It’s the beginning of a new year, which means it’s a new graduation year for all the high school seniors & collage graduates! I absolutely love being able to photograph seniors, because it always brings me back to my roots of where I began photography, which coincidentally enough it was during my senior year of high school, I asked all my friends if I could take their photos & I did & it’s how I got some of my first experiences as a photographer! Since then, I have been photographing seniors & graduates every season!
step one!
To having the best senior session ever is…
Finding a photographer!
This can truly be the hardest part of the senior photos process, because they are so many different photographers out there to choose from & is the most important!!
Here’s some tips & things to look for, when conducting your search; Make sure they are reputable, reliable, & responsive! It’s important to look at their work & if it’s something you love, then it’s time to do your research! Check out their social media pages & website, find out everything that’s included in their session packages! This can be what sets most photographers a part, so find someone who is within your budget.
STEP TWO
Inquiry & Book with your photographer!
After finalizing your senior session date, then planning begins! Planning includes; outfits, hair & makeup, locations, & props. If you plan on getting your Hair & Makeup professionally done, inquiry & book them next!
TIP: Hair & Makeup can take anywhere from 90 minutes - 2 hours, so plan this accordingly with your photographer! Plan to have some extra time in between to travel to the first location for your session & get a bite to eat!
Having your Hair & Makeup professionally done can 100% bring you more confidence & enhance your natural beauty! But, if you don’t love the idea of wearing all the makeup or just aren’t that girl, then don’t force yourself! BE YOU!
Step Three
Find your outfits, locations, & then props!
do it in this order!!
First thing is first, what is the vibe? Where do you see yourself taking your senior photos? What do you want to showcase in your senior photos? Is there a place that is significant that you want to incorporate?
If you feel lost in it all, then go to Pinterest for some inspiration!
After you find the outfits, which don’t OVERTHINK IT! This can be done so easily, so my suggestion would be having a casual outfit & a more formal outfit! Find pieces of clothing that speak to you or represent who you are.
Ex: If you are a dancer or cheerleader consider bringing your uniform & pom poms, this would look so well on the football field!
Locations!
Finding a location from the client POV can seem very daunting, so re-ask yourself the same questions & start with the city in which you’d like to do your senior photos in.
At this point… consult your photographer & ask for their suggestions/recommendations!
TIP: If your photographer doesn’t help with planning… that’s a red flag! Just sayin…
For my own clients before we start planning out session details I’ll start my planning process off by sending over a session questionnaire, in which will ask all questions pertaining to what you’re wanting within a location & our session!
Depending on the vibe you want I will always recommended locations or if you’re wanting something I haven’t done, then I’ll do my best to find what you’re looking for.
Props!
Props add SO MUCH versatility to your senior photos!
EMP Blog: Props to bring to your senior session if you’re feeling stuck.
Plus, you should be showing off your talents & passions throughout your high school career within your senior photos! Bring the cap & gown, letterman, & even the college acceptance letter!
step four
After all the planning is done you’re probably patiently waiting for your senior session date to arrive!
Once the day is here, prepare a bag with jewelry, shoes, any under garments that might be needed for certain outfits, a hair brush, extra makeup (maybe a lip stick or gloss), & of course the iconic outfits & props!
If you are having second thoughts about leaving something behind, BRING IT! You will want to have more than enough options, I myself am a very indecisive person & I do this all the time, so there is no shame in deciding day of during the session based on how you’re feeling!
I highly suggest bringing snacks, water, possibly moral support like your bestie, mama, sibling, or partner!
Step Five
HAVE FUN during your senior session! YOU are the main character, so don’t forget it!
