Long gone are the days where senior portraits are in a studio, and quite frankly a little cheesy. The photography trends are ever changing but celebrating your grad with senior portraits will always be in style. With graduation right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning your shoots. Check out the trends we think will make your senior portraits stand out from the rest.
1. Candid shots
No one likes a forced smile! Many seniors and photographers have been opting for candid shots and personality pics. We absolutely love the authentic nature of these shoots and feel that the images are much more timeless.
2. Location, location, location!
When it comes to picking a location for a senior’s shoot, get personal. The location will dictate the style and feel of the shoot. If there is a special [;sace to the grad like a park, cityscape, or street, definitely consider shooting there! Locations with meaning behind them will make for photos that will be cherished forever.
3. Planning makeup, hair, and the perfect outfit.
It’s important for the graduate to look and feel like the best version of themselves. This helps with comfortability in front of the camera, and will ensure that they love their photos! When it comes to hair and makeup, we suggest doing a little extra for the session but definitely refrain from clown makeup or any hairstyle you would normally not wear.
For outfits, we suggest having a couple outfit changes! One casual, think jeans or sundress. One dressy, for guys maybe a suit, and the ladies, a more formal style dress or skirt. For the last outfit, make it fun! Add in a sports uniform, your favorite band tee, or something that will have meaning when you look back at these images in years to come!
4. Group shots
Now more than ever graduates are inviting their friends and hosting group senior photo sessions. We love this idea because you can capture lasting memories with your closest friends before you go your separate ways off to your next life chapter. We also love the comfortability this encourages, it will definitely make for some fun, silly, and beautiful shots!
5. Natural lighting
Goodbye studio lights, hello sunlight! Senior portraits in natural sunlight are stunning! We love the look of a naturally well-lit shot that compliments the features and face of the subject. If your shoot is scheduled on a day with inclement weather don’t stress. You can always reschedule or just push through. Remember that cloud coverage makes for some beautiful lighting!
6. Concept shoots
If the grad is looking to show off their personality, try a concept shoot! Design the day around a cool moment, celebration, or even some awesome props! Feel free to step outside of the box, but stick to something that has meaning.
Whether you are in front or behind the camera, make sure to have fun with it. They’re called trends for a reason, and likely will evolve as time does.Senior photos will always bring you back to a special place in time and graduation is the perfect season of life to capture.
Congrats to all the grads and happy to shooting to the photographers! What are your favorite senior photography trends?
Special thank you to Moon Reflections Photography for the images in this post!
