What are senior photos?
Congratulations! You're about to graduate! As you approach your graduation day, you likely have heard about senior photos. What exactly are senior photos, and why should you take them? Let's break down the answers: Senior photos are professional photos you take to celebrate and memorialize your final year of high school. They've been a tradition for a long time (You've likely seen both your parents' and grandparents' senior photos).
Nowadays, senior photos are all about capturing your unique personality and style. You have lots of options! You can choose to have a traditional headshot or get a little more creative with a fun photoshoot. Either way, it will showcase the person you've become throughout your high school journey. Not only are they a fun way to commemorate this milestone, but they're also practical. Senior photos are often used in graduation announcements and yearbooks; they are also great keepsakes for your family and friends. As a professional family and wedding photographer, I am excited to share feedback that I've received that will help you decide about your senior photos!
Don't regret not taking graduation photos!
Graduation photos truly capture memories of once-in-a-lifetime moments. So why might people decide not to do a graduation photo session? Some choose not to have a professional photo session due to cost, not feeling photogenic, or simply not seeing its value; others feel super uncomfortable in front of the camera.
To help you make an informed choice, I asked past and current clients if they took grad photos and how they now feel about their decision. Here's a compilation of the answers I received:
I wish I would have…
"I would now like to have them as a more unique expression of myself as an individual at that time."
"I didn't take them, and I regret that so much! It would be nice to have those memories in photos."
"The school photos were not cute at all and didn't reflect my personality."
I am so glad I did…
"I love my grad photos because my photographer made me feel beautiful!"
"Graduation is such an important milestone, and having memories of that and what I looked like is special."
"I love them because they captured the real me. I felt like myself."
Don't miss out on the opportunity to capture this special moment in time. Trust me, when you look back years from now, you'll be glad you did! But, once this moment passes you by, there is no going back. You are not the same person you were when you entered high school as a freshman. So let’s work together and create a photoshoot that reflects the person you've become!
Creative Graduation Photo Ideas
As you prepare for graduation and start planning your senior photo shoot, you may wonder how to make it unique and memorable. Don't worry, I've got some creative graduation photo ideas for you! Location-based shoots can be a great way to add personality to your photos. Think about places that are meaningful to you, such as your favorite hangout spot or a park where you used to play as a kid. Alternatively, you can opt for a theme-based shoot that showcases your interests or hobbies. For example, if you love music, you can pose with your instrument or go to a recording studio for some shots. Most importantly, be sure your photos reflect your personality and style. Don't be afraid to get creative and bring your own props and outfits to the shoot. You can also incorporate any special items that have sentimental value to you… like a necklace from your grandma or a jersey from your first game.
Before the shoot, make sure you're well-rested and hydrated. Plan your outfits ahead of time and make sure they fit well and complement the overall theme of the shoot. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience! These photos will be a lasting memory of this special time in your life, so make sure they reflect who you are and what you stand for.
Plan Your Senior Photo Session
I personally didn't have any professional senior photos taken, and I wish I had. Getting senior or graduation photos done outside of school gives you more creative freedom and a chance to show who you are and what your interests are at that time. Time flies, and before you know it, it's been 10, 20, or more years since you graduated. Having that moment frozen in photos is something I wish I had to look back on.
Choosing the right photographer is also important. Some of my past clients mentioned that I captured who they genuinely are and made them feel beautiful. I will be your #1 hype person and help you not feel awkward so you can look back on your photos and be happy you had them taken. I work hard to make sure I get images you're going to love for years to come! Don't underestimate the power of photos to transport you back in time. They help you remember how you felt, who you were with, and what was important to you. If you would like to book a photo session or have lingering questions or concerns, I'm here to help. As a professional photographer, I'm dedicated to making sure you look and feel your best in front of the camera. So, let's capture some amazing, unique memories together!