When I was graduating high school I wanted photos that were unique to me and reflected my passions and my story. I remember telling ing my mom I wanted to include my horse, the beauty of our small town, and have them done in the fall in Western North Carolina. Senior photos are getting more and more popular and session times have increased (& I'm here for it!). Senior photos are often a first experience with a professional photographer and I want to include my tips and tricks for your photo session.
What are senior photos?
Senior photos are a wonderful way to celebrate this milestone and accomplishment in your life. These sessions usually occur in late summer or fall. Photographers are hired to capture portraits in the clients favorite places. To help them remember their journey in high school some may bring friends, a letterman jacket, dogs, or anything that is special to them. Photos from these sessions are often selected to be featured in yearbooks!
What’s the difference between senior photos & grad photos?
Senior photos have a outfit or two that is fun and a little dressier than usual. They are also taken at locations that are meaningful or feature beautiful scenery. Grad photos or Cap & Gown photos are taken once the senior has picked up their cap and gown and are getting closer to their graduation date. These photos can be done at their school or a special location. These can be used for Graduation Announcements. It's a great way to remember this exciting day with all your high school regalia.
What are yearbook requirements for photos?
The requirements vary depending on your school. Generally, yearbook photos should be a close up of your face, (similar to a headshot), including shoulders and your entire head. Accessories are limited and profanity on clothing is prohibited. To get specifics about your school, email the yearbook creator or ask the yearbook coordinator at your school.
Where do high schoolers take senior photos?
High School seniors often take their photos in grassy fields, by a lake or river, parks, or at their school. They can also have their session in a place that has a lot of meaning to them.
How Long Should Senior Sessions Be?
Most sessions last between 30 minutes to an hour. If you are having your photos done at one location and only want one outfit featured, 30 minutes would be perfect! If you want to bring more than one outfit or want to have multiple locations, I would suggest investing in an hour. For those that want an "adventure session" your photo session could last up to two hours. The adventure sessions are so fun and you can have your friends, pets, and really take your time and have fun!
When I was picking out my outfits Pinterest was my favorite app to visit for inspo! Having one outfit that is more formal (cute dress or a button up shirt and nice pants) and a more comfy and causal outfit is what I recommend. A rule of thumb I tell my seniors is neutral or natural colors and avoiding large logos is the way to go! Having jewelry or other accessories and nails painted looks great for the little details in your photos. If you’re torn between outfits or not sure, let your photographer know and we are glad to help you pick.
What about makeup & Hair?
Simple is often the best! Just stay true to you . If you never wear makeup, adding a little mascara and filling in your eyebrows may help them pop a bit in photos. Having your hair down is a great way to go so you can play with it in poses and have a little extra movement in your photos! you can also do cute and flowy half up- half down styles. Again, Pinterest can be your best friend.
Prices can range from photographer to photographer! Some charge $100 and some charge $1600. For a 30 minute session with me, expect to spend about $220.
YES PLEASE! If the senior is under the age of 18 years old (a minor) a parent or guardian will need to sign the contract.
Bringing your friends can be a great way to have cute photos with your besties! Make sure to chat with them ahead of time. If they are down, go for it!
For one hour photo sessions, two outfits are usually plenty!
ABSOLUTELY! If you have items that are meaningful to you like an instrument, a letterman jacket, or a favorite book, you should bring them! These photos should represent you and your high school experience. You will want items in your photos that mean a lot to you and will help you remember your high school experience.
Parents or guardians can attend their senior’s sessions! It’s not necessary, it can be a great way to make your senior feel a little more comfortable. It can also be a special time for the parents or family to be a part of.
If you want some inspo, Pinterest is there for you. Your photographer will also help you in this area. For my sessions, I start with some simple poses and prompts to help you get a little more comfortable with the camera. I always tell anyone who has a session with me to move around, play with your hair, spin around, and feel like it's more of a music video or movie than a standing still-smile here- session.
Senior sessions can have 40-300 photos depending on your photographer and how long your session was! For my seniors, you get a classy black and white copy of each image (I love a good B+W)!
Most photographers will remove things that will be gone in the next week (blemishes). I remove flyaways or anything simple that you want out of your photo. I do not photoshop your body or color your hair!
Seniors in Utah don’t usually have yearbook photos, so traditionally they have been taken in the spring when the senior gets their cap and gown. As a Utah photographer, I still recommend taking your photos in the summer or fall to get all the beautiful colors and weather in the canyons! If you want your Utah senior photos in the canyons or mountains, Spring can still be snowy and bleak.
Where are popular spots to take senior photos in Asheville?
Beaver Lake, The Arboretum, Downtown Asheville, on the Blue Ridge Parkway or at your high school are some of the most popular places! There are other places in the Western NC area that are perfect for photos.
My senior photos start at $220 for a 30 minute session with one outfit and one location!
In Tennessee, seniors take photos in the summer and/or fall for their yearbook photos and dressy photos, then again in the spring when they get their cap and gown photos.
Where are popular spots to take senior photos around Johnson City, Tennessee?
ETSU, Founders Park, Roan Mountain, Downtown Johnson City, local high schools.
My senior photos start at $220 for photo sessions in the Johnson City & Eastern Tennessee areas.
Your Senior & Grad Photographer
North Carolina & Tennessee
Hey y'all! I'm Sasha, a senior photographer that’s based in the Asheville, North Carolina area but travel to East Tennessee all the time! I I’ve loved senior photos since 2015 when I had my photos done for my graduation. It inspired me use my passion for photography and I have loved celebrating seniors in both high school and college for their amazing accomplishments! I can’t wait to capture this HIGE milestone for you and cheer you on.
Book Your Senior & Grad Photos Here!!
