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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.
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Student portraits are always worth the investment. While your school’s yearbook photos can document your growth over each grade, you’re subject to a photographer, style, and a standardized look that you didn’t choose. Since you’re paying for the photos either way, why not get the images you actually want? Still on the fence? Let’s compare student portraits vs. yearbook photos—and why Sarah Arnold Photography has a portrait package perfect for celebrating your student.
The Purpose
The purpose of yearbook photos is to provide a consistent, official image for each grade. The bright side is that it’s built into your school calendar, with no additional research or scheduling needed. The downside is that they’re designed not to capture your student, but the student body as a whole.
The purpose of student portraits is to capture each student’s unique personality, style, interests, and growth beyond the walls of the school. Student portraits can be fully customizable sessions, from the location to the number of outfits worn, props used, and people included. They tell a broader story of your life through each year, and allow friends, family and extended families to see more of who you’re becoming.
Style vs. Style
I’ll give yearbook photos this, at least you always know what to expect: A formal, head-and-shoulders style shot with a school-issued backdrop. Or nowadays, additional backdrops added through photoshop in an up-charged image package. No proofs to see, no choosing the best image, and no additional images to keep. And while they can be a nostalgic favorite, when it comes to capturing each year, I highly recommend booking a local photographer for more personal student portraits.
Portrait sessions with Sarah Arnold Photography are one-hour sessions that include lifestyle, candid, and posed photos. You choose a location and reserve a time and date based on your needs. I provide 110-150 high-resolution, digital images with artistic editing to download and print however you wish. No photoshopped backdrops. Just timeless, joy-filled images that make your heart swell.
Student Portraits: Closing Arguments
They say yearbook photos are the images we love to hate. We’ve been taking them for generations. We know what to expect, and we don’t have to schedule any additional time. But we still have to pay (an arm and a leg) for one image. And at the end of the day, even though we paid for it, do we really want to share that image, give it to loved ones in a frame, or even save it as a keepsake beyond that year? Is the image that’s going into the holiday card?
The bottom line is that senior portrait sessions are the most widely known, but student portraits can be taken—and should be taken, if you ask me—at any age or grade. They showcase your changing style, personal growth, and milestones in a personal way, giving you images you’re proud to share and display for years to come. The experience is enjoyable. It’s also flexible, from the photographer you choose to the locations, wardrobe, accessories, and themes that reflect your passions.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk, Colorado students! I’d love to bring your vision to life.
