A Guide to Senior Portraits for Parents

For most parents, senior portraits are a distant memory. They have changed a lot over the last two decades, incorporating more creativity and individuality than ever before. Seniors have a lot more options available to them, ranging from traditional sessions in a studio to trendy urban shoots. This is the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their unique talents, passions, and personality, while also creating a lasting memory. However, with all the available options, portrait sessions can quickly become overwhelming for both parents and seniors. Here are a few quick tips to help you prepare for your child’s upcoming senior session.

Make a Note of the Yearbook Deadline

Knowing the yearbook deadline encourages you to schedule a senior session instead of putting it off until the last minute. Depending on your requirements, a senior photo session will start with a yearbook portrait followed by creative shots that are unique to your child. In most instances, it takes at least 3 weeks to receive the final images, so plan accordingly.

Keep Your Senior’s Schedule in Mind

As a parent of a senior, you already know how frantic their schedules can be. Before you go ahead and schedule a session, sit down with your senior to discuss a good time. They should be just as involved in the planning as you are. Even the specific time of day matters when scheduling a senior session. Ideally, you want to take photos just after sunrise and just before sunset, as this is when the lighting’s the best. However, the right photographer can make any time of the day work. Midday should be a last resort though as the lighting is far too harsh.

Compromise with Your Child

You may have a specific idea about the photos you would like to see, but this is about your child and what makes them feel confident and comfortable. Most senior sessions allow for several outfit changes, so use this as an opportunity to find a happy balance between what you want and what your senior wants. Be patient and hear them out before you brush off their ideas. Their portraits should represent who they are and what they love.

Encourage Sharing

Prior to a senior session, get your child to open up about their passions, hopes, and dreams. This information will help guide the shoot and ensure the most authentic photos. Knowing what your senior wants these photos to represent will also guide their outfit and location choices. Don’t forget to include your senior in the search for a photographer – a photographer’s style needs to fit in with the images you hope to create.

LEWIS CASS HIGH SCHOOL, SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER | CLASS OF 2018 | TAYLOR

Taylor Is one of the sweetest people I have met! She is so down to earth and you know she really cares about the people she is in touch with.

She showed up to her photo session with her best friend Hallie. As you get to know me more you will realize I am horrible with names and can never forget a face. For some reason, throughout the entire session I kept calling Hallie “best friend” because, for the life of me I was never able to remember her name. I obviously have her name down now, but they both got a kick out of the fact that I kept “best friend”. We did these photos in Maconaquah park because the lighting was perfect in april that year. BONUS… the cute little wildflowers were in bloom too. I still keep in touch with Taylor and I am so proud of what she has been up to since she graduated. A beautiful person inside and out and I can’t wait to see where life takes her!

A LITTLE ABOUT Taylor-

Everyone has their own schedule in life and Taylor has really grasped this and has done extremely well for herself. She Has become the night manager for the Dog Shed in Walton. Now settled in in her own place, she is now planning to follow College path earning her major in elementary education.

While Attending Lewis Cass High School, She was a 4 year band member. Also participating in Drama, 4-H while working as a waitress at Hometown Pizza and the Dog Shed.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT YOUR SENIOR YEAR?

My favorite moment of senior year was winning the class C State competition for band. As a Section Leader in the band and 4 year member it was everything I could’ve dreamed it would be and more.

What Makes you smile?

People talking to me makes me smile. I really enjoy talking to people and I love dogs and other animals. I like flower and my job…

Just about everything makes me smile!

I always encourage Seniors to bring along a friend! Friendships are so important to most in High school, why not make it a party and do some BFF Photographs?

Taylor, don’t stop shining your light on the people you meet. The world is a better place with people like you in it.

Live loved,
‘Becca

Maconaquah High School Senior Photographer | Class of 2018 | Julia

This ball of enthusiasm was so much fun to work with! Julia was one of my senior reps for 2018.
Our session was full of laughs and great ideas. She is someone I will always remember as a easy going and kind hearted individual. I feel blessed to have met and worked with her!

A little about Julia-

Julia is now attending the University of Indiana Kokomo, Pursuing her Bachelors in Nursing!

While attending Maconaquah High School She was active in the Peru amateur Circus , Winter Percussion, and works in Child care at the YMCA. She was also a member in the National Honor Society (WAY TO GO!)

Peru Ameteur Circus 2018

What Was Your Favorite Moment Your Senior Year?

I really enjoyed homecoming week. I am in a few clubs and i was able to ride in a car and threw candy to the elementary school kids. The night of our football game, I was all decked out in my Maconaquah gear. The game was really intense because it was against our rivals Peru. I had a really great time!

What makes you smile?

My best friend Laurin, My Dog, Circus, Playing with babies, cheering on teammates and going to sporting events.

Thanks Julia, good luck on your next Big Adventure!