Planning a Senior Portrait

When planning your senior photos here are things you should consider.

Clothing:

Be sure to bring several changes of clothing that you like, that bring fond memories or are suggestive of your interests.  Think about ways to combine what you bring to create more than one outfit.  Be sure to discuss color selections for clothing with your photographer.

Comfort:

Many people really do not feel comfortable in front of a camera or when they find themselves in an new experience.  So lets consider what steps you should take to regain some comfort during your photo shoot.

Arrange a meeting to met with your photographer.  If possible do this at their studio so that you can understand the process.

Posing:

Have your photographer provide examples of the poses that they plan to use.  Practice these in front of a mirror or with someone that you trust.

Camera Shyness:

Your shyness is something that only you can over come. The old adage “Practicqe makes Perfect” applies here, the more you are photographed, especially in those poses you have practiced, the more comfortable you will become with the process.  You are likely to find that you relax by goofing off in front of the camera.

Attitude:

Relax and have fun with your photo shoot.  Play around with what ever props or environment your shooting it.  Play it up to the camera and give your photographer something fun to shoot.  Not only will the photo shoot go faster, but the end results will be much better than the alternative.  Your there anyway, you might as well enjoy the time, it will show in your photos.

Props:

Props consist of pretty much anything you can think of.  Some items to consider:

Clothing:

Don’t forget items like hats, shoes, belts, gloves, coats, wraps, hosiery, and feathers.

Jewelry:

Not just for females, just bring along any bling that you can have fun with.

Hobbies and Sports:

Activities that you enjoy are also a good source of props for a photo shoot.  These can be used as part of the background or can be something that you interact with during the shoot.

Pets:

Check with your photographer concerning bringing pets to the shoot, and indicate what kind of pets are to be brought.  If you have larger pets then you may need to take the photo shoot to your pet.

Vehicles:

If you have access to interesting car, airplane or motorcycle, they can provide a great backdrop against which you can pose.

Interesting buildings or locations:

Do you know of an old building with a lot of character, is there an old bridge that you like?  These can provide you with a unique setting for your photo shoot.

It is important that you follow the guidance of your photographer when posing, as what they see will determine how your images turn out.    Your photographer will have ideas of what poses they think will work for the each photo shoot location that may be used.  But it is also important that you come prepared with ideas of what kinds of images you would like to have.  Take time to look for images that you really like and can see yourself in.  Get these pose ideas to your photographer in advance so that they can prepare for these poses.