Senior Portraits

Finding a Photographer or Studio

While you can certainly use an individual photographer, particularly if you or your family knows someone in the field, many seniors choose to get their portraits from a studio. Oftentimes a local photographer will make an agreement with the high school and offer special package rates for senior pictures. Advantages with a studio may be having a wider range of session times open and having a variety of backdrops and different lighting scenarios.

Questions you may want to consider when choosing a photographer or studio include:

• What are the staff and photographers like? Are they friendly and fun or stiff and formal? Your senior portraits are important; you should feel great about the photography session and the resulting photos.
• Are you able to bring props such as musical instruments, sports equipment, pets, or other items conveying your hobbies or interests? Your pictures should reflect your uniqueness, and you may want to opt for a studio that allows you to express yourself fully in your portraits.
• How many changes of clothing can you bring? For senior portraits, most studios are willing to allow for four clothing changes, but the number may be more or less depending on the studio or photographer.
• How much time does the session include? Two hours is a typical session, but be sure to inquire about the amount of time a specific package includes to avoid paying extra charges.
• Are both outdoor and indoor sessions available? Many seniors love having a few poses taken outdoors.
• Does the studio or photographer offer a money back guarantee? If you're concerned about how your photos will turn out, you may want to opt for a studio that offers a money back guarantee.
• Does the studio offer extra services such as touch-ups, photomontages, black and white or sepia options? If you are interested in these options, look for a studio that offers them.

Senior Portraits: Tips for Looking Your Best

Since your senior portraits are taken once in a lifetime, you want to look your best. Make sure you are well rested, well hydrated, and relaxed for the day of your session.

Hair Cuts

If you decide to change your do before the big day, make sure you get your hair cut at least a several days in advance of your session. This allows you to have time to try out styles and for the haircut to adjust.

Tanning

If you want to show up at your portrait session with a sunny glow on your skin, it's best to start a couple of months prior to when you are getting your pictures done. Gradually build up a good base tan to avoid heavy tanning too close to picture day.

Facials and Peels

There's nothing wrong with visiting a salon or spa to prepare your skin for your senior portraits. How far in advance you get facial treatments will depend on the depth of the peel, facial, or other treatment. Ask you aesthetician how far in advance you should get your skin care procedures to make sure healing is complete by the day of you session. Even light facials should not be done the day before your appointment.

Cosmetics

If you purchase new cosmetics to use for your pictures, make sure to experiment with the make-up prior to you senior pictures. The shade of lipstick you loved in the store may show up as a garish color once on your lips. Look for natural colors that will highlight your best features.

Clothing

Opt for solid color clothing that compliments your hair, skin, and eyes. Busy prints will detract from the photo. Depending on your skin tone, you may also want to avoid plain white or pastels, as this makes some people appear washed out.

Items to Bring

What should you bring to your senior portrait session?

• Pre-designated changes of clothing.
• Props, instruments, letter jackets, evidence of hobbies, etc.
• Hairbrush and hairspray.
• Touch-up cosmetics and lipstick or gloss.
• Friends or family members.
• Favorite music to play during the session if studio allows.
• Your car, truck, or motorcycle if studio allows for outdoor portraits.
• Check or cash to pay the studio.

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