5 things to look for in a senior photographer
Is senior year knocking on your door? The thrill of graduation and the excitement of new beginnings are almost within reach. But amidst the anxieties of college applications, there's another important decision to make: choosing the right senior photographer. Let's face it, finding the perfect photographer to capture this momentous occasion can feel overwhelming. With countless options and varying styles, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of shutter clicks and artistic filters.
While budget is a natural starting point when searching for a senior photographer, it's important to remember it's just one piece of the puzzle. Your ideal photographer should also fit your creative vision, personality, and needs.
By the end of this post, you'll be prepared to embark on your senior photography journey with clarity and purpose, ensuring that your special moment is immortalized in stunning images that truly reflect your personality and aspirations. Get ready to discover the secrets to finding the perfect senior photographer for you!
1. Consistency.
It's important to note whether the photographer you're considering can produce consistently good photos throughout a session. You don't want to hire someone who just gets that lucky shot once in a while.
2. location & style.
The setting for the session says a lot about your senior! Does the photographer you're considering offer a variety of locations? Shooting your senior session at your family's property, as we did for Emma, is a wonderful way of making the images unique and personal to the senior. If you don't have a property to shoot at, ask your photographer if they can suggest a location that will bring out your individuality.
Seniors these days love edgy, unposed, and candid shots. These are often referred to as editorial or fashion inspired. While that's fun and exciting for the senior for the senior’s social media chances are you'll be gifting some prints to grandma and other family members. It may be worth your while to be sure your photographer can produce a variety of styles so Grandma has something timeless for her wall and the senior has something she's proud to share as well.
3. REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS
What have people said about working with the photographer?
4. SERVICE and professionalism.
There are essentially two types of photographers. One is commonly referred to as shoot and burn. These photographers typically meet you for the photo shoot and then send you a bunch of digital files to DIY. If you are super on top of things and have plenty of time and creativity to finish the job, this may be the best fit for you.
A full-service photographer will get to know you first, offer custom session planning, wardrobe guidance, stylist referrals, carry insurance, assist with helping you choose the best print products for your favorite images, AND has them professionally printed and inspected prior to delivery. Photographers passionate about client satisfaction, quality, and service will offer this. Over the years I’ve found my clients really appreciate that last step. Too many have told me they just wouldn’t have been able to decide what to print on their own. If you have digital files from a paid photoshoot somewhere in the cloud or on a disk you never got printed then you’d probably like a full-service photographer as well.
Everyone wants to show off their images on social media. Even full-service photographers see the value in images for social media. They will probably include those as well. But be sure to ask before assuming.
which finally brings me to #5…
5. FINAL PRODUCT.
How will you enjoy your images after your photoshoot?
“Images deserve to live in print, to be seen and enjoyed every day! Not just hide on a disc, drive, or forgotten website. ”
That's just a few things to consider. Not every photographer is right for every senior. Finding the right fit is key to a successful senior portrait experience.
Ready to learn more about the BND Senior Experience??
{About this Featured Session}
Emma
Emma, her mom, and I had a great time at her first senior photo session. We shot at her family ranch near Purdy, splashed around in 2 waterfalls, danced around the beautiful park-like setting, and played with her dog, Winter.
In addition to being involved in FFA and serving as cheer captain, she also finds value in volunteering.
“The organization Catch a Dream is what I’m involved with and love the most. I work with terminally ill kids throughout the whole month of September, which is important to me because I get to be a part of these kids lives and make what their last few day, months, or even years better.”
Emma is such a kind-hearted beauty and I’m so honored to create her senior portraits!
"When I opened the up all the photos I cried. They are beautiful.
Just standing here looking at this (wall portrait) brings tears of joy to my eyes. Worth every penny!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
The book is more than I expected. I will treasure it till my dying day. "
-Linda