Senior pictures are a rite of passage for many teenagers, marking the end of an era and the beginning of what will hopefully be a bright future. As one of the most cherished pieces of memorabilia that can be passed down through generations, senior portraits require a certain level of gravitas in their creation, for they will be looked at for many years to come. Much goes into making a senior portrait session a success, from the choice of wardrobe, lighting, and location, to the photographer’s knowledge of posing and editing techniques. Join us as we take you behind the scenes on a typical day of a senior portrait photographer so that you will know exactly what to expect when it comes time to choose a photographer for your senior picture session.
Wardrobe Preparation
Seniors often struggle with what to wear in their senior pictures, and a great deal of preparation goes into helping them choose outfits that will not only look good on camera but also reflect their individual style and personality. Most photographers will consult with their clients when it comes to wardrobe, and some may even provide style guides to help them make the right choices. Depending on the number of outfits changes allowed in the session package, a decent amount of time will be set aside for changing clothes.
Lighting and Background Choice
Lighting plays a huge role in how an image will be received and is an important aspect that photographers must consider when choosing a location for their senior portrait session. Many portrait photographers take advantage of the natural light of the outdoors, whether in the stick or in a garden, to make the most of their client’s features. Similarly, the background can make or break a portrait, and having a variety of settings to choose from is always important.
Pose and Direction
Once the decision on wardrobe, location, and lighting has been made, the photographer can then focus on the most important aspect of their job, which is getting the client to pose correctly and capture their unique personality. Senior pictures should be less about the photographer’s vision and more about the client’s, and an experienced photographer will know how to draw that out. To make sure their clients are looking and feeling their best, a photographer may need to provide a bit of direction and point out any potential wardrobe malfunctions.
Edit and Print
Once the session is done, the photographer can then go back and pick out the best images from the day and edit them to bring out the best in their clients. Many clients will receive proofs, where they can choose which images they like best, which the photographer can then get printed for them. Of course, these days much of this can be done online, with clients seeing the images before purchasing them.
Conclusion
Senior portrait sessions require a great deal of preparation, planning, and experience to do well. From helping the client pick the perfect wardrobe and location, to directing poses and getting the best lighting, a good photographer will always go above and beyond to make sure that their client’s senior pictures are of the highest quality. All of these steps are important and contribute to the overall success of a senior portrait session, ensuring that clients will have a piece of memorabilia that truly stands the test of time.