Senior photos have become the norm, but this doesn’t mean you need to schedule a photo session if you don’t want to. Before you make a final decision though, here are a few things to consider.
● You need to take a yearbook photo anyway. Yearbook photos are generally plain and boring, so why not take a photo you will actually like looking at and that truly represents who you are.
● The photoshoot is just for you. This might be one of the few times (or only time) you will be the sole center of attention during a photoshoot. Throughout your life, other people will generally always be part of your professional photo sessions, but your senior session is just for you.
● This is a major milestone. Your senior photos mark a massive milestone in your life, one that deserves to be celebrated. By not taking these photos, you might regret it later on in life when you want to reminisce on your high school days.
● You can use them at your graduation party. If you’re planning to have a graduation party, photos of your entire school career make for the perfect décor. The collection won’t be complete without photos from your senior year though. You can even use one of the photos to create your invite.
● They make for great gifts. Professional senior photos are the ideal gift for your parents and grandparents. They’re already proud and certainly wouldn’t mind being able to show you off in their home.
● It’s a fun experience. If you’ve never had your photos taken by a professional, get ready to have a fun and positive experience. This is the ideal time to capture who you are in your senior year. Plus, you get to decide on your outfits, location, and the style of your photos. Your senior photos offer a fun and unique way to express yourself.
In the end, scheduling a senior photo session makes the most sense and once you see the results, you’ll be glad you did it.
There are a few decisions you’re going to need to make as you plan your senior photoshoot and when to schedule your session is one of them.
So, what season is the best?
In the end, it comes down to your personal preferences and the types of photos you would prefer.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of each season to help you make the best choice.
Spring
By choosing to schedule your session in spring, you may end up taking photos before your senior year, but that’s perfectly fine.
Pros
● Avoid the rush by getting your photos done early on.
● If you choose to take your photos outside, it won’t be freezing cold or too hot.
● Benefit from beautiful spring flowers and greenery as your backdrop.
Cons
● There is always a slight chance of rain.
● You might feel awkward taking photos before your senior year, but it doesn’t need to be. Plus, you can always choose to do another session later in the year.
Summer
Summer is a popular choice for senior photo sessions because it’s such a positive time of the year.
Pros
● You get to enjoy more hours of sunshine and the warmth that the summer months offer.
● There’s no need to dress in any heavy layers.
● Your schedule will be far more flexible during the summer months.
● There’s the option of getting a tan before your session so that you have a natural glow.
● There is generally an abundance of wildflowers, which look great in photos.
Cons
● The heat can be uncomfortable.
● There are far more bugs to deal with during summer.
● Since everyone is spending more time outside, you may struggle to find a public location that isn’t overly busy.
Fall
Fall is also a popular season for many seniors across the U.S. and for good reason.
Pros
● Fall colors make for some of the most beautiful backdrops.
● The hot summer temperatures have subsided, making it more comfortable to be outside.
● Taking your photos during golden hour in fall will give them a beautiful soft glow.
Cons
● Because of the eye-catching scenes that fall creates, public spaces might be busier than usual.
● The sun sets earlier in the fall and with a busier school schedule, it might be difficult to work in a photo session without missing some school.
● Since this is a popular time for senior photos, you may struggle to find a slot with your photographer.
Winter
It might be a bit colder, but you can still capture beautiful senior photos during the winter months.
Pros
● Public spaces are a lot quieter, which means you have more locations to choose from.
● You have the option to take photos in the snow.
● Since winter is not the first choice for most seniors, you can take photos that are more unique.
● Photographers generally have more slots available during the winter months.
● You can choose to have your shoot in a studio if you want a warmer location.
Cons
● The temperatures can make it too cold to use an outdoor location.
● There is more cloud cover, and the sun sets early, which can affect your photos.
● You may miss your yearbook deadline.
Now that you have a better idea of what each season entails, you can continue planning your senior session at a time of the year that works for you.
If your senior photo session will be your first professional shoot, you’re probably wondering what you should be doing in front of the camera. While your photographer is there to guide you through your photo session, it still helps to have an idea of how you would like to pose.
Here are some simple tips to help get you started.
1. Consider Your Best Features.
If you had to choose, what are your best features? What features would you like to accentuate in your senior photos? This could be your jawline, your chest, or your shoulders. Whatever features you would like to accentuate should be closest to the camera. Speak to your photographer about your favorite features ahead of time so that you can both plan accordingly.
2. Natural is Better.
When it comes to posing for your senior photos, it’s best to stick to poses that look natural. Poses that have you sitting down or leaning on one knee are just some examples of what looks good and not forced in front of the camera.
3. Don’t Worry about Your Hands.
A common complaint among people who get in front of a camera for the first time is that they don’t know what to do with their hands. Don’t worry about hand placement too much. Once you get into it, your hands will naturally find a place in your pockets, at your sides, or folded in your arms.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Move.
Photographers actually prefer it when you move around a bit. This doesn’t have to be big movements either. Simply moving your head around can add some variety to your senior shots. Again, your photographer will guide you but if you feel nervous and find yourself stiffening your head or jaw, let them know.
5. Have Fun.
You will always get the best shots when you approach your senior shoot with a relaxed mindset. You are here to celebrate an important milestone, so have some fun with your photographer. These photos are meant to highlight your personality after all.
If you want to be extra prepared, head over to a site such as Pinterest to find some ideas for poses. You can also browse your photographer’s portfolio for inspiration.
