Senior Pictures That Stand Out: How To Make Your Photos Pop!

Senior year is an important time in any high school kid’s life. One of the most important highlights of the year is the senior portrait. Pictures are the best way to make a memory last, and so it’s crucial that during that moment your style represents you. However, it’s also key that you have fun–this is one of your big moments of the year!

As a student preparing for your portrait to be taken, you may have many questions. Don’t get overwhelmed; this is supposed to be a fun day, and you should make sure that the photography session goes how you want. Here, we’ll answer some of the questions you may have to ensure the big day goes smoothly.

What Do I Wear?
In preparation for your photography session think back over all the experiences you’ve had in high school. Do you have a favorite place on campus? Play any sports? Come up with a few ideas because you will need them. The pictures allow for several outfits to be worn, and for good reason–how can you choose just one outfit to highlight all that has happened in the last four years!

Now is a perfect chance to show some school spirit. Even if you aren’t a member of any sports teams or own any school spirit-wear, you can still don your school’s colors. It doesn’t even have to be obvious; maybe a modern green sundress to show your Gator pride or a classic red necklace for a Redskin.
You might also want to think head to graduation day. Getting a good photo on the big day can be hard, so have a little fun and put those robes on ahead of time.

If you are really creative, you could also channel the senior photo of yesteryear. Try dressing in a vintage style, perhaps via shopping in a thrift store or even your parents’ closet. Classic styles are always fun.

How Should I Pose? 

No ideas on what your senior photo will look like? Brainstorm ideas on how you’ll be posing. Be sure to have fun with it, of course. Many people agree that a silly picture can be the best. Or, you can take a more serious route and try posing as though you are a recent grad, perhaps shaking hands with your principal. Don’t stress, however. You’ll have many shots to succeed at getting that pose you want.

Try asking your parents for ideas too; they may have specific poses they want you to do, and these pictures are just as important to them as they are to you. There will probably be at least one picture taken just for the folks, regardless of whether or not the pose is something you want.

Props are also something that many students use for poses. These pictures are supposed to represent you, and props are a great way of expressing what an outfit can’t. Are sports important to you? Bring your lucky catcher’s mitt. Are you an avid musician? Feel free to bring your guitar along for the ride. These props can also allow you to take some more natural shots, rather than ones that look posed and forced.

Where Should I Shoot? 

Modern portraits aren’t simply taken at the school anymore; many places offer the option of taking photos at an off-campus location. Take advantage of this and be creative! This is a great  opportunity to express yourself, especially if you are an outdoorsy person. The woods, a lake, or a prairie are all great options. If there is something iconic about the location you live at, include it! Where you live now is a part of you and when you go off to college, that location may change. You should make your town part of your memory by including iconic sights and scenery in your photographs.

Try posing in places of significance. If you absolutely adore fishing, boating, or swimming, make the effort to find a lake to shoot at. Maybe you have an affinity for gardening…try taking photos at a nearby botanical gardening! It’s just as important that your photos reflect you as it is that they show your environment.

While location, pose, and outfit are all crucial to a successful photography session, the most important element is that you have fun. You’re almost done with your education, you finished the big ACT or SAT, and have formed a plan for what to do after you graduate. This is not the time to be stressing–it’s supposed to be one of the many enjoyable activities for your last year!

Rather than worrying if your shirt is too tight or the lighting is flattering, take delight in being the center of attention or being silly with your friends and family. Let the photographer take care of all those stressful technicalities. view history They’re paid to make sure you look great.

And most importantly, congratulations graduate!