How to Photograph High School Seniors

Taking a picture of the senior in their graduation attire is an important senior photograph.

One of the most most prized traditions of becoming a high school senior is the senior portraits that many have done. The professional sitting fees for these portraits can be very expensive. Instead of paying professional prices, take the pictures yourself. You do not even have to have a professional camera to take good pictures; most likely, your own digital camera will work, or you could rent one for the day from your local photography store.

Instructions

1. Spend some time talking to the senior and trying to help her relax. You may explain to her what you will be doing and asking them what poses or props they would like to use. Ask her questions about her school and hobbies as you are setting up until she seem more comfortable around you.

2. 

   Bring some props to use when you photograph high school seniors, and have them bring their own. You could easily make a number prop out of foam for the year the senior is graduating, or you could bring along old hats and scarves. The foam year could be set beside the senior. Hats and scarves can not only be worn, but can also be used to create a distinctive background. Ask the senior to bring something to do with the sport or activity he does for school. Some students could bring their basketballs or cheerleading outfits, while others could bring their musical instruments or even their textbooks.

3. 

   Take pictures outside, if possible. Taking pictures outside is better for the amateur photographer, because you do not have to concern yourself as much with lighting. Overcast days are best to photograph high school seniors because you do not have to worry so much about shadows. If you do have to take pictures on a sunny day, then try to position the seniors in areas with shade to reduce the amount of shadows that fall across their faces.

4. 

   Search the Internet for "senior portraits" to find ideas for poses. There are several poses that are common, such as leaning against a tree or standing next to a brick wall. Often these shots are just sets in a professional studio, but if you are doing it yourself, you can go outside and find an actual brick wall or tree. As you go through your portrait session, try new poses as you think of them. You may find that some of your favorite shots are not the ones usually seen done by professional photography studios.

5. 

   Use photo editing software to help create better pictures. Once you have taken the pictures, load them on your computer. Even simple photo editing software allows you to crop a picture and often lets you change an image to black and white or add a sepia tone. You may find you need to crop out unnecessary parts of an image or find that changing an image to black and white creates a much different image than the one in color.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your flash outdoors to help reduce facial shadows.

• Look for items in the distance, such as poles or people, which may distract from the image in the foreground.

• Bring an extra battery and an extra memory card.