A Letter To My Future Self Senior Portraits & Graduation Photos
Senior Portrait - The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
August 21st, 2024
August 21st, 2024
I remember the first time I wanted to start doing photography professionally and I told myself that if I want to get clients, I actually have to take photos. That and I need to make myself comfortable with directing people to create the masterpiece we've both envisioned.
1. Preparation is Key
Senior portraits require a bit more preparation than other types of photography. It's not just about having the right gear—though that's essential—but also about understanding the senior's vision for their photos. Before the shoot, I made sure to have a discussion with my client about their interests, preferred locations, and any specific poses or themes they wanted to incorporate. Creating a Pinterest board that both yourself and the client can add photos to may prove beneficial. This planning session helped ease the nerves and set the stage for a smooth shoot.
2. Location, Location, Location
Finding the perfect location is crucial. While their are general areas that you'll want photos of (the overlook in front of the Popp Martin Student Union, the SAC tower, etcetera) Seniors often want their photos to be personal and reflect who they are at this stage in their life. For example, engineering students may want photos in and out of Duke Centennial Hall. Maybe you have a Senior who always used the library or botanical gardens, these are prime locations to get personable photos. In addition to that, scouting the locations ahead of time is a must. It allowed for me to understand lighting, potential obstacles, busy times, and unique spots that could make the photos stand out.
3. The Importance of Posing and Comfort
For many seniors, this might be their first professional photo session, so they can feel a bit awkward in front of the camera. My friend, Alexis, has known me for many years and was still as nervous as can be. It's my job to make them feel comfortable. I discovered that giving gentle directions, offering encouragement, and allowing them to express themselves naturally leads to the best shots. Posing should feel effortless, and sometimes the best images come from candid moments rather than stiff, overly posed ones. I tell a lot of my clients, don't think of it as a shoot, instead think of it as a time to play around and experiment!
4. Capturing Personality is Everything
One of the biggest takeaways from my first senior session was realizing how important it is to capture the senior's personality. These photos are more than just portraits—they’re memories of who they were at this pivotal moment in their life. I love taking candids, they're the easiest way to get a glimpse into a person's personality without even trying. Whether it's a laughing shot, a serious expression, or incorporating elements that represent their hobbies or future plans, the photos should tell their story. I found that spending time talking with the senior during the shoot helped them relax and allowed me to capture more authentic expressions.
5. Lighting Can Make or Break Your Shots
This session reaffirmed the importance of good lighting. Natural light, especially during golden hour, can elevate the quality of the images significantly. I also learned to be adaptable when the lighting wasn’t perfect. Reflectors became my best friend during the shoot, helping me manage harsh sunlight and unwanted shadows. The right lighting made all the difference in achieving crisp, vibrant images that stood out.
6. Flexibility and Patience Pay Off
Not everything goes as planned during a shoot. Weather changes, unexpected crowds, or a subject feeling camera shy—these are all things I encountered during my first senior session. I learned that flexibility and patience are key to a successful shoot. Staying calm and adjusting to whatever comes your way ensures the session remains fun and stress-free for everyone involved.
7. Roll with the Unexpected
Not everything will go according to plan, and how you handle those moments can make or break a session. For example, if you’ve already rescheduled a shoot due to bad weather, the new day turns out to be cloudy and your client doesn't have availability to reschedule, it’s crucial to make the best of what you’ve got. Even on the cloudiest days, you can still capture stunning photos that are vibrant and full of life. Keeping your client’s spirits high is key—reassure them that despite the weather, they’ll still receive amazing photos. Positive communication and confidence go a long way in ensuring your client leaves the session happy.
8. Post-Processing is Just as Important as the Shoot
After the session, I realized how important post-processing is in bringing the final images to life. Editing isn't just about adjusting brightness or contrast; it’s about enhancing the mood and feel of the photos while staying true to the senior’s personality. I found that subtle edits that maintain a natural look work best for senior portraits. Investing time in the editing process made a huge difference in the final product.
9. Client Communication and Follow-Up Matter
After delivering the final photos, I learned the importance of client communication and follow-up. Ensuring the senior and their family were satisfied with the images was just as important as the shoot itself. A simple follow-up message to check in and see if they needed any additional edits or prints helped build trust and encouraged positive word-of-mouth for future clients. Another way to keep clients in the loop is by creating an email list where past clients can be the first to book for discounted shoots, new events, giveaways, etcetera.
Final Thoughts
My first senior portrait session was a learning experience in every sense. It taught me the importance of preparation, connection, and adaptability. Each senior is unique, and capturing that individuality is the key to a successful session. As I continue to grow as a photographer, I’m excited to take these lessons with me into future shoots, always striving to improve and deliver images that my clients will cherish for years to come.