Senior Pictures

A couple of days ago I received an email from a high school senior who was inquiring about having her photo taken. Now, I get a lot inquiries and questions, but never ones like these. It was really evident she has been talking to a lot of her friends and possibly other photographers, cuz she really did her homework and put a great deal of thought into her list of questions. I was really happy that she was so diligent about looking into choosing the right photographer. For me, the more a client knows, the more they appreciate what I do and how I work.

Below are some of her questions and my answers.

How many outfit changes do you permit and do I have to wear solid colors?
I don’t limit the number of wardrobe changes. I usually allocate 2 hours for each shoot, so it’s up to you as to how many changes you want to do. No, I don’t insist on solid colors. I always ask that my clients bring a variety of colors and styles.

Where do you shoot your senior pictures? Do you have a real studio or do you always shoot at a park or someone’s house?
I shoot portraits in my studio on Coliseum Blvd. as well as at the location of your choice. I also have some cool, edgy locations we can shoot at. I insist that I meet with the senior as well as a parent in advance of the shoot to discuss these details. This makes the day of shoot go more smoothly and uses the time more efficiently.

Do you use a lot of props and sets in your senior pictures? If so, what will make my pictures unique?
While I do have some props, my photos are driven by my subject. All lighting, backdrops, poses, camera angles are customized for my client. I usually don’t preset anything, each portrait is unique because all the elements are assembled just for you. In fact, in the studio, I shoot with my camera attached to a computer and you can see the photos in real time, as they are shot. Depending on the location, I frequently use my studio lights outdoors to create customized lighting effects specifically for you.

Do you print your own photos?
No. I use a few different professional color labs to produce my prints. These labs use the latest techology to produce true photographs (not inkjet/laser prints) on a variety of different paper textures as well as canvases.

Can I bring a friend with me the day of the shoot?
Absolutely. I try to make my shoots fun and relaxed. Have a friend or two around will help you relax and give you feedback on your photos.

Anyway, these were a few of her questions. I appreciate alll the thought she put into researcing her senior pictures and look forward to shooting with her.

Thanks for reading!

-Ken