Your senior year is going to be one of the most memorable times in your life and what better way to keep those memories alive than with a senior photo session. However, your experience and photos are only as good as your photographer, so you need to choose wisely.
Luckily, it’s much easier than you might think. Here are 3 simple tips that will help.
1. Homework is a Must
Yes, it can take some time but finding the right senior photographer is well worth the effort. Along with using a trustworthy search engine, you can also do some searches on social media sites such as Instagram and Pinterest – this will give you a good idea of the photographer’s capabilities. Read through any reviews that are available as these are invaluable.
2. Stick to the Pros
It might be tempting to get a friend or amateur to take your senior photos, but it’s a huge risk. You could spend weeks planning everything from your location and outfit to the props you want to use only to be left with photos you don’t want to share. When you work with a pro, you can be sure they will understand how to translate your vision into photos you love!
3. Stick to a Senior Photographer
A photographer can have many different specialties, but it’s advisable to pick a photographer that actually photographs seniors. It’s fine if they also specialize in other forms of photography, but senior photography should be one of them. These photographers know what looks good for these types of photos, ensuring you will be happy. If you will be searching on social media, start by searching for hashtags related to seniors to help narrow down your search.
There you have it, you’re now ready to start your search.
Nobody knew the lasting effects coronavirus would have on our lives and many seniors have had to put their celebrations and plans on the backburner.
You deserve recognition and to celebrate this important milestone. So, until you can have the graduation party of your dreams, you can start planning out the specifics.
Here are the elements you need to focus on.
The Guest List
Deciding who you want to invite will help you determine whether you need a venue, entertainment, and a caterer. Do you just want it to be family or friends and family? How many people do you plan to invite? Will it be a grand party or something more intimate?
Set a Budget
Sit down with your parents and work out a budget for the party. Start by listing what is most important to you and allocating budget towards that first. Whatever is leftover can be used to pay for small extras.
Search for Venues
Many seniors choose to have their parties right at home. If you would prefer to hire a venue, start searching for something in your area that fits in with your theme and your budget. Once you have a shortlist, find out about venue hire fees and whether you have to purchase food and drinks directly from them. Being able to supply your own food and drinks always works out much cheaper.
Decide on the Food
Food that’s easy to make and eat is a popular choice for graduation parties, unless you prefer to have a more formal sit-down meal. If you are having a party at home, opt for food you can prepare the day before. The other option is to have a caterer take care of the food for you. In fact, many restaurants are catering parties now too. If you have some additional budget, you could even consider a food truck.
Plan Your Décor & Entertainment
This is one of the best parts of planning a graduation party. Once you decide on a theme, create a Pinterest board and start collecting ideas. There is so much you can create right at home without spending a fortune. Whatever theme you decide on, have fun with it and make it your own. In terms of entertainment, a good playlist is all you really need. However, if you want to go big, you could hire a local band or DJ, or set up a games area. Since you will be sharing this celebration with the people you love the most, ask your senior photographer about photo booth options too.
Remember, this is your graduation party, which means you don’t need to do what everyone else is doing. Celebrate in style, your way!
Senior portraits can be displayed just about anywhere, but there are certain spots in a home where they really stand out.
To help you think outside the box, we have put together a few ideas you can use once you receive your child’s senior portrait prints.
Use Your Favorite Spots
Which spots in your home do you love spending time in? This could be anywhere from a dressing area, to the living or laundry room. Add one of the prints to a frame, so that you always have a special reminder of this important milestone.
Over the Fireplace
Have a fireplace in your home? This is the perfect place to hang a senior portrait, whether it is framed or printed on canvas. If you have more than one child, you can create a small photo wall above your fireplace, so that everyone gets a spot.
Change Up Your Bookshelf
Yes, your bookshelf is designed to house books, but this doesn’t mean you only need to use it for reading material. Get creative by combining your favorite books with one or two framed senior portraits and other knick knacks.
Move Away from Frames
If your décor has more of an artistic feel, you can always place small canvas prints on easels. These look great on side tables in either the bedroom or living room. Plus, they make for instant conversation starters about your senior.
Spruce Up Your Foyer
It’s always nice to be met with beautiful family photos and portraits when you enter a home. Change up the frame sizes and colors to create movement and to add a creative touch to your foyer.
Incorporate Them into Their Grad Party
Planning to host a grad party at home for your senior? Why not use some of their creative shots as décor? This is a party to celebrate them, after all, so make them the center of attention in every way possible. If you want to take it one step further, you can even use these professional photos to create Christmas decorations.
Whatever you do, make sure that you print your child’s senior photos. You are hiring a professional photographer for the occasion, so make it count.
