5 Amazing Senior Photo Tips

Congratulations on this major accomplishment in your life! You made it to your Senior Year. You’ve worked through some challenging things in your life and you deserve to celebrate it! Now is the time to set up your Senior Picture Session to celebrate your triumph, commemorate your hard work, and tell the story of who YOU are! These are the Top 5 Senior Photo Tips to make sure your session is fun. Most of all, you’ll get fantastic photos!

Picking the Right Senior Photographer

Picking the right photographer for your shoot is the first of our Senior PhotoTips. However, it’s going to mean choosing someone based on more than just how much they charge. Most people your age have never experienced working one-on-one with a professional photographer outside of the 5-minute school photo taken in the gym in front of a backdrop.

Working with a pro for your Senior Photos is going to be a bit different than your school photos. You’ll want to find a pro that makes you feel comfortable and takes the time to explain to you what’s going on. You should be able to view samples of their work to see if you like it and they should be happy to answer any questions you have before you hire them. When you’re talking to the photographer ask yourself how they make you feel. Would you mind spending a few hours hanging out with them while they create your photo story? If the answer is yes, you’ve found your photographer!! But don’t get discouraged if the first photographer you talk to just doesn’t do it for you. You may have to talk with a few pros before making your decision.

Not sure about getting Senior Pictures done outside of school? Find out Why You NEED a Senior Photoshoot!

Getting in the “Mood”

This may seem like a weird Senior Photo Tip for your Session, but it’s actually one of the most important. In fact, most professional photographers are going to get you on this journey without you even realizing it. It’s part of any successful portrait session.

After you’ve reserved your date your professional will most likely give you a packet of info or email you online information to look over with tips and instructions for your portrait session. Basically, they are setting the groundwork for your Story Board. They’ll ask you to fill out an online planning form or a questionnaire. There will be questions about your life, your hobbies, your activities and your goals. Many pros will also ask you for a “Mood Board” as part of this process. You can begin this before you even hire your photographer. Create a Pinterest Board of images that caught your eye so your photographer understands what piques your interest and what types of poses you’re going to be comfortable with during your shoot. Your planning forms and mood board together are going to create your personal storyboard that is going to help your photographer tell your unique story in a way that makes sense to you.

Wondering about that “Mood Board”? Well, no shock, but we have a blog for that: What is a Mood Board?

Pick the Perfect Location

Senior Photo Tips include.…believe it or not, picking out the right location for your shoot is going to do a lot to help with your storyboard. Your shoot location is your backdrop. It should be a place that reflects who you are, what you do, or somewhere that makes you feel totally relaxed and happy.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box for your Senior Portrait Shoot Location. If you’re happiest spending hours reading a book in a quiet nook or maybe visit the local library for some photos. If you’re outgoing and spend a lot of time out on the football field cheering or running the ball in, maybe you’ll want to grab some photos on the school field. The best way to choose the perfect location for you is to just take a few moments to think about where your happiest memories are. That’s the location you’ll feel the happiest during your portrait session. The result is that you’ll have a relaxed, genuine smile in your photos and great memories to look back on later.

Not sure? April had her Photoshoot at the Erie Zoo!

Need Help Picking the Right Location?

Not quite sure where to go for your senior pictures? We’ve been all over Erie County, Pa. We’d like to give you some fantastic ideas that will inspire you. You can check out our list on Where to Take Your Senior Pictures!

Getting all Dolled Up

This may be the most important of our Senior Photo Tips. Because, it’s the one area that most people mess up on for their Senior Portrait Session. Our tendency is to get excited and run out shopping for a brand new outfit to wear. That’s the exact opposite of what you should do. There are many problems that can happen with brand new clothing that you’re not used to.

The biggest concern with new clothing is that it’s not broken in yet. It may look amazing on the store dummy, but how will it feel on you? Remember, how we mentioned feeling comfortable with your photographer? Well, feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing is also very important to the overall success of your photoshoot. Trust me when I say that you won’t get the best results if an itchy tag or tight waistband or squeaky shoes are distracting you from having fun and creating the best memories possible. Another concern is wardrobe malfunction. There’s a much greater risk of showing off more than you intended to if you’re wearing an outfit you’re not used to. That’s why it’s best to purchase an outfit and wear it a few times before deciding to use it in your shoot.

Need a little more info about What to Wear For Senior Pictures? Yup, we’ve got a blog for that.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Props

Finally, the last of our Senior Photo Tips. Using props in your Senior Portrait Session is easily one of the best ways to add to your story. You’ve already chosen the perfect photographer, written your storyboard by filling in your planning forms, creating a mood board, picking the best location, AND choosing the perfect outfit. You’re happy and comfortable. Now it’s time to add a little pizazz with some fun props that can help tell your story.

Some of the most popular prop ideas are your graduation cap & gown if available, your sports uniforms and gear, musical instruments, and/or books or artwork that’s a part of who you are. If you love the outdoors you may choose an outdoor location and use the foliage or flowers for props. Maybe you love to cook and can bring a spatula and a chef’s hat. Bookworms will bring their favorite stories. A cheerleader may bring her pom-poms. The goal here is to express yourself with the thing that sets you on fire. What creates passion in your life? Just check out Damian’s shoot. He had a little fun fly fishing.

In conclusion,preparing for senior photos doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily make sure your photos are perfect. From picking out the right clothing and location to knowing how to use lighting and angles to your advantage, now you know what to do! Have fun with it and don’t forget to enjoy the moment. So go ahead, get ready for your senior photos, and show off your unique style! Don’t hesitate – get started today!

← Previous Next →

Book Your Senior Photos

“It’s time to show off your senior year — be the envy of friends and family with a custom photo shoot from Erie Photography. Capture these special moments that you’ll cherish for years to come – schedule your session today! Don’t wait any longer — seize this moment and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Graduation Portraits – The Lifelong Value of High School Senior Pictures

by eriewed | March 3, 2021 | PHOTOGRAPHY, Portrait Photographers Blog, Senior Pictures Photographers Blog | 0 Comments

Graduation Portraits - Senior Picture Photography Graduating high school is no easy feat, and it's certainly a cause for celebration. The accomplishment of graduating from high school means...

How Much Do Senior Pictures Cost?

by efrank77 | February 3, 2023 | PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY, Senior Portraits | 0 Comments

How Much Do Senior Pictures Cost in Erie Pa? Are you a soon-to-be high school graduate in Erie, Pennsylvania looking for the perfect senior portraits? If so, you may have been wondering how much do...

5 Amazing Senior Photos Tips – Senior Portrait

by eriewed | March 24, 2020 | PHOTOGRAPHY, Portrait Photographers Blog, Senior Pictures Photographers Blog | 0 Comments

5 Best Senior Portrait Tips Congratulations on this major accomplishment in your life! You made it to your Senior Year. You've worked through some challenging things in your life and you deserve to...

Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer

by eriewed | June 3, 2020 | Engagement Photographers Blog, Family Pictures Photographers Blog, Photograph Blog, PHOTOGRAPHY, Pictures Blog, Portrait Photographers Blog, Senior Pictures Photographers Blog, Videographers Blog, Wedding Photographers Blog | 0 Comments

Why you Should Hire a Professional Photographer Now that many people have a cell phone with a camera, professional photography may not seem to be worth the price anymore. Why should you hire someone...

Other Services We Offer

Our team is available for your next project.

Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!