Calling the class of 2024!!!  Are you ready for one of the best parts of your upcoming senior year because it is almost senior picture season.  It is my favorite photography season and I can’t wait to meet the newest class of high school seniors. For parents, the hardest part of the process can be how to find a senior photographer.

Summer is coming and with that comes Senior Pictures.  Senior Pictures are a huge investment and a big deal.  Many parents have started asking me questions and are looking into how to begin the process.  So I thought I would start by talking about how to find a senior photographer. This is about seniors, but it really can be translated into any kind of photography. Not all photographers specialize in everything so make sure you are looking for an expert in their particular niche of photography.

How to choose a photographer

1.  Do you like their pictures?  This is probably the most important question!  It seems like it is easy but here are a few things to think about.  Do you like dark and moody pictures?  Then don’t choose a photographer that has light and airy images or visa versa.  Check out their blog, website, Instagram and Facebook pages to see if you like their “style”. 
2. The actual photographer:  If you go with a big company you might not be able to choose your photographer.  You might just get whoever is on the schedule that day.  With a one (or two) person show, you know exactly who you are getting and you ensure that you get the exact look and feel you are going for.  If you follow them on Instagram or Facebook you can get to “know” them ahead of time so it makes the session so much more comfortable and that comes through in the pictures.
3. Location:  Do they have a studio?  Do you want the studio look with lights/flash and backdrops or do you prefer outdoors and natural light?  Do they have a dedicated place they shoot? Are they in your area or will you have to travel or pay a travel fee?
4. Reputation:  Word of mouth is the best!  Ask your friends, family members, Facebook or co-workers who they used.  Did they have a good experience?  What would they change?  What did they like/dislike about the process?  Look at their reviews on Google and Facebook.
5. Experience:  How long has your photographer been in business?  This isn’t always a deal breaker but experience does help. Do they do it full time?  This isn’t a deal breaker but you might get better customer service from someone who is experienced and dedicates more time to their business.as It is just good to be informed about who you are doing business with.

Pricing can be confusing

Be sure to ask good questions when it comes to pricing. It can be confusing if you haven’t hired a photographer before. What is included in the price?  Do you get the digital images?  Do you get any prints or products included in the price?  Are you limited in your outfits or poses?  Is there a time limit?  Is there a travel fee? Knowing up front what you are getting and what you can expect is so important.

What Happens Next

What happens after your session?  Do you get the photos on download and that is all?  Does your photographer help you with ordering prints or help you figure out which one to choose for your yearbook photo?  Trying to figure out what to do with your photos when you receive them can be overwhelming, even for me!!  So having someone who can help you along in the process is important. Be sure to ask these questions before you book.

Meet Eden

All of the images from this post were from my session with Eden last summer for her senior photos. I was lucky enough to photograph her big sister, Olivia, a few years ago. Do you recognize the red chair from both sessions? Eden is a senior at Lakewood High School and is a swimmer and is highly involved in FCA. She is beautiful inside and out and her session at Bear Creek Lake Park is one of my favorites!

Ready for a senior session that is fun and will be an incredible experience from start to finish? I would love to work with you!

Want to learn more about Denver Senior Pictures? Click here and I would love to meet you!