7 Tips To Take Better Senior Portraits

Here in Colorado, May signals the beginning of high school senior portraits. And as the class of 2010 graduates, and the class of 2011 moves in to take its place, there will be a ton of opportunity for you to capture a piece of this lucrative market share.

The difference between a good senior portrait and a GREAT senior portrait is how much you put into it. Can you do something cool and unique the kids will love? Can you use technology to the max, giving seniors a reason to “beg” their moms and dads to use you over any of your competitors? Try out these 7 tips, and work to become the best senior portrait photographer in your area.

1. Start by heading to your local bookstore, and round up every teen magazine you can find. Look at the styles, the posing for the top teen celebrities, and what products are being marketed to teenagers. Then use these ideas to build your own sets and props. Seniors don’t want a boring photo on a plain backdrop or posed against a tree. They want style. They want attitude.

Tips To Take Better Senior Portraits

2. Shoot for the buyers. Yes, the senior will love the images with attitude. But the mom will probably love a more traditional smile. Add in gifts for the grandparents, and you’re bound to need a few more traditional poses just to make everyone happy. While the teen will motivate where they have their senior picture taken, always remember that mom pays the bills.
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