Everything You Need to Know to Plan a FANTASTIC Senior Portrait Session!
You’re heading into your senior year, and it’s time for that rite of passage: senior photos! But where do you even begin? Read on for some ideas that will help you and your photographer plan the best senior portrait session to reflect your personality!
Choose your “vibe.” Are you looking for something more classic, or something more you? Do you want photos on your high school’s campus or somewhere more unique, like a local garden, cityscape, or coffee shop? Figure out what vibe you’re going for and make sure to communicate that with your photographer! Your photographer should be able to suggest great locations that will help you bring your vision to life. Check out my recent blog post “Finding the Perfect Location for your Photo Session” for some tips. And If you’re local to the York Co./Charlotte area and need ideas, check out my list of favorite places here!
Choose your season…and book early! Some seniors opt to take their photos during their favorite season. A football player or cheerleader may opt for Fall so that they can get some shots in their uniforms. Some want a certain seasonal feel to their images, such as warm Fall colors, cooler winter colors, or vibrant Spring flowers. Other families want to wait until their seniors get their caps and gowns, which usually doesn’t happen until March or April. You should also consider whether or not you will want to have the photos back in time for school yearbooks or to send with announcements or invitations! Be sure to book your session as soon as you know what you want, because many portrait photographers get swamped in the Fall and Spring!
Choose the right clothes. Pick outfits that are flattering to your body and that allow for movement. Choose accessories that reflect you. Feel free to bring several outfits! If you have a uniform or letter jacket, bring those as well. Here’s a blog post I wrote called “What to Wear for Senior Photos” that might have some helpful tips as you plan your outfits.
Bring your cap and gown. Some seniors want a few photos in their cap and gown. After all, it’s the only time you’ll get to wear it, so you might as well get your money’s worth and take a few portraits in it! Even if you don’t care, your mom or dad might, so be sure to take a few if you have it available. It’s usually best to get those over with first or save them for last (so that you don’t mess up the hair when you put on on the cap!). And bring all the things that go with it: the tassel, cords, collar, etc.
Bring details. Do you have any special memorabilia that you’d like to include, like a kindergarten photo or favorite book? Do you play an instrument or a sport? Bring any details you’d like to highlight in your photos!
Bring your friends! Having a friend come along with you or planning a photo session with a group of your friends always makes things more fun! You can coordinate outfits and take photos at your favorite hangouts to memorialize this time in your lives! It’s also a nice distraction to have one of your favorite people to make you laugh and smile at so that your photos are more natural!
HAVE FUN! Don’t stress about your photos; the feeling you have while taking your photos often affects how you feel about them later, no matter how good they are. So relax, be yourself, and have fun! The best portraits are made when you allow your true personality to shine through.
Check out the gallery below for inspiration for your senior portrait session!
Kimberly Cauble Photography
Kimberly Cauble is a middle school teacher, mother of two boys, and Charlotte area wedding and portrait photographer who has been photographing weddings, families, and taking senior photos for many of her former students for over 12 years. To book your senior session, click here!