We know that we don’t have to settle for generic because everything is customized now. Your senior portraits aren’t any different. Below are 5 questions to ask your senior photographer which will help you find just the right photographer for you.

HOW MANY SENIOR PORTRAITS HAVE YOU TAKEN?

There are a lot of really great photographers out there. Find one who specializes in senior portraits. Every photography niche, ie. newborns, family, seniors, weddings has their particular nuances. They are the experts in that niche for the very reason that they work with that particular clientele time and time again perfecting their art in their niche. For example, did you know that newborn photographers keep their studio extra warm for the babies? or that wedding photographers work with timelines and the location of the sun to establish a shot list? Find a niche seniors photographer for their expertise.

MAY I SEE A FULL GALLERY?

Social Media whether it be Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat…are highlights, not the full story. If you’re going to invest your time and money into senior pictures you’re going to want more than 1 or 2 “highlights” to choose from. Ask to see more than 1 or 2 full galleries of past seniors they’ve photographed. Then look for the following:

1. Edits: Does the skin tone and texture of the skin look natural?
2. Lighting: Is it the style you’re looking for?
3. Are the eyes in focus?

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO THEY OFFER?

Some photographers offer a quick session with just the digitals and others offer the full experience that includes styling, hair and makeup, multiple outfits and locations with an in person gallery review to help you select images, product and digitals. Ask them about the experience they offer. It will help you determine if they’re the best fit for you.

DO THEY HAVE A FULL LIST OF TESTIMONIALS?

Ask to see A LOT of testimonials that are not only from seniors but parents as well. You may have been referred by a friend, which is a good sign but back it up with seeing a lot of testimonials.

PAPERWORK

I know this isn’t a question but here’s what I mean by paperwork. Are they fully insured? Do they require that you sign a model release form, contract with policies, given you a full disclosure of all pricing? You may be thinking this is to protect them. Yes, but more IMPORTANTLY, this is to protect you! Without this paperwork, I’m letting you know right now, they are NOT for you.

Those are the 5 questions to ask your Senior Photographer. I hope this helps make your senior pictures a great experience and gives you amazing images to hold onto forever.

If you need to back up a bit and would like to know exactly what senior pictures are, you can go here for the full story.

BONUS : PREPPING FOR SENIOR PHOTOS

When you book with me you automatically get a styling call and prep information along with other extras. If you’d like a preview of some of that then you can get my guide SENIOR PORTRAIT PREP 101

To hear more about the type of experience I offer get in touch I’ll be thrilled to show you gallery after gallery AND will send you a full 78 page Senior Photoshoot Magazine that will answer all of your questions and then some!