Tips for Taking High School Senior Portraits!

Getting ready for graduation? Taking senior portraits is a great way to remember your senior year of high school! I don’t take Senior portraits often, but when I do, they are so much fun! Our local high school is College Park in Pleasant Hill. I actually went to school there! I wish I got professional senior portraits here in California back when I was a senior! I remember taking portraits at a studio that I used for my yearbook, but I wish it was more of a thing to take outdoor senior portraits back then!

First things first, choose a photographer you love and who knows what they are doing! Many people are finding senior photographers on a Google search, yelp, Thumbtack, or Instagram. Check out their work, like mine ;) and see if they’re the right fit. Is their style, coloring and portraits what matches your style? Images will vary by location and the season of the year, but generally, the coloring and style of the photos will be the same.

Choose some outfits that you feel confident in! Make sure they are in trend with the current styles and coloring. That way they will reflect the time of your high school year. Also consider wearing outfits that are timeless. For example, mom jeans are cool, but maybe not for a senior portrait session. I always recommend wearing a flowing dress that has neutral colors, and an outfit that is casual like jeans a blouse and cardigan for another look. Always wear trendy accessories like bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Do your hair and makeup as well. Maybe even get a manicure and pedicure!

If you’re a guy, maybe get a fresh haircut, but get one at least one week in advance in case anything goes wrong! Wear a more formal outfit and a casual outfit as well! You can wear accessories as well. Watches are nice shoes are always attractive You want to look your absolute best and that will help you feel your best when taking photos.

Get to know yourself. What side of your face and body do you prefer to feature? Do you like photos where you are standing up or sitting down better? Are there any props that you prefer to bring to our photoshoot that reflect who you are? For example, if you are a cheerleader, maybe bring a trophy, or pom poms. If you play the flute, bring your flute! I’ve seen some seniors take portraits with an American flag. What a cute idea! Bring something that you’d like to remember and it will make you feel more comfortable having somewhere to put your hands.😜 Practice a variety of smiles and poses to see what looks best on you!

If you invited a friend or family member to your session maybe they will have some ideas to help you out as well. It’s helpful to have someone hold your props, bags and supplies etc.. You may want to bring a water bottle if we are hiking, your lipstick to reapply your makeup, an extra pair of shoes and something like tissues just in case you need them! You know yourself best and what you’ll need to be comfortable and confident for your senior portraits here in the SF bay area!

Let me know what you are liking and not liking while taking photos with me! I want to make this session all about you and get you some images that you absolutely LOVE! Once you are prepared for the session, there is nothing to worry about. Things come up and I am totally flexible to work with you! I’m looking forward to meeting you soon. :)