Bluebird Chic ambassador Dia of Michael & Dia Photography shares her best tips for photographing high school seniors.
One of my favorite things to photograph is High School Senior Portraits. They are so much fun to do, and you are capturing such an important and pivotal moment in their lives.
Here are a few things I like to keep in mind when shooting Senior Portraits!
TIP # 1 – GET TO KNOW YOUR SENIOR BEFORE THE SESSION
I have a questionnaire that I like to send out to my seniors before our session, just to get to know them a little better and to get a feel for what kind of session they have in mind.
Knowing my senior a little better helps me make things more comfortable and fun, come the day of our session. I’ll ask them questions about the college they are attending, what they want to be, and how they are feeling about leaving high school. It helps break the ice…and what teenager doesn’t like talking about themselves!
TIP # 2 – LOCATION AND CLOTHING
I like to ask my seniors if they can put together a Pinterest board, so that we can share ideas about outfits, locations and poses. Going over outfits ahead of time will limit any extra stress the day of the shoot and help it flow more smoothly (especially if you need to plan for major outfit changes where you need a bathroom nearby). I also encourage them to keep their outfits simple and comfortable.
I try to limit the session to one location, two nearby locations tops. After an hour of shooting, they tend to get tired and the excitement starts to fizz out. These don’t make for exciting pictures…believe me, you will be able to tell!
As for posing, I try to give them minimal guidance. I want them to feel natural and not so posed. I usually achieve this by being a little goofy and making them laugh. There is nothing more beautiful than a genuine laugh, and I love capturing them! Although, I do make sure I capture the standard photos for the Grandparents to frame too.
I also encourage seniors to bring props to the session that represent their fondest high school memories. If they feel awkward posing, I will start off with the props until they feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Tip #3 – TELL THEM TO BRING A FRIEND ALONG
I always tell my seniors that they are more than welcome to bring a friend along on our adventure. They take comfort in having someone they know nearby, and the extra hands are always helpful for carrying outfits and props. I will usually let them jump in a picture or two as well…they love this!
TIP #4 – LASTLY, JUST HAVE FUN!!!
Feel free to be creative and a little silly. Tap into your inner child, and create a comfortable, fun and relaxed atmosphere. This will help you capture genuine portraits and their true essence!
My name is Dia, and I am a mother, wife, and photographer. My husband and I have had the honor of professionally photographing weddings since 2006. I love organizing and planning: A goal without a plan is just a dream! I am a FOODIE! (A vegan one!) I LOVE running, beer and wine…they go together, right? Texting…it’s the best and easiest way to get a hold of me. And lastly, I admire Audrey Hepburn, for her classic beauty and everlasting elegance. Visti me at: http://www.diamerazphotography.com/
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