Senior portraits are a once in a lifetime opportunity to capture your son or daughter’s personality at one of the most pivotal moments in their life, the transition between high school and their adult life. What is your son or daughter’s interests? What is his or her personality? What achievements do he or she want to showcase before the go off into the world, whether it is college or the world of work? 

I like to create a realistic, but artistic portfolio that reflects your child’s true self. Some things to consider for a portrait sitting include:

•       Location
•       Props
•       Clothing
•       Accessories

Location: Celebrate your senior’s graduation by having their picture made in an outdoor setting that is both natural and meaningful to them. Natural light enhances portraits, making them look as realistic as if you were looking at them out the window. Studio portraits can look artificial and more formal than your senior will probably like. Does your child enjoy nature, jog, camp, or play an outdoor sport? Then an outdoor, natural light setting is a great choice for the portrait.

Props: What is something your child can hold or include in the picture that will showcase them at this stage of life? If they are in a band or play a guitar? An instrument is a great prop for a portrait. Are they into animals or participate in FFA? An animal or even a favorite pet can enhance a portrait and make a good prop for them. Awards or medals can even be a part of a portrait if they are not too large or detract from the overall effect. 

Clothing: A senior that only wears hoodies and jeans should not have to wear a suit or dress for a portrait. You want the portrait to reflect their own personality. Some key considerations are:

•       Color
•       Style
•       Season

The student should wear a color than enhances their skin tone and hair color. The style should be something they would feel comfortable in any day of the week. The season reflects what to wear- if it is fall, a jacket or sweater than looks right against fall leaves and tress would make a great picture. Spring flowers or a green landscape background will look more natural when the student is wearing a seasonal color and style of clothing. 

Accessories: If a student always wears a certain necklace, earrings, or a ring, that would be a great accessory for a portrait. Many seniors want to highlight their senior ring in a portrait with crossed arms or by leaning their head against their hand while wearing a ring. Accessories should enhance, not detract from the overall image. You want a portrait to focus on the student, not the accessory itself. 

I love to talk to students and parents about senior portraits and can meet with your in person for a consultation for a portrait session you will both treasure for years to come.