Senior Portraits- What’s The Hype All About? A Parent’s Guide

I don't  know about you, but for me, graduating in the 90’s, in a small town, senior pictures were really not that big of a deal.  A photographer came to my school, we did a couple outfit changes with what I would now consider to be a “cheezy backdrop” and that was it.  Many of the parents I talk to, as a Senior Portrait Photographer, are amazed by the way things have changed.  Today, senior portraits are a rite of passage.  They are a huge event for kids.

As you start to think about senior portraits for your own child, here are a few things you may want to keep in mind.  This is my list of the top 7 things you should know before booking a session: 

1. This is NOTa do-it-yourself project.  Today we all have great cameras on our phones and many people even own DSLR cameras. There’s a lot more that goes into good photos than the camera, but equipment is extremely important.   Professional equipment far exceeds what most average people have.  The focus, color, bokeh, and resolution are all things that really make a big difference. Professional editing is also key. When pricing photographers, you may be alarmed at the cost for “an hour’s worth of work”.  The truth is, I personally edit for about 5-6 hours for every hour that I shoot.  Everything from lighting, to coloring, cropping and blemish removal are addressed in the editing process.  This all takes practice, education and the proper editing software to master, and time to do.  So when you pay for a session, you are paying for much more than the hour spent with the photographer.
2. Choosing a photographer who is able to “click” with your child is extremely important. Senior portraits can make even the most confident teen, self-conscious and nervous.  They are being asked to stand and move and pose in ways that may not be natural for them.  They are likely modeling for a complete stranger and have a parent (who is paying for the session) standing there supervising the whole thing.  This is why a pre-session consultation is so important. I offer pre-session consultations to all of my sessions.  The difference it can make is significant  I have been able to learn about the senior’s interests, get a feel for their personality and how to best approach them.  I have a feel for what poses would be best for them, and what locations would best fit them.  They get the opportunity to put a face with the name, to ask questions, relax and feel comfortable with me before the big day.  
3. Ask questions before the session- What should you bring the day of the session? Where will they be able to change? There are many things to take into account.  I provide my clients with a guide to assist in preparing for the session, and let them know what to expect.
4. Make the session unique to your child.  Senior portraits used to be simple headshots.  One parent told me her hands couldn’t even be shown in her senior portraits. Today, the photos are so different. This is a time to showcase your child’s interests and personality.  Everything from location to props should be unique to your child.  Last year, for instance, I did one shoot at a country club with a young man who loves golf, and got some great shots of him mid- swing. I did another at a graffiti covered water tower with a young man who loves doing tricks on his BMX bike.   Other sessions included footballs, batons, a dog, and the beach.  The options are limitless, and mean so much more when they are customized.  They make the session a true “experience” rather than just some pictures, and the seniors love it.  That’s not to say that there shouldn’t still be simple, formal shots.  You CAN have the best of both worlds. 
5. Let the photographer work with your child.  As mentioned previously, teens often feel nervous at their shoots, and nothing adds to that anxiety more than a parent in the background telling their child to smile. A seasoned photographer will get the shots, and many of the best shots do not involve a smile.  It’s hard to give up the reigns, especially when you are paying for the session, but it will create a lot less stress for everyone if you just observe and support your child when needed.
6. There are many photographers out there.  Do your research.  Ask friends, look at portfolios, read reviews.  Look for that person who not only produces beautiful images, but also makes your child feel special, and beautiful.

Last, but certainly not least…

7. Print your photos!  We live in a digital age, and people no longer print their photos.  This is a time to make sure you do.  These are significant, and will be something your child will treasure for years to come.  Flash drives will be obsolete soon, just like CD’s. Computers crash, and digitals get lost. Beautiful albums, and prints or other products can be looked back on forever.  They are tangible time capsules, if you will, of one of the most significant accomplishments in your child’s life, and yours.