do hair for events, so be sure to call and make an appointment!

Posing For Perfect Pictures 

A professional photographer will be able to direct you in posing during your shoot. Different poses will make a huge difference in helping you look great and feeling amazing both during your photoshoot and after! Knowing flattering poses will be very helpful. Turning your body away from the camera will slim your arms and legs. It’s all about the angles. Being photographed from a high angle will remove double chins and slim down your body.

Location, Location, Location 

This a milestone in your life so let the session be about you! We want your senior photos to accurately describe who you are, so think of some of your favorite places to go or locations that are meaningful to you. If you can’t think of any, a professional photographer will know the perfect sites for the specific look you are trying to achieve.

For example, if your goal is wall art for your home, the location you choose with your photographer can make or break the deal. We offer our clients painted canvases that can transform a single photograph into gorgeous wall art to hang in your home! Your setting will aid in completing your images, transforming you into art.

It’s All About The Lighting

Lighting is the mood of the image. It can turn an ordinary image into something extraordinary. Show your photographer the look you want so that they can be prepared. Make sure that they are experienced and capable of giving you the look you love. Also, keep in mind that every day is not a sunny day. When this happens, a good photographer can create the sun for you. Similarly, having a lot of sun can create an elegant look. Studio lighting outdoors is also used to capture the deep blue sky. We love to shoot at sunset and dusk to create an image that is both dramatic and elegant. Dramatic studio lighting creates images with a fashion style look & feel. Your senior shoot portraits are all about you, so consider some images with a simple backgrounds.

Don’t Forget About Props! 

Props are a great way to tell your story through your senior pictures, so make sure to get creative! We’ve seen all sorts of props used from guitars and books, hats and shoes, to glitter and sporting equipment. Feel free to bring a prop that makes your shoot unique such as a football, helmet, lacrosse stick, instrument, dance shoes, fishing rod, or even your car!

About the Author

Mike Moreland has been a photographer for over 25 years. His work has been published in national magazines as well as won international awards for wedding portrait photography. He loves to photograph people and capture fleeting moments, saving them forever as memories. We created this short guide to help you prepare for your senior photoshoot and select the right photographer. This guide will help you to look great, feel amazing, and have a memorable photography experience!