A Parent's Guide on How to Prepare for Your Senior's Upcoming Senior Portraits
- April Grayson Photography
- Feb 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 15
The reality is that today's senior portraits are not the same as they were when you and I were in high school. Whereas many of our senior portraits tended to be more posed and formal, senior portraits today are a much more personalized experience. Photographers today use different locations, props, and outfits to showcase a senior's unique personality. It is a much more individualized experience than we grew up with. If you're wondering how to prepare both yourself and your senior for their upcoming senior portrait session, here are a few tips to help you prepare for this special milestone and ensure it goes smoothly.
1. Plan Ahead
Senior portrait sessions require careful planning. Start by researching photographers and booking your session well in advance. Be sure to include your senior in this process. All photographers tend to have their own "vibe" or "look," and you want to make sure you and your teen are both on the same page when it comes to editing and style. Remember, popular photographers can book up quickly, especially during peak seasons (think March -April). So, if you haven't already started researching your photographer, now is a good time to start.
2. Know Your Needs
If you are looking to use your images for your invitations or announcments, you need to have your portraits scheduled ASAP. Keep in mind that it usually takes 3-4 weeks, depending on how busy your photographer is, to get your images back. So, be sure you book your session in plenty of time to avoid any last-minute stress and ensure you get your images back in time for things like announcements and invitations.
3. Include Your Teen in the Process
Talk to your teen about the session and involve them in the planning process. Be sure to listen and try to understand their vision and style preferences. Remember, this session is about capturing who they are at this moment. While it’s important to get those classic shots you want, be willing to compromise and let them express their individuality. He or she will only be a senior once in their life. Showcasing their interests and talents is going to be something you want to look back on and remember with a smile when you look at their senior portraits in the future.
4. Be the Support System
During the session, your role is to be the ultimate cheerleader. Stay positive and encouraging. Avoid any last-minute arguments about outfits or poses. The goal is to make your teen feel comfortable and confident. If they see you’re relaxed and supportive, they’ll feel more at ease and the photos will reflect that. Remember to relax and enjoy the moment. Every teenager is different, but each one is special and unique. The goal is to capture a small snapshot of that, not to make them look like everyone else.
5. Girls vs. Guys
Girls and guys can be very different when it comes to senior portraits. Girls often appreciate the preparation that goes into their senior portrait sessions, enjoying the excitement of choosing outfits, planning hairstyles, and envisioning the perfect shots. They tend to see it as a fun way to express their style and capture such an important milestone.
Guys, not so much. Some guys might not be as enthusiastic about the prep, as a matter of fact, they may dread having their portraits done, and that’s perfectly okay. What I tend to find, is that guys are often worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera. Part of my job is to help make them feel as comfortable as possible, and in the end, they are usually surprised at how much fun a session can actually be.
Despite these differences, the goal remains the same...We want to create memorable images that reflect each senior's unique personality and celebrate their accomplishments. They (and YOU) have worked hard to get to this point! They are worth celebrating!!
