Years ago, senior portraits often took place in the studio. Now in 2020, these types of sessions are a thing of the past. Today, senior pictures are more personal and sentimental. Graduating from high school is a big achievement. Senior pictures are there to show your style, hobbies, and accomplishments. As experienced photographers, we know how to create lasting photos that tell a story.
The possibilities are endless for senior portraits. Every shoot will encompass a standard headshot in a nice outfit, but beyond that, this is a chance to truly express yourself. Planning your senior portrait session can quickly become overwhelming. We are here to help ease your stresses and give you some great ideas so your memories bring a smile to your face for years to come.
Finding the Right Photographer
When searching for someone to take your senior portraits, there are many options to choose from. From certified photographers to a friend’s uncle with a camera, there are a lot of people out there snapping photos. The most important thing to look for is the style of the photographer. Some are more artsy, others are old-fashioned, and some are contemporary. Do you dream of vibrant colors or lighter tones? These are good things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect photographer for you. You can get a good sense of a photographer’s style by reviewing their website portfolios. Browse through our gallery here.
Planning Your Senior Portraits
It’s a good idea to sit down with your photographer (or via Zoom) and discuss your future photoshoot. This is the time to discuss your personal style and to show some examples of photo ideas that you like. Together you can brainstorm locations, styles, props and outfits for your upcoming senior portraits. This gives the photographer a chance to get to know you and to envision your session.
Location
What makes the best photo is optimal lighting. Senior portraits can be inside a studio as well as outside. There are many great options when searching for a location in the beautiful Willamette Valley. Popular destinations include high school sporting fields or gyms, open fields, and downtown Eugene or Springfield. Other possibilities include:
- Coffee shops
- The library
- Future college campus
- Backyard
- Rose gardens
- Along the McKenzie or Willamette Rivers
- At an old barn
Props
The goal of the photographer is to create pictures that are special to you. Using props is a great way to make your senior photos personalized. Props can be used in a variety of ways. It’s always important to make sure any props used enhance the photo and don’t take away from you being the main focus. Here are some classic prop ideas that always make for great, personal photos:
- Cap and gown
- Sports equipment (football, basketball, track spikes, pom poms
- Musical instruments
- Car
- A sign
- Twinkly lights
- Pets
If you are interested in having an experienced photographer capture your senior portraits, contact us today! We look forward to working with you and capturing this important, memorable time in your life.