How do you choose the best senior portrait photographer in your area when there are SO MANY choices? Not all sessions or photographers are the same so get the inside scoop right here with my Quick tips!
What should you look for? You will need to start with figuring out how to select the photographer that will make you shine in every image on your big day. But how do you know who to pick?
TIP #1: ASK AROUND
Do yourself a favor and ask other moms and seniors about their experience with photographers they have used.
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Ask them if they offered hair and makeup or did you have to book that on your own?
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Ask if they provided a clothing guide with recommendations on outfits to bring
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Ask if they helped style you or your senior
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Ask if they are easy to get a hold of for Frequently asked questions
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Ask if they guide you through their process at every step of the way by laying out expectations on the days before the shoot, the day of the shoot, and after the shoot?
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Ask how long it will take to receive your products
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Ask if editing is included or will there be additional fees for this service
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Ask if they have a studio or will all the outfits be shot on location
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Ask if they have locations picked out or if you have to find them
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Ask if they offer specialty set-ups like waterfalls, high-impact sports lighting, studio lighting, etc.?
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Ask if they used a professional photographer or a hobbyist?
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Ask if they provide a prep list so you will be camera ready
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Ask if they provide a Style Closet with items to enhance your senior portraits with accessories like hats, jewelry, coats, fur and sequin jackets, roller skates, etc.
Tip #2: Don’t Let Price Alone dictate your decision
Cars, Homecoming, Proms, Graduation . . . I get it, Seniors are expensive! It’s almost neverending. I’ve had 2 so I know. In my experience, pricing is the first thing most people ask about when trying to decide on a senior photographer. But it can't be the ONLY thing you ask!
And let me STRESS THIS, we hear all the time from a parent who didn’t bring their first senior to us, they regret shopping on price alone. They didn't know what they were getting into, but now they do! They have an array of reasons for being dissatisfied, but the most popular ones are these:
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We didn’t get our images in a timely manner
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The editing was off in some way, either skin had no texture and the photographer went too far, or ALL the images were the exact same color hue of the now trendy, ORANGE! No thank you.
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The photographer wouldn’t answer my calls, emails after the session
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The photographer was already out of business by the time my second child needed senior pictures so now there is no chance for consistency.
Before you make your decisions on price alone, be sure to take a look at the complete experience you will be getting.
Because we specialize in Senior Portraits and a high-end experience, my products are LUXURIOUS in EVERY way. I love delivering unique, creative products you just can’t get anywhere else. We deliver on time, plan a creative shoot, and immerse your senior in a day that’s all about them.
Tip #3: Choose a Professional Photographer that SPECIALIZES in Senior Portraits
One of the most important tips for your senior pictures is to choose a professional! You are only a senior once, you have waited 12 years for this experience, so why not hire the best? So many people have a “good camera”. In fact, most of my clients have a good camera. But for your senior pictures please choose someone who actually knows how to use it.
I say it all the time, “My husband, Keith, has the same golf clubs as Tiger Woods.” You see where I am going with this? The golf clubs don’t make the Tiger, the Tiger uses the clubs to get the results he knows he wants.
Find a photographer who knows the following:
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How to use lighting, natural and artificial
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How to POSE your SENIOR, this is huge! If you hire a pro they should know how to pose you head to toe, front to back, using the best lens and lighting to capture you in all your senior glory
Find a photographer who ISN’T doing this:
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Portfolio building . . . sorry, you will not want to cut costs by hiring a new photographer that is “portfolio building” because they will be shooting images they want of you, not the images you want of yourself. This is your time, not mine. Sure I will have great ideas and lead you all day long but it’s still your session.
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Not guiding you along every step of the way from the moment you book
Tip #4: INCLUDE YOUR PARENTS
This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure one or both of your parents is welcome at the photoshoot. A good senior photographer will shoot for both you and your parents.
Sure you have stalked instagram and want some of your images to look fun, sexy, over the top, but your Mom, Dad, and Grandparents will want to see your smiling face on the wall. Sometimes Mom and Dad or a sibling will even want to jump in for a quick picture together at the end! I encourage this!
Well, there you have it, I hope these tips have been helpful and will help you pick the best photographer for you. If you think we might be a good fit fill out the contact form below and I’ll send you the details for the next step in booking with us!
We are booking Seniors 2024 already, only photograph 100, and would LOVE for you to be one of them!
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