Finding the Right Photographer for 2024-25 High School Senior Photos
How to find the best photographer for senior photo sessions in 2024-25
In a world where there are smartphones and where anyone can say they are a photographer, it can be tricky to find a professional, talented, and safe photographer to capture you or your graduating high school senior! I’m here to help you navigate the process for finding the best photographer to capture this special time in your life!
PLANNING YOUR SENIOR PHOTO SESSION
DO YOUR RESEARCH!
The photographer you select should have a portfolio featured on their website and social platforms. The following doesn’t matter so much but there should be a presence!
Understand the packages they offer and make sure to ask questions to ensure you know what the final deliverables will be.
A great way to run searches are on Google, Instagram hashtags, and referrals.
SHOULD I HIRE A FAMILY FRIEND?
I say NO for several reasons:
Your family friend may not understand what style you or your high school senior want to capture in the photo session.
Your family friend may not be a professional photographer
You/your high school senior may not feel comfortable with a family friend and therefore may hold back from being themselves in their senior session.
SCHEDULE AN INTRODUCTION CALL
If the photographer you are looking at booking with doesn’t offer a way for you to contact them directly, DON’T BOOK! These are high school students and there are a lot of scams out there. It’s critical for you to at least have a phone call with your potential photographer.
HOW MUCH IS A REASONABLE COST?
This totally depends on how many final images you want which includes variables like locations, outfits, etc.
I would NOT pay any more than $1,000.00 for a senior session and I would NOT recommend paying less than $300.00. A professional photographer wouldn’t ask for anything less.
HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR PHOTO SESSION
PLAN YOUR OUTFITS!
Be prepared to change on-location meaning you will want to wear layers so you are comfortable changing your top/bottoms
I recommend wearing spandex shorts/briefs and a sports bra as base layers to ensure comfort with changing.
ALWAYS bring extra backup options as some locations may work better with different styles.
PLAN YOUR HAIR!
Be prepared to have different hairstyles
If you want to wear your hair down, plan your first few outfits around that.
If you want a few options with your hair up, plan your second-third outfits around having your hair up (avoiding kinks when unwanted is something to plan for).
There is a lot more that goes into planning a senior photo shoot however, hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you to feel confident in finding the best photographer for you and in preparing for your shoot!
