7 Tips for a Rockin’ Senior Portrait Session
You’re almost there!
Whether you loved high school or hated it, I think we can agree that it’s been a journey. And the end of your high school career marks not just graduation, but time for a new adventure! In my humble opinion, the very best way to celebrate your achievement (and get ready for this exciting new chapter) is to commemorate your coolness with some professional senior portraits.
But…what if you’re feeling a little nervous about it?
Honestly, I can’t say I blame you. Letting me creep around you with a camera is a gutsy move. But I’ve been doing this for a long time and no seniors have been hurt in the making of my portfolio, so that’s got to count for something, right? And because I’ve been doing this for a while, I can give you all the tricks of the trade to guarantee a great experience. Here are my top 7 tips for a rockin’ senior portrait session!
Personalize It
There’s a reason I’m putting this first. There are so many fantastic ideas out there for cool senior portraits, but if it’s not really you, it’s not going to work. So feel free to gather inspiration from friends, the internet, maybe even my website, and get all the ideas. But when it comes right down to it, let’s make this one of a kind. I want you to embrace your personality, your hobbies, all the stuff that makes you unique or amazing (or even a little weird—I’m all about weird) and let’s figure out how we can create a senior portrait session that is all you!
Bring a Friend
A big audience may not help you relax (#nopressure) but sometimes having a bestie by your side can help you smile at all the right moments. If you want your best friend, your mom, your dog—whoever! —to tag along, then by all means. The more the merrier!
Crank the Tunes
If you’re feeling a little stiff and nervous, music might be exactly what you need. I mean, you probably already have a pretty good idea of your life soundtrack, right? So bring it along! We can totally jam out to tunes, have a dance party, whatever would help you relax and have fun!
Practice Posing
I know you don’t want to hear this, but your piano teacher was right: Practice makes perfect. And that goes for posing too! You might feel a little dumb striking power poses and smiling at yourself in front of the mirror, but just shut the door and do it anyway. It will make you feel a whole lot more confident when it’s time to nail it on camera.
Remember the Hair and Nails
Getting a new haircut for your portrait session? A trim can make you feel all fresh and confident, so go for it! The only thing I would say is to make sure it’s not TOO new. You want a little time to get used to it (and figure out styling if it’s a look you haven’t tried before) so make sure there’s maybe a week between your trip to the salon and your trip to the studio.
Oh, and make sure you clean under those fingernails. ;) If you go for nail polish, a nude or soft neutral shade will be your best bet.
