Behind the Scenes: The Art of Crafting Senior Portraits

Come behind the scenes to see the process of taking senior portraits from start to finish!

1. Creating a Vision

   The first step to planning out senior portraits starts with crafting a vision. Planning what kind of outfits, backgrounds, and aesthetics needed for the shoot is important to know in advance and communicate with the photographer. Sharing your vision can ensure that the end product comes out exactly as intended.

   
   

2. Vision Refinement

   Once you have shared your initial vision with your photographer, it is time to refine your choices. Decide on two to four outfit options, perhaps with varying accessories such as graduation cap, cords, and sashes, to bring to your shoot. At this point decide on one location, either in studio with a backdrop or at a specific location. If it is anywhere that is not the studio, ensure either you or the photographer have been there before and accurately know what the location looks like, the best time for pictures, and specific shot options. Planning ahead will add an ease to the shoot to no nothing needs to be reshot or rescheduled.

   
   

3. Choose a Date

   Plan with your photographer a date for the shoot! If you are at a location, check the weather to ensure that you have the best lighting and aren't walking through any mud from previous rain. Lock down your date and time so that your final photos are

   delivered at the intended date.

   
   

4. Day of the Shoot

   For the day of the shoot, make sure to come prepared with all the outfit and/or prop options previously discussed with your photographer. It can never hurt to be too prepared, so if there are any last minute ideas you might want to consider, bring them anyway! This way you have the option if you feel you need it the day of. Come to your shoot well-rested and prepped. Touch ups can be made at location or in-studio, but coming as prepared as possible will give you the best results.

   
   

   During the shoot, be receptive to your photographer and communicate what you need. Don't be afraid to voice any preferences, as the photos will be yours to look at for years to come. Having a comfortable rapport with your photographer will make your vision clear and offer easy communication.

   
   

5. Photo Editing

   After the shoot, your photographer will work to edit your photos and send the edits for any revisions. This is still a great opportunity to speak up if you have any preferences. This is what the final photos will look like, so making sure they stand up to your expectations will help the photographer deliver a final product you enjoy.

   
   

6. Final Photo Delivery

   Once all the edits have been made and approved, you will receive a link to your gallery of images online, as well as receive any printed photos ordered. Make sure to download your photos, which can be used to post on social media. Now you can frame or mail your printed photos, and you will have a memory of this significant time in your graduate's life forever.