Ten Tips for Senior Photos

Graduation is a lifetime away . . . isn't it?

Take it from someone who has three adult children who graduated from high school within the last decade -- it goes by insanely fast! Here are some tips to get you through.

KNOW YOUR DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF SENIOR PHOTOS!

Even though graduations usually take place at the end of May, submissions of senior photos for yearbooks and other announcements are usually due much sooner. It's my experience that the deadline is usually somewhere between November and January. Do not wait until the last minute to book your senior photo session!

SCOPE OUT LOCATIONS!

If you are stumped or indecisive about where to have your senior photos taken, consult with a photographer. But if you have a specific spot in mind, it is worth your time to swing by it close to when you will have your photoshoot. This seems silly, but weather, construction, local events and other unforeseen circumstances can really put a damper in your plans in certain spots.

HAIRCUTS AND OTHER MODIFICATIONS

If you are thinking of a new 'do for the season or the school year, make sure that you are going to be comfortable getting photos afterwards. Many a photo session has started in tears after someone made a dramatic change to their appearance that they regretted. Piercings, haircuts, spray tans and the like can turn from a fun idea to a regret in a heartbeat when you are trying to line them up with a photoshoot for a major life event.

TIMING OF MODIFICATIONS TO APPEARANCE

Similarly, if you know that you are going to want to get your hair, makeup or nails done, make sure that they are done closely to the timing of your photoshoot. The anxiety of losing a nail the day before a shoot is an errand you don't want to be running an hour before you are supposed to have your photos taken!

KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER

If you are having an outdoor photoshoot, keep an eye on the weather. Your photographer should be doing this as well, but it will help you to know whether it will be too chilly for a short dress or too warm for a sweater.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR CONTRACT

Any professional photographer will likely have a contract with you for any photoshoot you schedule. It is imperative that you are aware of any cancelation, deposit, and rescheduling policies that your photographer adheres to.

RESEARCH YOUR VIBE

Do you want casual photos? Candid? Staged? Are you going to want props? Do you like black and white photos, color photos or both? Do you want a certain "look" for your photos such as vintage, modern, urban, nature, indoor, outdoor, etc.? Talk these through with both your senior and your photographer to make sure that you get the photos you are envisioning.

PERSONALIZE, PERSONALIZE, PERSONALIZE!

The greatest part of your senior photos is that they are your senior photos. Your photographer is there to bring your vision to life, but you are the one that has to live with (and pay for!) the product. Your senior's outfit choices, props and poses should reflect their individuality. It's what you love most about your senior -- let them shine!

PLAN OUT PHOTOSHOOT DAY

If your senior has younger siblings that might steal away your or your senior's attention during the shoot, consider getting them childcare during the time of the shoot. If your outfit is white, consider bringing a darker option in case there are spills, stains or slips. If you are planning to change into different outfits, have a plan for where or how that will take place. For my shoots I have a portable changing studio that I can bring with me for these instances, but not everyone will. Check with your photographer on these details!

TRUST YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Research different photographers and read through their contracts before you decide on one. Interview some and have consultations. Your photographer will be an important player in the photoshoot, obviously. If you don't feel comfortable with them, how they run their business or the photos that they produce, do-overs are very difficult and can be costly. Make sure that you shop around and don't just select someone based off of timing or price!