How to Select A Photographer For Your Child's Senior Portraits
- 1). Sit with your teen and ask for their thoughts and input on how they hope to appear for senior portraits. Ask them for their likes and dislikes and if they've thought about the details of this image, which will also go into the high school annual or yearbook. Listen to them and take notes if necessary so you can discuss things further when you begin interviewing photographers.
- 2). Refer to the senior portrait submission guidelines from the school. These will usually list do's and don'ts, such as no black and white pictures, or only headshots and not activity shots. Some schools have broad choices, while others are more strict with requirements.
- 3). Make a list of the poses and outfits your student would like to use in her portrait. Include both casual and formal wear, and any props or additional items desired. These may not all be used, but it's better to have more in mind than to show up with only one idea.
- 4). Make calls to local photographers, beginning with those recommended names and going down the list. Inquire as to sitting time, fees, number of clothing changes, poses and so forth. Ask each photographer the same list of questions. Jot down your answers and discuss things with your student to begin weeding out the least optimum choices.
- 5). Visit the top three to five photography studios in person. Make an appointment to come in and sit with the professional photographer who would be taking your student's pictures. Look at all the portfolios and ask for references to happy customers. You can choose a few names to call or you can simply deduce the quality of the work directly from the images you view.
- 6). Narrow your selection to the photographer your student feels most comfortable with who also provides the highest quality work. The ideal photographer will meet all your needs as to poses, time spent, feedback, interaction, creating a fun atmosphere and more.
- 7). Inquire at the school or refer to guidelines for whether or not you or the photographer have to submit the senior photograph. Then follow up when the time comes. Meanwhile, if you have chosen the perfect photographer, you'll probably have a much harder time choosing the best portraits than you did finding the ideal photographer. Your child's face, captured in many fine poses, will keep you smiling for hours and years to come.
