Congratulations, parents and seniors... you've made it to Senior year! This is a year jam-packed with emotional moments, deadlines, evolving friendships, and preparation into your next step of young adulthood. Your Senior photos are the perfect way to document this special time in your life!
Let's lay out all the things to keep in mind when planning for your Senior photos.
Here are some things to consider:
#1: What time of year is best for your Senior photos?
When planning the timing for your Senior photos, there's a few factors to think about.
What season are you most busy? Try not to schedule during a stressful time of year for you. This might mean scheduling in the summer before school starts or on Spring break.
What type of clothes do you like best? If you love showing off a tan in your sundress, book for August or early September. If you're most comfortable in jeans and love warm tones, schedule early for Fall. Those peak fall foliage dates fill up months ahead!
Guys especially: don't rule out a Spring shoot. Oftentimes, the guys change so much their Senior year. If you take your photos in August, you may feel like they are outdated by your graduation in May/June.
#2: What to Wear?
Choosing the right outfits for your senior photos is key to capturing your unique personality and style. This is often the most difficult part of the process.
I always suggest 3 outfits for your Senior photos if you have an hour-long session. The most important part is that you feel confident and comfortable.
Casual or dressy? Honestly, that is totally up to you. I prefer a combination of both.
I suggest avoiding clothes with small patterns and stripes or neon colors because they don't always photograph well.
Don't forget that your fingernails will be noticeable. Keep them clean and trimmed or painted.
#3: Order of Outfits
Not only are you are going to get more comfortable with your photographer and the photo process as the shoot goes on, the light is usually going to continue to improve throughout your shoot as well. You're actually going to want to start with your least favorite outfit.
Show your outfits to your photographer before you even start shooting, and get their opinion on which ones will be best for the areas they plan to take you to.
#4: Tanning, Blemishes, and Makeup
To tan or not to tan? My honest answer to this is simply no. If you do decide that you want to spray tan, please go to a professional and try it out a couple weeks before to make sure you like it. Your natural skin tone will typically photograph best and it's fine to use a little bronzer to achieve that summer glow. I personally think matte foundations with a fuller coverage photograph best. You might consider booking with a professional makeup artist, but I do not feel like it's necessary.
Acne happens - don't stress about it. All Senior photographers are very familiar with retouching blemishes.
#5: What to pack for your Senior Shoot
Outfits (de-wrinkled) and shoes for each (shoes matter!)
If your shoes are hard to walk in, also pack some flip flops for walking to your next location.
Accessories : if you like to wear jewelry, keep it simple.
Water
Tissues or small towel to blot sweat
Handheld fan if it's hot
Hairspray for flyaways
Lip gloss or chapstick; you may want to just bring the makeup bag
Bug spray if you are in a nature area
Props? I don't use a lot of props except for athletes / sports. I do think it's nice to have some photos that show off your favorite activities.
#6: A Note to Parents
Thank you for prioritizing these photos. You will never regret it!
Encourage shopping early so it's an enjoyable, not stressful situation.
Don't hover too much: It's a lot easier to feel natural in front of the camera when you are not being closely watched. Give your photographer and child a little space, while remaining close enough if they need you.
Compliments! When you compliment your child, they immediately feel more confident, and in-turn, this will be reflected in their expressions.
Trust your photographer. You chose them for a reason. If you have favorite poses or a Pinterest board, it's ok to share them with your photographer, but just remember that every shoot is unique.
Try to leave plenty of time to arrive a little early in case of traffic. Cue up some good hype music!
If you enjoyed your experience and your final product: Share your photos, tag your photographer, share your experience, write a google review.
Any other tips you have in mind? Leave them in the comments!
Author: Jill Shadden of In The Moment Photography, LLC
St Louis Senior Photographer
