High School Senior Photo season is around the corner (typically June to September). That means now is the time to start planning! Let’s dive right in with choosing a senior photographer.
This is part of a new series called YOUR SENIOR EXPERIENCE for soon-to-be seniors and parents to give you a glimpse into the “behind the scenes” of planning for the session, the session itself, and what to do with the images from your session.
Picking the right senior photographer is crucial to having an enjoyable and successful experience. Knowing where to start may feel overwhelming after doing a quick Google search for photographers in your area.
Here are three things to consider when looking at different photographers and checking out their websites.
1. Considering Style When Choosing a Senior Photographer
Do they take the kind of pictures you like? Maybe you dream of photos out in an open field, but the photographer’s website you are looking at shows mostly glamour-style indoor headshots or vice versa.
As you go through galleries and look at different photographers’ work, think about what you want your final images to look like and find a photographer who takes images like that.
Here are a few things to think about when it comes to style:
– Do you like close-up headshots or sweeping environmental portraits?
– Do you like soft, dreamy images or contrasty and bold ones?
– Do you like images with a lovely soft shallow depth of field, or do you like the background of your image to be in focus, too?
– Do you like natural/earthy outdoor images or indoor studio-style images?
– Do you like B&W or color images? (Many photographers do both, but if you love one or the other, it doesn’t hurt to share that with your photographer)
– Do you want an easy-going natural light experience or an intense Hollywood vibe experience with lots of “lights camera action”?
2. Considering The Experience When Choosing a Senior Photographer
Photographers will differ not only in style but also in the photography experience.
Here at Amber Langerud Photography, I like to help you make your senior pictures as customized as possible by having you fill out a questionnaire before the session that gives me some insight into your personality and hobbies. I also encourage you to bring props, such as your FFA jacket, a basketball, or your four-legged companion.
PRO TIP: It can also be super fun to bring a photo-loving friend to encourage you and possibly get a photo or two with you during the session.
So now that you are prepared for the session and know who/what is coming, it is time for the session
CONSIDER POSING
Different photographers will vary in style and amount of posing. When you are searching for a photographer, ask them about their posing style and how it will impact the flow of the session.
I like to guide my clients very closely and will give you little cues such as dipping your shoulder, dropping the chin, or kicking your hips back to help create beautiful angles and precise poses to help you look your best. You might like this style of posing, you might not, just another aspect to consider when searching for a high school senior photographer.
CONSIDER THE FINAL PRODUCT
Then, after the session, ask your photographer what to expect if you get an online gallery, a USB drive, or have an ordering session to pick out your favorites and purchase products.
3. Reviewing Pricing and Packaging When Choosing a Senior Photographer
I hate to say it, but often, price is a factor that needs to be considered when choosing your high school senior photographer. We would all love an unlimited budget, but unfortunately, budgets are a reality for many of us. Suppose you are doing some price shopping. Remember that you often get what you pay for (not always, but usually).
DIGGING DEEPER INTO PRICING
Also, note that different studios may have different package structures. Some include digital images with the session; some have prints and photo products as add-ons, etc. One is not better than the other. Just evaluate your situation and what you want the end product from your session to be.
Stay tuned for PART 2: Pre-visualizing and preparing for your session in the coming weeks!
