High School Senior Portraits Are Right Around the Corner
It is that time of year again–time for High School Senior Portraits! I always feel like the success of any Portrait Session rests on Prior Proper Planning. So to that end, I have compiled some of my little tips and tricks for making your Senior Portrait Session a resounding success. With 20 years of experience photographing High School Seniors, these are my tried and true methods.
Proper Planning for High School Senior Portraits
Does Your School Require the Traditional “Drape Shot for the Yearbook?
Yes, we can do “The Drape” photo. Some schools require this shot for their yearbooks–blue backdrop, girls with drape and pearls, boys with suit and tie. It is a clean, classic, traditonal shot. We suggest you do this in case your school requires it. It takes a minimal amount of time, and then we can move on to more interesting things.
Grooming for Senior Photos Is Important
Make sure that if you are getting a hair cut, you do so a week prior to let your hair grow in a bit. We suggest you do not do anything too radically different for your portraits–you still want to look like yourself. Also, make sure your hands and nails are neat and clean.
Siblings and Best Friends
While the focus of a Senior Portrait Session should be about the Senior, we do let you bring a sibling or best friend for a select few photos.
If your parents want more than one or two images with siblings, we suggest you schedule another session exclusively for that. Same with friends.
Planning For Senior Portraits With Color Harmony
Color Harmony is an important part of beautiful portraiture. The clothing should all coordinate. It was not a happy accident that the outfit coordinated with the backdrop–I planned this ahead of time.
Texture Creates Interest
Texture is important in photos as well. The neutral colors combined with the lacy texture of the top make this visually interesting.
Location Is Everything In Senior Portraits
Both of the following images feature Prom dresses. They look completely different because of where and how they were photographed.
Don’t Forget Accessories When Planning Senior Portraits
Make sure you bring all the proper accessories–shoes, belts, jewelry, hats, etc. I suggest you put individual outfits on a separate hanger. Put the accessories for each outfit in their own plastic bag. Keep the bag with the corresponding outfit so nothing gets mixed up.
A Note About Makeup
Don’t go crazy with the makeup. Yes, you need to wear some. But maybe just a little more than usual, not over the top.
And that is that. Proper Prior Planning = Perfect Portraits.
Are you planning on getting your High School Senior Portraits created? Check out our Senior Portrait Gallery. Then call (518)-584-4237 to schedule your appointment today!
Photographer Susan Blackburn of Susan Blackburn Photography specializes in photographing Seniors Portrait Photography sessions. With a photography studio location in Saratoga Springs, NY, Susan serves the Saratoga Springs, Lake George and the Adirondack Regions. She is also available for travel assignments. Susan has been a professional photographer for 20 years. Her goal has always been simple—take pictures that her clients love.
