How to Pose for Graduation Portraits
Senior portraits show who you are. No longer does a guy have to dress in a suit and tie or a girl in a fancy dress. Today's photos show you wearing your favorite jeans and t-shirt, one outfit that you would wear at special events, a high school team uniform or normal everyday clothes that fit your style. Posing can be a little nerve wracking. The portrait photographer has been working with graduating seniors and will know how to help you pose for each shot. Plan ahead for these once-in-a-lifetime portraits.
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Things You'll Need
- Clothes that show your individual personality
- Props such as instruments, sports gear and personal items
- Comb
- Brush
- Hairspray
- Makeup
- Friend
- Family
Instructions
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Visit the portrait studio or website to view portrait poses. Write down the ones that seem right for you. Give this list to the photographer when you go for your portrait session.
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Dress in your most formal outfit the day of your portraits. Take along several items that are a major part of who you are, sports you are involved in and clothes that you normally wear. Take a couple of your favorite CDs that can be playing in the background to help you loosen up.
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Listen to the photographer. He will have you sit on various props for a formal portrait. He may have you sit on a stool while looking off into the distance or sit cross-legged on the floor, one hand on a bare foot and the other on the side of your neck. You may also be asked to stand with your back to the photographer, turning your head to show your facial profile over your shoulder. Lift your chin and look at the ceiling across the room for a unique pose.
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Smile or simply relax your mouth, do what is most comfortable for you. An excellent portrait photographer will talk to you and help you relax as you continue to follow his direction for poses.
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Change into a less formal set of clothes. Relax and enjoy talking with the photographer as you pose for more natural portraits of who you are. Go outside for less formal settings next to trees, flowers and natural scenery. Spin a basketball on your finger, strum a guitar, hold an open book on your lap, swing in a hammock, choose what will show who you are in your senior year of school.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you get your hair cut at least a week before a graduation portrait session.
Get a good night's sleep before the day of your session.
Young men, shave an hour or two before the session.
Young ladies, go easy on the make-up. You want to look natural.
Do not try a new hairdo the day of your session.
Do not wear stripes.
Do not be late for your appointment. You will lose time from your session.
Remember, portrait photographers are not hair stylists.
