A Parent’s Guide to Senior Portraits
DECEMBER 29, 2022
For most parents, senior portraits are a distant memory. They have changed a great deal over the last twenty years and include more creativity and uniqueness than ever before.
Modern senior portraits
If you’re reading this blog, then you and/or your senior probably want more than the traditional assembly line studio sessions taken at their high school along with everyone else. Your senior wants to show their talents, passions, and personality, while also documenting a priceless memory. You’ll want to opt for modern stylish senior portraits with urban on location photo sessions!
However, planning for senior portrait sessions can swiftly become overwhelming for both parents and seniors.
Here are some quick tips to help you prepare for your student’s senior portrait session.
1. Get the Yearbook Deadline date
Knowing the yearbook deadline pushes you to schedule a senior session instead of putting it off until the last minute. For the yearbook page, you will want some creative shots that are unique to your child. In most instances, it takes at least 2 weeks after the photo session to review the proofs, edit the photos, receive the final images, and design the yearbook page, so plan accordingly.
2. Look at your Senior’s Schedule
As a parent of a senior, you already know how busy their schedules can be. Sit down with your senior to discuss a good time. They should be involved in the planning with you. Even the specific time of day matters when scheduling a senior session. Ideally, you want to take photos late in the afternoon or just before sunset, as this is when the lighting is the best. The right photographer can make any time of the day work, but bright midday sun will inevitably cause the senior to squint. Midday should be a last resort though as the lighting is far too harsh unless the area is in complete shade.
3. Compromise with Your Senior
You may have a specific idea about the photos you would like to see, but this is about your child and what makes them feel confident and comfortable. Most senior sessions allow for several outfit changes, so use this as an opportunity to find a happy balance between what you want and what your senior wants. Be patient and hear them out before you brush off their ideas. Their portraits should represent who they are and what they love.
4. Encourage Sharing
Prior to a senior session, get your child to open up about their passions, hopes, and dreams. This information will help guide the shoot and ensure the most authentic photos. Knowing what your senior wants these photos to represent will also guide their outfit and location choices.
Don’t forget to include your senior in the search for a photographer – a photographer’s style needs to fit in with the images you hope to create.
Want more Information and the help you need?
Check out my Seniors Page!
Kaptured by Knight
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