When someone gets in touch with me to book a senior shoot, the first question I’m asked, without fail, is where I think they should have their photos taken. Or, if there’s already a location in mind, whether I think it would be a good idea. Here are my three main points for picking a great location:
1. Pick A Meaningful Location
In the photo above, Mallory chose this location because it’s very close to her house, she passed by it almost every day, and she felt it fit her personality as someone who considers herself a small town, country girl. Sometimes these locations are easy – if you play sports or you’re in marching band, we can take some photos on the field. Sometimes there isn’t an obvious match, but that doesn’t mean we can’t think of something fun and unique to who you are. Do you love to read books? Let’s go to a library or a book store. If your favorite high school memories are grabbing coffee with friends, we can go to your local coffee shop. Family properties, vacation spots, your town’s downtown area, and even your own yard are great options.
2. Think About Your Outfit
Specifically, think about how fancy your outfit is going to be. Lots of seniors and their parents decide on a local park or hiking trail for their photos. These are great options, because you’re guaranteed a beautiful backdrop and there’s usually plenty of space for us to take a variety of photos. However, I often have my seniors sit on the ground or on benches, lean on trees, and generally do things other than standing still for every picture. If you’re planning on wearing a fancy outfit, like your suit or prom dress, this might not be the best location for you. Similarly, locations that require a lot of walking, like hiking trails or natural settings that require a bit of effort to reach, won’t be ideal if your outfit is too constricting. An alternative is to wear a fancy outfit for the beginning of the photos, before we really get too far into the location, and then change into a more casual option for the rest of the senior session.
3. Consider Crowd Size
Some photo locations are popular for a reason. If you live in my area, you know that the mill at McConnell’s Mill State Park is very popular. But in peak senior portrait season (summer and fall), it can be difficult to work around the crowds. In situations like this, I tend to suggest early morning sessions or shooting on days that are a little outside of peak season (if the client doesn’t have a preference as to the season). Taking these factors into consideration doesn’t mean that you can’t have your dream location, but you might need to be a little flexible on timing in order to get the most of your senior session.
4. Ask Your Photographer
Part of my job is to help you with the planning of your session, and that starts well before a photo is taken. When you contact me to book a senior picture session, I send a questionnaire back to you. It’s really short and it helps me to get to know you better. If you aren’t sure exactly what you want out of your senior photos, just tell me. The questionnaire and any conversations we have leading up to your session will give me an idea of who you are and what you’re interested in.
