Don't Make These 5 Senior Photo Mistakes! | Lindsay Newton Photography
The 5 Most Common Mistakes Seniors Make When Planning their Senior Photos
First let’s talk about what makes an excellent senior photo…amazing outfits, personality in your photos that shows the real you, the perfect location, weather and of course an epic photographer! Good news-I know a photographer (lol-it’s me!!!!) who not only makes sure you avoid these mistakes, but sets you up for an amazing experience. Already sold and don’t need to read further? Sweet-Click HERE to reach out! Still curious what the 5 most common mistakes seniors make are? Here you go:
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Not hiring a professional photographer
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Getting a haircut too close to your session date
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Not capturing your personality and having your session too posed
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Not spending enough time picking your outfits
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Not preparing for your session and leaving everything until the last minute
Not hiring a professional photographer
When you hire a professional, you are getting way more than an expensive camera. You want someone who has dealt with different lighting scenarios; can pull you out of your shell, allowing your personality to shine; someone who can help you prepare for your session, ensuring that you have a great location and outfits to match; and someone who is just awesome to be around. So the phrase “you get what you pay for” is pretty spot on!
Getting a haircut too close to your session date
To cut or not to cut…your hair that is. While I am totally a fan of a good clean cut, it’s important to make sure you get that trim with the right timing. For guys, I recommend you get a cut about a week or two out from your session date. For ladies, I recommend about two to three weeks from your session date. And for the love-do not do anything wacky right before your session, like deciding to cut those bangs that you have never really wanted.
Not capturing your personality and having your session too posed
Being too timid to let that light shine through! Okay, so this one is a two-fer! Who you choose for your photographer will directly impact the ease at which you will be able to relax, which in turn allows your true personality to take center stage. So choose wisely! And how your photographer poses…or doesn’t will have a direct impact on how stiff and natural you look in your photos. I like to use a lot of movement and prompts to get those genuine reactions. I mean, who actually has a “camera smile” that they like, right? The second part of this is trust! You have to be willing to trust your photographer and just let loose! Will you look silly in the moment? Yep! But will it be worth it? Abso-freaking-lutely!!!!!
Not spending enough time picking your outfits
Outfits-a quick do’s and don’ts. Choosing your outfits is probably the hardest part, in my opinion. But it doesn’t really need to be…as long as you start earlier rather than later and have a strategy in mind. Strategy? For your senior photos? Yep. Most of my seniors have between 4-6 outfits. I recommend choosing each outfit with a vibe in mind. For example, if you play a sport, love to skateboard, love hiking and also reading at your favorite coffee shop then I would recommend an outfit that directly ties to each of these. A sporty look with your jersey and/or sports equipment, a skater look complete with your board, a traditional PNW vibe and a cozy or summery look at your favorite coffee shop. And don’t worry, we go over outfits during your consultation so you will have plenty of time to get the looks right! Speaking of time, you will want to start planning your outfits at least a month out. And about a week out, start getting them ready; washed, ironed/wrinkle free, hanging together in the closet. Gather all of the accessories and either hang them with each outfit, or put them with your shoes under each outfit. This will make the day of your senior session so much easier!
Not preparing for your session and leaving everything until the last minute
Preparation is key, so don’t wait until the day before! “Success doesn’t just happen. It’s planned for.” ~Anonymous. Preparing for your senior photos should actually start halfway through your Junior year. You want to start searching for your photographer in the winter and have them secured by spring at the latest. Especially if there are certain components you want, such as certain flowers, fall colors, etc. Once you have signed that contract, let the planning begin! When you become a Lindsay Newton Photography senior, we will set up a consultation to plan your session and get those gears in your brain turning. This will set you up for success because we chat about all the things, so you won’t have to worry about a thing!
So now that you know the 5 most common mistakes that seniors make-and how to avoid them, let’s get you on my calendar! Click HERE to inquire today!
