There are sooo many photography styles out there, many of which are passing trends. Some trends make skin tones appear orange in huge, or even blue-ish or green-ish! And then, there are also some photographers who just don’t understand how to expose for skin tones or properly adjust what we call “white balance.” For your senior portraits, you will want a photographer who consistently produces images where skin tones and colors look like they would in real life. That way, when you look at these photos 20 years from now, after the “photography trends of today” have faded, your images will still look timeless and beautiful. So look through your prospective photographer’s social media or portfolio on their website. Do all the skin tones look like they would in real life? Do the rest of the colors in the image look natural? 

5. Find a photographer who produces images with natural, beautiful skin tones!  

I think the easiest way to decipher this one is to check your photographer’s Instagram or Facebook page and see how often they post pictures of seniors.  For me personally, senior portrait sessions are my favorite kinds of sessions and they are what I am most highly trained in doing. If I could take senior photos all year long, I would! But being in New England, most senior portraits are usually only taken in the months of June through October, so I also photograph lots of other types of sessions. While I LOVE my family sessions, newborn sessions, and maternity sessions, you can tell from what I post on my social media that senior portraits are a huge specialty of mine.  

4. Find a photographer who specializes in senior portraits!

She even has a changing tent for your outfit changes! You feel like an actual model by 15 minutes into your shoot, by the end you are a PRO! At the end, you leave feeling like you had fun evening just looking beautiful and chatting/laughing with your photog! You get your pictures back. You have a stunning collection of posed and candid moments that you are so excited to show off to your friends and family! So, which one are you going to choose?! LOL! If you said “scenario 2,” I am your girl! Photoshoots with me are fun and relaxed. At the same time, my shoots are directed so that you feel like a natural by the end of our time together! Follow your prospective photographer on Instagram and see if you think you would enjoy a session with them! DM them, respond to their stories, ask them questions, get to know them! 

Fun & relaxed!

You arrive to your photoshoot, excited and a tiny bit nervous, but mostly just excited because you feel SUPER prepared! Your photographer has been in touch with you several times regarding outfit choices. She has given you an entire guide on what to expect at your session. You have even texted a few times - you feel like you already know her! You meet your photographer and right off the bat you can tell she is so excited for your session. She asks you how you’re feeling. Your photographer wants to check out your outfits. She double checks your makeup to make sure you don’t need any touchups. Your photographer puts you in your first “pose,” and from there things just FLOW! She gives you directions throughout the entire shoot. At the same time, she chats and laughs with you and your “entourage" throughout your shoot!

Scenario 2:

You arrive to your photoshoot, excited but also nervous. You don’t know much about your photographer. Your photographer is quiet. They don't really give you any direction or posing, doesn’t ask you or your parent (or friend, whoever you may bring along) anything about yourselves, and you feel a bit awkward. You get your photos back and you look stiff and uncomfortable.

Scenario 1:

This is a big one, trust me. Let me paint two different scenarios for you.  

3. Find a South shore senior Portrait photographer whose personality fits your own!

Once you find your professional photographer, ensure that he or she has a good amount of experience in the field of senior photography.  You may come across a beautiful senior picture  on Instagram and think to yourself "Perfect!  If this photographer took this picture. then this is the photographer for me."  But wait!!  Make sure that the photographer has taken lots of OTHER beautiful senior pictures - not just one!!  You'll want to find a South Shore senior portrait photographer who has photographed tons upon tons of seniors, with consistently beautiful results.  

2. Find a photographer who has plenty of experience

It’s so important to hire a photographer who is licensed, registered, and trained!! Why? You and your parents are investing time and money into this experience. You are planning outfits, buying clothes, possibly hiring a hair and makeup artist, and you will have these photos forever!! A professional photographer is organized and will provide you with a contract. A professional photographer is trained in posing you to look your best. They will have high quality equipment, understand lighting principles, and use high end editing software to carefully edit your photos. How can you find out if a photographer is a professional photographer? Google their business name! Check out their website, read their reviews, and check out their social media while you’re at it!  

1. MAKE SURE THE PHOTOGRAPHER TAKING YOUR SENIOR PORTRAITS IS A PROFESSIONAL!  

How to Choose a photographer FOR YOUR SENIOR PORTRAITS