Yes, we've all seen them...the horribly fake and posed photos that we used to have taken "back in the day" they were cookie cutter and everyone had the same pictures to share and trade! Man oh man, have senior pictures come a long way!
Now you have so many options! You have the "hobbyist" photographer who loves to take pictures and has a good digital camera but may not be familiar with a lot of editing techniques. You have the professional photographers who are more expensive who know how to capture a personality in a moment and how to really reflect a personality through editing techniques! Then of course, we have the "selfie" photographer who documents their own mood each hour of each day and shares these pictures on a regular basis through social media outlets.
Whatever your desire, you need to remember the simple fact that your senior portraits should be a direct reflection of YOU, your personality, your likes and just showcase you as an individual! So many students see their friends' photos and want to recreate or mimic their image. But the problem with this is it may not be natural for you to have the same exact picture, pose or expression and that is perfectly OK!
There is nothing wrong with gaining inspiration from an image you have seen or screenshot. But the key is to make it your own. Put your own spin on it. Using angles, lighting, dramatic shadows, or even through editing!
Now the question is how do you choose the best choice for you? Most cases, pricing is a deciding factor! You see a gallery that you like and you think, "WOW, I want them to take my photos!" You may check the pricing and see price ranges from $50 sitting fee to upwards of $500 for print packages! Don't be intimidated! Just because there are a lot of "extras" you can tell which photographers, really appreciate the art of capturing a moment or a personality! It never hurts to contact them directly. Phone, text, facebook messaging....there is no reason for anyone to make a rash decision on photography. Get to know the photographer. Ask yourself these questions.... 1. Does the photographer take the time to fully explain their program? 2. Did the photographer answer questions that I didn't even know I had? 3. Does the photographer take the time to find out about me and my needs? 4. Do I get options for the finished editing? 5. Can you text this photographer anytime? 6. Can you screenshot images that you like as a benchmark or inspiration to drive ideas? 7. Do I get the print released images on any type of digital form? (DVD, CD, flash drive, etc.)
The time a photographer takes to correspond with you and the open line of communication means so much on so many levels! You not only get to know them as a person, but it builds a relationship so that when you meet you feel like you've known one another for years!
The thing a lot of parents and students do nowadays is wait til the last possible minute to take their senior portraits! There is nothing wrong with this, we all know how busy seniors are and how many activities and responsibilities are always involved with senior year!
The thing to remember is just don't settle for mediocre photography. These images will be going into yearbooks, memory books, displayed on desks and mantles and walls of family and loved ones. So shouldn't you make sure you get quality service with a timeless look that can be displayed for many years to come?
Also please remember, many photographers take the liberty of sharing the images from the sessions because they retain the copyright and have the right to use them in any way they see fit. If for any reason you do not want the images to be shared publicly or would prefer to be the first ones to view, please let the photographer know in advance. Most photographers will take your concerns into consideration and will do as you wish!
As always do your homework and shop around...choose the right choice for your needs! Remember, with digital and social media, not everyone wants to spend $500 on a photography package that is full of prints that you don't even get to choose!
Quality photography doesn't have to be expensive! Shop around. Check out the skill level, talk to others who have utilized different services. This is YOUR choice, and remember it never hurts to ask if a photographer can adjust their pricing schedule to fit into your budget!
Also, not everyone's experiences may be the same, with new skill level, experience and personal and professional growth photographers are ALWAYS improving!
Now you have so many options! You have the "hobbyist" photographer who loves to take pictures and has a good digital camera but may not be familiar with a lot of editing techniques. You have the professional photographers who are more expensive who know how to capture a personality in a moment and how to really reflect a personality through editing techniques! Then of course, we have the "selfie" photographer who documents their own mood each hour of each day and shares these pictures on a regular basis through social media outlets.
Whatever your desire, you need to remember the simple fact that your senior portraits should be a direct reflection of YOU, your personality, your likes and just showcase you as an individual! So many students see their friends' photos and want to recreate or mimic their image. But the problem with this is it may not be natural for you to have the same exact picture, pose or expression and that is perfectly OK!
There is nothing wrong with gaining inspiration from an image you have seen or screenshot. But the key is to make it your own. Put your own spin on it. Using angles, lighting, dramatic shadows, or even through editing!
Now the question is how do you choose the best choice for you? Most cases, pricing is a deciding factor! You see a gallery that you like and you think, "WOW, I want them to take my photos!" You may check the pricing and see price ranges from $50 sitting fee to upwards of $500 for print packages! Don't be intimidated! Just because there are a lot of "extras" you can tell which photographers, really appreciate the art of capturing a moment or a personality! It never hurts to contact them directly. Phone, text, facebook messaging....there is no reason for anyone to make a rash decision on photography. Get to know the photographer. Ask yourself these questions.... 1. Does the photographer take the time to fully explain their program? 2. Did the photographer answer questions that I didn't even know I had? 3. Does the photographer take the time to find out about me and my needs? 4. Do I get options for the finished editing? 5. Can you text this photographer anytime? 6. Can you screenshot images that you like as a benchmark or inspiration to drive ideas? 7. Do I get the print released images on any type of digital form? (DVD, CD, flash drive, etc.)
The time a photographer takes to correspond with you and the open line of communication means so much on so many levels! You not only get to know them as a person, but it builds a relationship so that when you meet you feel like you've known one another for years!
The thing a lot of parents and students do nowadays is wait til the last possible minute to take their senior portraits! There is nothing wrong with this, we all know how busy seniors are and how many activities and responsibilities are always involved with senior year!
The thing to remember is just don't settle for mediocre photography. These images will be going into yearbooks, memory books, displayed on desks and mantles and walls of family and loved ones. So shouldn't you make sure you get quality service with a timeless look that can be displayed for many years to come?
Also please remember, many photographers take the liberty of sharing the images from the sessions because they retain the copyright and have the right to use them in any way they see fit. If for any reason you do not want the images to be shared publicly or would prefer to be the first ones to view, please let the photographer know in advance. Most photographers will take your concerns into consideration and will do as you wish!
As always do your homework and shop around...choose the right choice for your needs! Remember, with digital and social media, not everyone wants to spend $500 on a photography package that is full of prints that you don't even get to choose!
Quality photography doesn't have to be expensive! Shop around. Check out the skill level, talk to others who have utilized different services. This is YOUR choice, and remember it never hurts to ask if a photographer can adjust their pricing schedule to fit into your budget!
Also, not everyone's experiences may be the same, with new skill level, experience and personal and professional growth photographers are ALWAYS improving!