It’s senior portrait season and we are here for it! Below are a few tips to help create the best senior portraits.
1) Photographer -Select your photographer based on a few key considerations, and this will make all the difference in not only your experience but also the overall end result - your images.
First - review their portfolio on websites and social media - make sure quality and aesthetic are excellent caliber
Second - look for experience … the youngest, trendiest, cheapest photographer may not have the experience needed to deliver a consistent quality product, meet yearbook deadlines, know the best poses, lighting, locations, etc - experience speaks volumes- seek it and it will prove to be worth it!
2) Venue - this is typically determined by your photographer so don’t stress finding the perfect location - that’s your photographer’s job…but if you have a vision in mind - definitely share that with your photographer… we work hand-in-hand with clients to ensure every detail is perfected for their photo shoot
3). Season - we photograph senior portraits literally ALL year long - heres a few considerations:
Summer - this is a popular option for seniors as once the senior year begins, it goes by quickly… part time jobs, extracurricular activities, sports, clubs, college visits, senior trips, etc … sometimes a senior’s busy schedule makes it difficult to squeeze in a photo shoot during the school year - if this is you, you may wish to consider a summer senior portrait session
Fall - the beauty of Fall is amazing here in North Carolina - the colors of Fall never disappoint and the temperatures are amazing too! Fall photography schedules are packed and book far in advance- be sure to reserve your photo shoot months ahead for a place on the calendar.
Also —-> check your yearbook deadlines - they vary from high school to high school, but many deadlines are early so you will need to schedule early enough in the season to allow for time to edit, order and receive your images. ALWAYS be sure to share your yearbook deadline with your photographer.
Winter- as fall winds down and winter begins, sometimes that allows for a schedule break to dedicate to senior portraits. The fascinating thing about nature in North Carolina - the same location can look abundantly different from season to season. Winter photo shoots are also am excellent time for an urban backdrop and weather often works out perfectly too as temperatures moderate from time to time during winter months.
Spring - this is a great opportunity to incorporate cap and gown photos into a portrait session. Most seniors receive these in Spring, the weather warms, florals bloom and it’s a magical time.
There is NO wrong answer as to when to photograph your senior portraits - every season is beautiful - the important thing is TO capture them!
