From the time it takes to find the right senior photographer to planning the details of the shoot, you might be wondering whether senior portraits are even worth the effort. Your phone can take similar shots, right?
Before you give up on the idea of a professional senior photo session, here are a few things to consider.
This is a Massive Milestone
You are never going to reach or celebrate this milestone ever again. Don’t you want to remember it in some way? If you think that you will find time to plan a professional photo session later on in life, think again – there will always be something else you need to do. Now is the perfect time to hire a professional senior photographer to commemorate this milestone.
Your Parents Will Thank You
Very often, parents encourage seniors to schedule a professional photo session because it gives them something to remember them by. If you are planning to spend a year in another country or you are off to college in another city, your parents will love looking back on these photos with you, especially the ones they are included in. This is a massive milestone for them too – one they want to look back on.
You Will Cherish the Memories
One day you’re going to want to look back on your senior year and will be thankful you have these photos. What’s more, many seniors choose to include family and friends in these shots, which makes them even more special. You are also never going to be this young again, so capture this wonderful time in your life in a way that represents who you are right now.
A senior photoshoot is never a waste of time and when you work with the right photographer, it’s a fun, positive experience you will always remember.
Perhaps you heard of someone who didn’t have a great experience with a professional senior photo or you’re just not sure these types of shots appeal to you. Whatever your reservations, know that senior photos are always a worthwhile investment.
Let’s elaborate.
One of the first things that tend to put some seniors off a professional session is the photos they have seen. Unfortunately, there are still many photos with a tired and outdated style that are floating around online. From terrible poses to boring backdrops, you might be thinking your senior photos won’t be all that memorable, but this isn’t true.
Professional, modern senior photographers aim to provide you with a positive experience by incorporating your unique style, personality, and preferences into your photos. This means if you would prefer a shoot in your garden at home with your dog, wearing your favorite summer dress, that is exactly what you should do. Want to shoot in your hiking gear at the side of a lake because that’s where you spend a lot of your spare time? Done!
Next is the cost of a senior photo session. The good news is these sessions don’t need to cost a fortune. If you don’t need a full, traditional photoshoot, you can always opt for a mini session. Not only are these sessions affordable, but they are quick and convenient too. Just keep in mind that you might not be able to customize it as much as a traditional session.
Lastly, there’s the necessity. Will you really look back on these photos? The answer is absolutely! Almost anyone you speak to has photos from their senior year. What’s more, it’s a great gift for your parents if you’re moving away for college.
In the end, you could always take some photos yourself, but the quality and creativity won’t be the same. Working with a professional senior photographer is always worth it.
Your furry family members are an important part of your life, so it only makes sense that you’d want to include them in some of your senior photos (if not all of them).
To make this a fun experience without sacrificing the quality of your photos, here are a few tips to read through before your session.
- How does your pet generally behave? Before you choose a photographer and a location, consider what your pet is like. Are they fine around new people? Do they hate being held? Can you easily travel with them in a car? Knowing your pet’s personality and behavior will help you better plan your session.
- Bring someone along with you. Since your pet might not be in all your photos with you, bring someone along who can manage your pet in between shots.
- Have a carrier or leash with you. Depending on where your shoot will take place, it’s important to bring a carrier or leash along with you. This will prevent your pet from running away and putting themselves in harm’s way during all the excitement.
- Bring some treats. If your dog responds to treats as a reward for good behavior, bring them along to your session.
- Think twice about the location. The location you pick should fit in with your pet. If you know that your dog would go crazy in a setting where there’s a lot to do and see, you may want to have your shoot at home or in a quieter park instead.
- Schedule a grooming session. In the same way that you want to look good for your senior photos, your pet should look good too. Schedule a grooming session the day before or the day of your shoot.
- Choose the right outfit. Find an outfit that matches your pet. For starters, your outfit should be easy to move in and not show hair or dirt easily. You should also find a way to match your outfit to your pet’s collar or bow – whatever you choose to dress them in. It’s best not to opt for wacky pet outfits as this could the focus off you.
- Relax into it. You never quite know what might happen during a photo session with a pet so it’s best to simply have fun and go with the flow. Not every photo with your pet needs to be perfect.
When you think of photo sessions with a pet, you may be thinking cats or dogs but remember that you can include any type of pet you want to. You may just want to check with your photographer whether there are any pets they haven’t or would prefer not to work with.
