What to Look For in a Senior Photographer
It’s about that time of year, parents of budding young adults! This spring is the perfect time to book a senior photo session for your soon-to-be senior for the summer or fall. So as you’re shopping around for a senior photographer, what exactly should you be looking for and how do you know when you’ve found a good fit? As a professional senior photographer in the Seattle area, I’m happy to give you my insights.
Someone Who Knows Senior Photography Well
I know that this sounds like a given, but many families don’t realize that every type of photography session has different techniques and skills, so for good senior photos, you don’t just need a good photographer - you need a good photographer with ample senior portrait experience. Look for someone who lists senior photography among their specialties on their website and social media, and someone who specializes in portrait photography rather than event photography.
Many Photo Shoot Options
Compared to other types of photo sessions like maternity portraits and newborn photos, senior photo shoots tend to have a lot of variety. You’ll probably want a few looks that are formal like your yearbook photo, but you’ll also want some looks that are more casual and personal. Look for a senior photographer who has the resources to give you that variety, like knowledge of great session locations in your area or plenty of sets and backdrops in their studio.
A Style That Matches Your Vision
Every photographer has their own style in the same way that every fashion brand and every singer has their own style. Look for a photographer who has the aesthetic style that you and your teen want for their senior photos. It can help to sit down with your almost-senior and brose some photographers’ galleries together to see what styles you both enjoy so you know what types of photographers to look for.
The Experience You Want
Senior photography isn’t just about the photos. It’s a milestone that you and your teenager will remember for a lifetime, so you want to choose a photographer who will create the experience that you want. In my case, that means a completely guided and curated experience - I’ll work with you directly through all the planning to make sure every detail is customized for your teenager. I also offer professional hair and makeup services for the photo session as well as personal styling so you don’t need to worry about anything.
Personal Chemistry
Last but not least, you need a photographer who gels with you and suits your personality. That’s why I emphasize a personal consultation with every client - it gives us a chance to make sure we’re on the same page and that we communicate well together so your senior photo shoot can be less stressful and actually fun!
If you have a soon-to-be senior in your family, now’s the perfect time to find your senior photographer and book a session! Reach out to Jaimié Birtel Photography and let’s see if we’re a good fit for each other.