Keys to Having a Great Session
Keys to Having a Great Session
- Find a photographer whose style best fits your vision. Browse galleries to learn what images you like most. Are they bold and colorful, or light and airy?
- Book early, especially if you want a specific season. Congratulations, you’re ahead of the game if you’ve already scheduled the date. If you haven’t, remember not to wait until Spring to secure a session in Spring because most photographers' schedules fill early.
- Discuss where you’d like your session to take place. It helps to browse photos of seniors from previous years to see if any areas catch your eye. Even in the same location, seasons, weather, and lighting can change the aesthetic of an image, however, so be aware that all sessions are unique.
- Perhaps, you can make a style board of poses, locations, or outfits you might like.
- Plan your outfits early, and don’t forget to include the shoes, accessories, and undergarments you'll wear.
- Try on your outfits in advance of the session to allow time to find something else if needed. This one is for the boys, but girls may want to share them with their photographer ahead of the session to decide which would work best on location.
- Gather all props you’d like to use in photos. These might include kindergarten graduation photos, a sentimental item, class rings, sports jerseys, sports equipment, letter jackets, instruments, college T-shirts 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 might have hair and makeup appointments to make, but don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself. Your outfits are ready, and all that’s left is to have fun. Feel free to play your favorite tunes. I love all music!
- Walking is common in most locations. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes to the session, preferably something you can slip on and off easily, and 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 Date, Location, and Book
Thank you for considering me as your senior 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/Watson/Walker area, some want the downtown Baton Rouge scene, and some choose fee-based locations, such as the Rural Life Museum, the St. Francisville plantations, or various gardens around Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Because of the diverse backdrops available in one location, the grounds at LSU and the grounds at the state capitol are the most requested spots.
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 patterns 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 patterns that aren't too busy so that the pattern doesn't detract from you. A pretty floral on a flowy maxi or midi dress is quite elegant.
Black-and-white clothing and other neutrals can be an attractive option. A black suit or a fit and flare black dress is timeless, while a white, flowy dress is an elegant choice.
It's always a good idea to select a few colorful options. Jewel tones are stunning, in both the fall and spring. Pops of bright colors work for boys as well as girls. You can’t go wrong with a color that complements your eyes or skin tone.
Pink, baby blue, sage green, and other muted pastel colors are a nice option, especially in the spring and summer. Choose a bright and playful color that complements your 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, so it's best not to wear anything too tight.
Don’t forget to bring something to wear beneath the cap and gown if you’ve chosen it as an option. Think… what will I wear on graduation day? (For the guys, a button-up with slacks is ideal, and for the girls, a traditional dress in white or another preferred color is the best choice, but some have worn jeans and polos, or even tees and shorts.)