I always tell my seniors that their sessions are going to be one of the only times in their life that the pictures are all about them, and no one else.

Even on your wedding day, there is going to be someone else in all of YOUR pictures. One of the most exciting parts of senior year is choosing your photographer. Here are some tips for finding the right one for YOU.

Insta-Famous

Admit it: seeing your friends featured on other Instagram pages gets you a little green with envy but is also super cool! Finding a photographer that is active on social media pages like Snapchat and Instagram is a fun way for everyone to get more involved in your session. From posting a “behind the scenes” to that sneak peek, all of your friends are DYING over your session the next morning – it’s a big deal and a great way to feel Insta-Famous! Especially when your photog is featured from a third party page (heyoo PosePatch, Senior Style Guide, & Senior Year Magazine!) with one of your images. Double Instagram fame.

More than Eyebrows on Fleek

It is SO important to choose a senior photographer who also has a killer makeup artist! Cameras for some reason do this shady thing where you take a picture of yourself and don’t see ANY makeup on your face when you just spent 20 minutes in front of the mirror. Hence the need for the Kardashian filter on Snapchat – shamelessly in love – before you post. Talented makeup artists get that and go a little heavier on the application so that when we are out and about, you look your absolute best. I am super lucky that I have one of the best makeup artists in the area on hand for every shoot. Check out Ashley Troxel Professional Makeup Artist!

The Investment

Did you know that the average U.S. family spends close to $1,000 on their child’s high school prom? That sure is a huge investment for parents who aren’t even GOING to the event. I wish there was as much of an emphasis on the importance of spending on quality senior portraits as there is on prom night. Gorgeous portraits last forever and are something your family can treasure. If done right, your photos can perfectly highlight who you are and your senior year. That takes the effort and passion of a photographer who takes the time to truly get to know you. Invest in a great photographer so that they will invest in YOU.

We Never Go Out of Style

T Swift has it right again! Just like your style is unique to yourself, I have my own specific style of shooting. When searching for your perfect fit, pay close attention to the photographers’ style. For example, my style of portraits is typically very bright and colorful. Think: how do you want to be portrayed?

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Senior year is stressful enough, so find a photographer that is all about you having a fun and stress-free experience. Ask your friends who have already gone through the process if their session was enjoyable. If it was awkward, then the photos will show it. A session that is fun means you will be relaxed, and relaxed pictures are the best pictures because they showcase your genuine self!

…Going to College to Get More Knowledge

Ladies and gents, parents and guardians – listen up because this one is SUPER important. In this day and age, when our “totally awesome” cameras are as close as our phones are, the value of a picture has decreased.

This is leading to more and more girls going out on a sunny Saturday afternoon with their new point and shoot while snapping fun pictures and calling it #SeniorSunday on Instagram the next day. I know, I’m calling out some of you right now. Like I’ve said previously: your senior portraits only happen once, so you have to find someone who knows what they’re doing.

It’s exactly why you don’t ask for a McDonald’s hamburger on your birthday – it’s a special occasion! Find someone who is a professional that will take pictures of you that are timeless and capture your true self in the most beautiful or handsome way possible.

What are you waiting for? Mention this blog post for FREE makeup with your senior session. Fill out the contact form on my website or email me today for pricing and availability.