10 Tips to Have the Best Senior Portrait Session | Bolivar MO. Senior Photographer

It's finally Spring, and that means senior photography sessions are in full swing! Your senior portraits are a fun and personal way to celebrate a huge milestone in your life, and today I would love to help you dive into the world of senior photography so you know what to think about before booking and planning your session to make sure you get the results you want.

Hey there! I'm Mackenzie, owner of Mackenzie Slack Photography in Bolivar, Missouri. I've been a photographer in southwest Missouri for almost 7 years and during that time, have learned a thing or two when it comes to senior sessions. My goal is to educate you so that you have the BEST experience possible! Because let's face - you worked hard to get here and you deserve something great!

Today, I'm specifically referring to high school seniors, however these tips are also applicable for college seniors as well.

Let's dive in! Here are my top 10 tips to ensure you have a great senior photography experience!

1. Think About What You Want

   I know - it sounds slightly ridiculous to say this... but it's super important. Having a vision or at least an idea of what you want from your senior session is the best place to start. This will not only help you with step 2, but will also give you the best start to a successful session.

   

   
   

2. Choose Your Photographer

   By the end of high school, many families have a photographer they love and trust! If you don't or would like to go with a different style for your senior photos, that is absolutely fine! You can start by asking friends and looking up photographers in your area. Once you have a list, go through and look at their work and which photographers style resonates with what you have in mind. Next you can narrow down based on which fits your budget and schedule.

   
   
   

   

   

   

3. Book Early

   Spring and Fall are highly requested when it comes to senior sessions (and photography in general). Booking in advance will not only give you access to the best dates and weather, but will also give you plenty of time to plan your outfits and details of your session. You'll also get your images back with plenty of time to get them turned in to the school (trust me when I say that the extra stress of getting your images back in time for the school deadline is something you don't need right now).

4. Location, Location, Location

   A super important part of your session's success is your location(s). You want to choose a location that fits the vibe and vision of your session and that will give you plenty of opportunity for diversity. Mixing and matching locations, if close by, may be a great option for you, and if possible, it's always a great idea to have one of your locations be something meaningful to you or that helps you tell your story!

   
   
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

5. Wardrobe

   Another priority is your wardrobe. I can't stress this enough... choose outfits that feel like you and fit your personality (maybe just a little more elevated than normal). Think flowy dresses, fitted basics, layered textures when possible. I always recommend 2-3 outfits. Something casual, something dressy, and something personal like a jersey or hobby-related look. For bonus points, including a neutral tone plus one or two standout pieces is always sure to give you tons of variety.

   
   
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

6. Hair & Makeup & Hygiene

   I typically recommend that girls do their hair and makeup, or have it done professionally if it's not something that they are particularly talented at. You don't have to go crazy, just a bit to make your photos pop and give them an elevated feel. Boys should also make sure their hair is fixed - if you plan on wearing a hat for some of your photos, we will save that set for last! Another important note is to make sure your facial hair is done how you want (if your session is in the evening but you want a clean shave look - wait till later in the day to shave). A couple other things you will want to make time for before your session are nail and oral hygiene!

   
   

   

7. Meaningful Props

   Props should enhance your session without overwhelming it. Think letterman jackets, instruments, sports gear, your car/truck, cap & gown, class ring, books, or other sentimental items. An intentional item or two will go a long way!

8. Session Tips - Think Movement Over Posing

   The best photos feel natural and genuine. While your photographer will be able to give you direction, here are some things you can be prepared for that will help achieve a more natural look. Walking, twirling, laughing, playing with your hair or outfit, interacting with your environment - there are tons of ways to include movement into your session to give you those candid, effortless looking moments.

9. RELAX!

   The great thing about senior portraits, is that your photographer doesn't expect you to be a pro at this. We will guide you through every moment, posing you and giving you prompts to achieve what we want. And it's ok to feel awkward at first - it's completely normal. Your confidence will grow throughout the session. Once you've warmed up and we're having fun, you'll feel comfortable and confident and we will be capturing your best angles without you overthinking it!

10. Cap & Gown Photos

    My final tip for you is to have a separate cap and gown session. My seniors get this for free when they book with me, and I know many other photographers offer the same or give a discount. All you need is a mini session - just a few great photos in your cap and gown when they come in before graduation! Graduation day is crazy, and the odds of you getting a great cap and gown photo are slim.

I hope this list of 10 tips to have the best senior portrait session helps you get the senior photos of your dreams! You've worked so hard to get here, and you deserve it!

If you have any questions about senior portraits, I would love to help answer them! You can email me at Mackenzieslackphotography@gmail.com