It’s completely normal to feel a little anxious when taking senior portraits. These photos are given to family and friends to commemorate this exciting time in your life so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.  Take a deep breath and relax.  My job is to put you at ease and make the session fun so the real you shines through.

Below are five basic tips for taking on your senior portrait with grace and confidence.  A little preparation before will leave you with photos that capture your personality and style.  You’ll treasure these photos for years to come!

1. Use your eyes.

Eyes express emotion. When you smile naturally your whole face lights up and your eyes look bright and awake.  It may seem silly but before the session, practice smiling in the mirror and using different expressions.  Focus on what feels natural and what feels awkward.  You can then try to avoid these facial expressions during the shoot.

2. Relax.

Great photos happen when you are relaxed and confident. Let the excitement of your photo session take center stage but remember to breathe, relax and just have fun.  It’s your special day with no stress attached.  I promise to do all I can to make you feel comfortable. My camera will do the rest.  The best pictures are taken when you can just be yourself.

3. Visualization.

Hands down, the easiest way to achieve a natural smile is to think about something that makes you truly happy!  Remembering a wonderful time or event in your life could have you grinning from ear to ear or looking dreamy.  Either way it makes for beautiful shots that aren’t forced.  If you are a little anxious in front of the camera, it can also help calm your nerves.  

4. Move.

Staying stationary can often produce a very staged and cheesy look.  Just because you are sitting or standing still doesn’t mean you can’t change the angle of your body to create a look that is fresh and inspired. From behind the lens I will ask you to lean into the camera slightly to appear more engaged, ask you to shift your weight from left to right possibly, or simply ask you to move your chin slightly up or down for different shots.  This gives me a variety of facial expressions to capture.

5. Beautify.

This goes for everyone. Girls, spend some extra time getting your hair styled, your makeup done and choosing a simple outfit that makes you feel special. There is no need to go overboard with hair or makeup but you’ll want to be sure your look can handle any outdoor elements like humidity or wind.  As for the guys, be freshly showered and shave. When you look your best, you feel your best and when you feel your best, you are naturally more confident. Go the extra mile to walk into your senior session feeling confident, attractive, prepared, and inspired.

Interested in booking a senior session?