Senior photo shoot time is here

It’s time again for a senior photo shoot. Before we know it, kids will be back in school and incoming seniors will be busy in their last year of high school. One of the tasks on their list will be getting their pictures taken.

Most seniors schedule their shoots for late summer or early fall. That time is pretty common because area schools have deadlines for getting yearbook photos in, and most families get the yearbook photo at the same time as the rest of the pictures.

Here are my tips for getting your senior portraits done:

Choose the right time of day. The location of the sun will play a big role in how photos turn out, and it’s better when the sun is lower in the sky. I recommend to those I photograph to do the shoot in the early evening. You want to provide enough time before the sun sets but you want that nice glowing light that is achievable just before sundown.

Bring a couple changes of clothing. It’s nice to have different looks for your photos, so choose clothing that represents you well and that you are comfortable in.

Bring props. If there’s some type of prop that represents who you are, try to incorporate it in the photos. I’ve seen, for example, athletes bring a ball and use it in their photos. Musicians may bring a musical instrument. You can be creative here.

Expect to spend at least two hours shooting. Your photographer will want to get a wide variety of photos, and that can’t be done in a short period of time.

Choose a spot that means something to you. Senior photos can be taken anywhere, but if you find a spot that you really like, the photos will be even more special to you.

If you haven’t yet booked your senior photo shoot, now is the time.