Keys to Having a Great Session
Keys to Having a Great Session
- Find a photographer whose style best fits your vision.
- Book early. Congratulations, you’re ahead of the game if you’ve already scheduled the date. If you haven’t, remember not to wait until Spring for a session in Spring.
- Discuss where you’d like to have your session. It helps to browse photos of seniors from previous years. Remember that seasons, weather, and lighting can change the aesthetic of an image even when it’s taken at the same location. All sessions are unique.
- Plan out your outfits early. Don’t forget shoes and accessories.
- Try on your outfits prior to the session. This one is for the boys. Haha,
- Locate all props you’d like to use in photos. This may include kindergarten graduation photos, class rings, sports jerseys, sports equipment, letter jacket, instruments, college T-shirt or pennants, etc. Props may not be your “thing,” and that’s okay, too. It’s all about you.
- On the day, relax. Yes, you have hair and makeup appointments to make but don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself. All your outfits are ready, and all that’s left is to have fun. Feel free to play your favorite tunes. I love all music!
- For most locations, walking is common. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, preferably something you can slip on and off easily, to the session. Carry your “pretties” to change into. I promise you that those “comfortable” heels won’t be comfortable for long. Don’t be a martyr.
- That’s it. It’s time to pose and smile. This is the easy part.
Find a Photographer, Decide on Location, and Book
Thank you for considering me as your photographer. With the many photographers available today, I am honored to capture this milestone for you. If you’ve already booked your date, then relax. The hard part is over! Dates fill fast, and certain seasons are more popular than others, although, in recent years, the only “slow” season has been the summer. If you can’t commit to a specific date yet, try to decide on a month or season.
There are many locations from which to choose. Some seniors have sessions on private property, some choose to stay around the Denham Springs/Walker area, some want the downtown Baton Rouge area, and some choose fee-based locations, such as Rural Life Museum, the St. Francisville plantations, and various gardens around Baton Rouge and New Orleans. However, the most popular areas, because of the diverse backdrops available in one location, are the grounds at LSU and the grounds at the capitol.
If you have questions about a specific location, we can work together to find the best place for your senior shoot.
Planning Your Outfits
There is no right or wrong outfit for a senior session. Sure, some clothing photographs better than others, but ultimately, it’s about what the senior looks and feels best wearing and what expresses his/her style. Are there exceptions? Yes! Boys never like to wear dressy attire, but wow, does it look good in photos!
Overly busy prints and stripes aren’t the best choices, with most sites suggesting you opt for solids. Again, it’s what you like. If you like stripes, find some that elongate the body, and if you like prints, try to select some that are not so busy that the pattern detracts from you. A pretty floral on a flowy maxi or midi dress is quite elegant.
Black-and-white clothing and other neutrals can be attractive, so if that’s your thing, it’s okay, but when in doubt, opt for color. Jewel tones are stunning, both in the fall and in the spring. Pops of bright colors work for boys as well as girls. While neutrals are tried and true, you can’t go wrong with a color that complements your eyes or skin tone.
Keep in mind that for a wider variety in posing, it helps to include something you feel comfortable moving in, sitting in, and squatting in.
Don’t forget to bring something to wear beneath the cap and gown if you’ve chosen to have them in your selection. Think… what will I wear on graduation day? (Button-up and slacks; traditional dress in white or other preferred colors are the best choices, but some have done shoots in tees.)