what to know for great senior portraits
Did you know senior portrait sessions can be done at any time of the year?
Back when I was in high school senior portraits were always taken in the summer before we started our final year. But no more! Senior sessions can happen any time before or during the senior year.
When should I schedule my senior’s session
I receive calls all summer long booking sessions for the fall. Believe it or not calling in June or July to reserve your date is not too early. I schedule appointments for outdoor senior portraits in the morning and afternoon into early evening—scheduling at these times guarantees the best light and most comfortable temperatures. The earlier you call to book your session the better chance you have to reserve your most desired time. Before calling or emailing to book your session it’s helpful if you know your senior’s work and sports commitments so we can schedule most efficiently.
Nothing beats fall in Kansas City for colorful senior sessions
Brookside, Leawood, Prairie Village, Mission Hills, Shawnee…Kansas City and the surrounding areas are full of color from late September through November and as a result those are super popular months for creating outdoor senior portraits. Temperatures are cooler, humidity has died down, leaves are turning from green to golden yellow, orange, and even red. So many of our parks and outdoor spaces are filled with big, beautiful trees and shrubbery which make excellent portrait backgrounds.
Is spring a good time for senior portraits?
Spring in and around Kansas City is always gorgeous and so long as we don’t schedule too close to graduation, spring is just perfect for outdoor senior portraits. Sessions scheduled mid-March through early May will be complete in time for graduation.
Some seniors prefer a more urban look to their portraits
If your senior prefers a more industrial, urban look to their session there’s no shortage of places around town where we can find what they’re looking for. The West Bottoms, Westport, the Crossroads, Downtown, the Plaza and many other places lend a classic, city look to senior portraits.
Should I have my senior’s session done in the studio?
If you prefer a classic, traditional look for your senior’s portraits then a studio session is what you’re looking for. Studio portraits have been done for years because they’re timeless. But timeless doesn’t mean boring! I have two studios which allows me to create portraits with a variety of looks.
Wondering what to bring to your senior session?
A letter jacket, class ring, sports uniform and/or sports paraphernalia all add a personal touch to senior portraits. Anything that represents a beloved hobby or special interest—a camera, car, musical instrument—can be incorporated into senior portraits and make them even more special. Many seniors choose to be photographed in a t-shirt or sweatshirt from the college they’ll be attending.
Can my senior change clothes during the session?
Absolutely! Most seniors bring two to three outfit changes so they’ll have a variety of looks in their portraits. Don’t forget to bring shoes and accessories that will coordinate with each outfit! Depending on your session location clothing changes may happen in the car so be sure to consider that when figuring out the order of what outfit to wear when.
Here’s a list of senior portrait session must haves:
I get asked all the time what to bring to a senior portrait session. Here’s what I recommend:
Bottled water–we can do a lot of walking during a senior session and it’s nice to take a water break
Comb/brush–super handy after changing clothes and if it happens to be windy
Hairspray/gel—you may want to reapply during your session
Make-up and hand mirror for touch-ups and face checks
Chap stick/lip balm—yes, even for the guys
Accessories–necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, belts, scarves, tie, sunglasses, hats. Whatever your senior accessorizes with bring it!
Should Mom and Dad come to the session?
This is really down to personal choice. Many of my senior parents come along and make an event of it because senior portraits are such a big milestone. And sometimes parents like to have me do the session without them so they can be surprised when the portraits arrive. Visit with your senior to see what he or she is most comfortable with.
You may like to add a family portrait to your senior session
It’s become very popular for my senior families to update their family portraits before their child heads off to college. Adding a family session to your senior’s session is a fun way to make this milestone event even more memorable and fun. When adding family I’ll photograph everyone together, siblings together, mom and dad with their senior, and any other groupings you can think of.
