Senior Photography Tips by SmugMug Senior Photographers

Studio KYK

My Senior’s Job:

- Bring 4-8 outfits …the more choices the better.
- Bring 2 things that are you… book, football, animal, skateboard.
- Choose a location that is you… at the school, at home, at the lake, on the ranch, etc.

My Job:

- Bring music…. pandora and ask them their favorite band.
- Shoot age appropriate  … remember they are only 17-18 years old.
- Capture the year they graduated ….  in chalk, white board, wooden numbers, etc.
- Advertise with Facebook… every senior is on FB.
- Smile…  and they will too.

My Tip:

- Have fun, capture the {REAL} them, shoot in the evening with natural lighting, some music and smile.

Debra Kapustin Photography

“When shooting seniors, I always get to know them a little prior to the session.   I want to learn about their personalities, interests,  and style.   To me, it’s important to incorporate who they really are into their imagery.  The locations we choose reflect their interests and style and I always add a studio session to compliment the on-location session.   I also go over wardrobe, accessories, hair, and makeup with them in detail prior to our session day.  You can’t expect your clients to know what works best in front of your lens so helpful tips and good communication is vital.   I also want to ensure that the parents and the high school junior or senior are on the same page.  It’s important that the images are treasured by all family members, including the one smiling for my camera.  I also believe it’s important to offer high-quality products.   We offer our clients prints, canvases, and gorgeous books and albums all custom designed.  Our DVD delivery is studio branded with the seniors in mind and we keep it modern for fresh.

When shooting on location, I’m a wide open shooter to get that beautiful bokeh my clients and I love so much.  I guess you could say my brand is bokeh and powder blue!   The best tip I can give for shooting seniors is get to know them and make them comfortable.  It’s all about being real, having fun,  and challenging yourself as the artist and professional that you are.”

Sassy Hearts

“I like to take pictures of them with something they love to do ie; such as playing a guitar or doing dance. This Senior was on the dance team and played guitar. She also received a Letterman’s sweater.  I love to take candid shots so I told my client to just play her guitar she had no clue when I was going to snap her picture. I wanted it to look natural not fake and I like how they turned out, and I captured them so well I sold to many relatives as well…..!”

Time Smart Images

“Seniors want to look like models.  They want to feel that their photos are right out of a magazine, and that’s how we aim to shoot.  As a photography viewpoint, it’s imperative to know what seniors want, what they read, what they watch.  You have to relate.  We keep inspiration notebooks in our studios with pose ideas and fashion style shots from magazines.  It’s not unusual for our seniors to come back for additional shoots even after graduation.”

Making Memories Photography

“Senior Photography is one of my favorite things to do! I find it important to learn a little bit about your subject male or female, what they like, if they are in sports, girls like shoes, shopping, swimming, fashion or outdoors and the boys what they like hunting, 4 wheeler riding, cars, football etc. The more you know the better you can pick a location that suits there personality and you will get beautiful smiles when it is something they enjoy!  I always do my best to make it fun and up beat! On the marketing side of it, Senior Models are very helpful.  They get to earn prizes and free portraits just by referring their friends to you.  Always look for someone fun and outgoing for your Senior Model and from different schools.  ”

Sarah Ciccone Photography

“Photo Tip:  Just be yourself with the client!  When you are comfortable, they are comfortable and it then becomes a really fun session.  Show them that you are just normal like them and they will naturally show their personalities hardly noticing the camera anymore.  Have fun with it!”

Click here for more photographer stories!

• Posted by  adrienne
• Posted in  Guest Bloggers, Photographer-Success-Stories, SmugMug Customization Examples, SmugMug-Photographer-Tips