Mistakes happen. We’re human! But senior portrait mistakes can almost always be avoided with a little knowledge and preparation. Trust me, there’s enough going on in the lead-up to graduation. Eliminate stress where you can! Senior photos are a checklist item that should be fun and exciting, so let’s make sure it is. Here are the top three most common senior portrait mistakes I see as a photographer—and how to avoid them!

1. Preparation & Booking

The first (and maybe biggest) senior portrait mistake? Rushing the process. Waiting to book your photos can lead to missing availability on your preferred date or at your preferred time. Doing a last-minute shoot can leave you with chipped nails, wrinkled garments, etc., all of which definitely show up on camera. And maybe the biggest casualty? Waiting too long to book and prepare can often end up pressing yearbook deadlines, event invite printing times, etc.

How to avoid it: Make a timeline! You can check out my tips for when to book senior portraits here. I always recommend working backward from hard deadlines. Confirm yearbook and other senior activity deadlines. Confirm grad party dates to build backward for invitation printing and sending. Then confirm your photographer’s availability and current turnaround time (it can vary based on how packed their calendar is). Once your timeline is built out and stress free, and you have a date set on the calendar, schedule your haircuts, manicures, clothing and locations accordingly. The good news? All of this can be done up front before senior year gets crazy! Meaning this senior portrait mistake is completely avoidable. You can set it and forget it, then just enjoy the moments as they come.

2. Outfits & Styling

Be wary of going too trendy. I say this with love: Instead of being true to the times, just be true to yourself! Currently-in-style outfits can go out of style quickly, which can make your photos look dated even before you’ve changed into your cap and gown. More than that? Some colors can cast unwanted tints onto your skin, and certain patterns distract from your face. Don’t wear heels or dress shoes often? Choose to wear them to your shoot and your body language will show it!

How to avoid it: Instead of fads, embrace your favorites. The key to looking your best and feeling your most confident is to highlight the one thing that will never go out of style (that’s YOU!). Senior portraits are meant to capture the culmination of your high school experience. Anything other than your most joy-filled self simply won’t do. When possible, it’s always a good idea to opt for solid, complementary colors, classic silhouettes, and comfortable shoes. But more importantly, bring some of your staples, however that looks. Have an understated dress or suit you know looks great? Wear it! Have a simple hoodie and jeans combo that makes your heart swell? Rock it! If you look like yourself, you’ll feel like yourself. And if you feel like yourself, you’re sure to photograph your very best.

3. Senior Portrait Mistakes: The Photo Shoot

Now that we’ve covered the preparation, let’s talk about your actual senior portrait session! I’m talking senior portrait mistakes that happen when you’re in front of the lens, like forcing your smile and neglecting your personal interests. Trying too hard to look perfect or striking overly rigid poses results in stiff photos. The best shots usually happen when you relax, joke around, and let your senior portrait photographer guide you through natural and candid moments. Basically when you’re not comfortable, it shows.

How to avoid it: Start with the first two tips in this post to eliminate any stiff and awkward clothing, and any rushed and stressed-out timing issues. Don’t just pick a pretty backdrop and use the same poses as everyone else. Bring props that reflect your actual hobbies, sports, or passions. Then choose a photographer who makes you feel comfortable! I believe in working together to make your senior portrait gallery something you absolutely love, no matter what your vision might be. You deserve an unforgettable experience — one that culminates in stunning, timeless photos that will make your heart swell. 

Ready to talk? Send me a message! Let’s celebrate your big moment before it becomes a memory.

Hearth House Venue is a stunning place to say “I do.” More than that, it’s an all-inclusive, family-owned and operated space. They’re committed to giving back to the community, and providing a warm and caring experience through exceptional service. As they put it, they’re “reviving tradition, and embracing hospitality in a modern setting.”

That setting sits on the historic site of the original Monument Hotel on the North side of Colorado Springs. Which just so happens to make it one of the most photo-friendly wedding venues in the city! As a Colorado wedding photographer, I can say with confidence that Hearth House Venue truly captures the rustic elegance of the Rocky Mountains brilliantly. The exquisite design compliments the natural beauty of the Colorado mountains, so there really isn’t a bad place to take your wedding photos. But if you need a place to start, here are my three favorite photo-friendly spaces, and how to use each one on your wedding day.

1: The Cottage

The Cottage at Hearth House Venue was designed primarily for use by the bride/bridal party. This space is as comfortable as it is stylish! The classic design, combined with the modern touches, makes it a perfect backdrop for traditional “getting ready” photos. It’s even earned the reputation as a “perfect place for the four M’s: Makeup, Munchies, Mimosas, and Memories.” Yes please! And did I mention the clean color palette and natural light? This space will elevate your photos without competing for attention. Every color and detail is sure to shine! In fact, it’s a great spot for bridal portraits, or “first look” photos with your parents and bridesmaids.

At the end of the day, getting ready photos are a perfect way to capture the emotions and anticipation at your wedding, and The Cottage is the perfect place to capture them. Curious why these moments are important to your wedding gallery? And how to make sure each shot looks amazing? Check out my Bride’s Guide to Getting Ready Photos here.

Bonus: There’s an equally perfect space for the groom to prepare! The Lounge boasts a “pub-like” vibe, complete with 55″ flat screen TV and a BBQ grill on the patio.

2: The Colorado Courtyard

Hearth House Venue’s Colorado Courtyard is the obvious choice for an outdoor wedding ceremony. It’s beautifully landscaped, and the Rocky Mountains set the stage perfectly. And the stone waterfall is the cherry on top!

How I love to photograph this space? Once your wedding gallery has plenty of gorgeous ceremony shots, have your guests move to The Mountain View Terrace for cocktails. Then clear the chairs and break out the lawn games! Wedding portraits can end up feeling stiff or stuffy. Fun spaces and joy-filled candid photos can be just the thing to capture the feelings of the day rather than the poses. You can read through my tips for stress-free family wedding portraits here. Then take my word for it: A fun space can immediately shift the vibe from “obligatory photo op” to relaxed and fun moments we’ll happen to capture, even when you’re all posing together.

Oh, and that Mountain View Terrace? It sits right between the Courtyard and the reception-ready Grand Hearth Room. It has mountain views (hence the name) and a 25-foot stone fireplace. A photo-friendly space all on its own!

3. Monument Lake

I know. Technically this spot isn’t on the property, but just a short walk across Mitchell Avenue sits a 30-acre reservoir, and gorgeous mountain views. Let your guests enjoy a ballroom-style reception in the Grand Hearth Room and sneak away for 30 minutes or so. You can capture some amazing bride and groom portraits at the lake… Especially at golden hour, or when the water is still and clear!

I’ve been a Colorado wedding photographer for more than a decade now, and I know how rare it is to get water AND mountains in the same image. Let alone at a wedding venue! Trust me. This little walk is worth it.

Are you ready to lock in your dream Hearth House Venue wedding? I’d love to hear your vision! These gorgeous, joy-filled moments will only happen once. Let’s make sure we capture them together.