Ah, the senior year, a time of nostalgia, celebration, and unforgettable memories. As a parent, you want to treasure every moment of your child’s final year in high school, and what better way to capture their charm and their high school experience than through photographs? However, persuading a high school senior to pose for pictures can sometimes feel like trying to push a boulder uphill!

I’ve got you! I am here to unlock the secrets on how to motivate your high school senior not only take pictures, but to make this experience creative, fun, and full of laughter, guaranteeing picture-perfect results!

1. Understanding the Emotions

It’s an emotional time for the senior and the parents! Your child will be saying goodbye to their routine of the past decades, some connections to others and will be walking down an uncertain path after graduation. At the same time the parents, understand that there will be a shift in their relationship with their child.

Yes, I have shed some tears myself, with the upcoming departure of my teen off to college, but I focused on the exciting new life my child would embark upon. I reminded myself that my children needed a role model while experiencing their own mixed emotions. I allowed them to talk about their concerns and wishes, and I sometimes joked about how miserable I would be without them to add some levity to the conversation. I kept it “future-focused,” so they viewed the next phase as exciting and fulfilling.

2. How to Approach the Conversation About Senior Photos

Your enthusiasm is contagious! When you have some time to sit down with your teen (like dinner time), tell them about this great opportunity to do a fun photo shoot showing their senior year and their true personality. Include them in the decision making, letting them know that you would like it to be fun for them and meaningful with locations that have a personal significance and props that they get to choose to help tell their personal story. The locations could be a local park where they used to hang out with friends, or even their favorite coffee shop! Incorporating these meaningful spots will add sentimental value to the pictures. Get your creative juices flowing by brainstorming exciting themes that resonate with your senior. Whether they are into superheroes, vintage fashion, or a wild safari, letting their imagination run wild will inspire their participation and enthusiasm.

The parent should also be honest and say it is important for them to have these photos of their high school senior year because there may not be another opportunity for professional photos in the near future. Take it from me, my son went to college in another state, so nailing down the entire family for a photos was challenging!

3. How to Make the Senior Session Fun

Let’s ditch the idea of a stuffy, formal photo shoot and embrace the unconventional! Invite the BFF Squad: Who can coax out the most natural and genuine smiles from your high school senior? Their best friends, of course! Ask your photographer if they can bring their closest buddies along. This not only ensures candid laughter but also captures the essence of their friendship, which will be cherished for years to come. We can even get a couple of photos with their BFF!

Ask them what fun special effects they may want like glitter, a smoke bomb, city lights in the background, make up or paint!

4. Show Off Their Hobbies and Passions

Is your senior an artist, an athlete, or a musician? Celebrate their passions by incorporating their hobbies into the photo session. Whether it’s painting in a beautiful garden, dribbling a basketball on a sunlit court, or playing the guitar on a picturesque beach, capturing their talents and interests will make the pictures more authentic and meaningful. I have even photographed fun shots with their favorite snack!

5. Choosing the Right Photographer Can Make it or Break it With Your Senior

A Photographer who specializes in High School Photography will be important for several reasons:

• They specialize, so all of their “behind the scenes” preparation goes into expert poses, and expert styling assistance for this age group
• They have the personality to connect with this teenage generation because they have chosen this type of photography as their passion
• They will know the trends of the year, that will motivate your senior, creating enthusiasm for taking pictures
• They have some tricks whether it’s playing music or cracking jokes that will create the best graduation photos

• During the photo session

It’s important to find a photographer who will help your senior relax for the best outcome. When searching for someone to take your senior’s pictures, chat with them on the phone to get a sense of their personality. You can even ask questions on how they get their seniors to relax. Check out their portfolio in advance – are there a variety of poses? Do the seniors in the pictures look relaxed or like they’re having fun? Are there testimonials that alleviate these concerns?

These are important things to find out as there are many things that go into a photo session and there is preparation involved too. You might spend a high amount of money, but you get what you pay for when it comes to the best experience and high quality pictures and products.

WANT MY FREE LIST OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK A PHOTOGRAPHER?

6. Does Bribery Work?

You betcha! Let’s face it, everyone loves treats! Bring some scrumptious snacks or their favorite drink to keep the energy high and the smiles bright.

Making the senior photo session a “special event” by letting them choose their favorite restaurant or a new trendy restaurant they have been wanting to try, for after the session.

Or letting them chose a special activity or place to visit as a senior trip in exchange for cooperating for senior pictures.

7. Senior Guys – most of them dislike pictures!

I get many inquiries from the Moms of senior guys who want pictures, but their sons don’t want them. Yes, I have been there, done that!

First things first, ditch the notion that senior pictures are all about stiff poses and cheesy smiles. Guys tend to prefer a more relaxed and authentic vibe. So, let’s get creative and explore unconventional settings and poses that reflect their personalities. How about capturing them on a skateboard doing their best kickflip, or amidst their beloved sports equipment, exuding confidence?

Appeal to their sense of adventure and make the photoshoot a memorable experience. Plan a day trip to a breathtaking location, like a nearby national park or a graffiti-filled urban alleyway. Exploring new places together will help them feel more comfortable and enthusiastic about the shoot.

The key to getting guys excited about senior pictures is incorporating their hobbies and passions. Whether they’re into music, cars, video games, or art, let their interests shine in the photos. Imagine capturing them playing their favorite instrument or posing with their dream car. These pictures will be priceless to them!

Peer pressure can work in our favor! Organize a group photoshoot with their closest friends. The camaraderie and fun of sharing this moment with buddies will motivate even the most camera-shy among them to step up and pose with confidence.

Props can add a touch of fun and spontaneity to the photoshoot. From sports gear to musical instruments, quirky hats, or even their beloved pets, props can help guys relax and feel at ease during the shoot. The more comfortable they are, the more natural their pictures will turn out!

Style matters! There will be the outftit that Mom wants, but also encourage them to dress in outfits that reflect their personal fashion sense. Whether it’s a casual street look or a polished formal attire, embracing their style will help them feel confident and ready to rock the photoshoot.

8. During the photo session

It’s important to find a photographer who will help your senior relax for the best outcome. When searching for someone to take your senior’s pictures, chat with them on the phone to get a sense of their personality. You can even ask questions on how they get their seniors to relax. Check out their portfolio in advance – are there a variety of poses? Do the seniors in the pictures look relaxed or like they’re having fun? Are there testimonials that alleviate these concerns?

These are important things to find out as there are many things that go into a photo session and there is preparation involved too. You might spend a high amount of money, but you get what you pay for when it comes to the best experience and high quality pictures and products.

Conclusion:

Senior year marks the culmination of years of hard work and achievements. Celebrate their accomplishments by incorporating elements that represent their success – be it a sports trophy, academic awards, or a symbol of their proudest achievements.

Capturing the essence of your high school senior in photographs is an unforgettable experience that you’ll treasure forever. By approaching the photoshoot with creativity, fun, and a touch of adventure, you’ll be able to coax out their inner supermodel. Remember, it’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, get your cameras ready, put on your dancing shoes, and let the laughter flow as you embark on this exciting journey of preserving your senior’s precious moments!

What should guys wear during their senior portraits? Click on the button below to read the blog: