Class of 2023: Book a Senior Portrait Session for March, April, or May by February 28 and save $100, plus received 3 free gift prints!
I knew while I was photographing Caitlin’s Crane Estate Senior Portraits that I couldn’t wait to get these images on my blog. Between the setting, the weather, and Caitlin being gorgeous, fun, and a total natural in front of the camera, everything was set up for an amazing Senior Portrait Gallery.
Lots of Seniors think that Senior Portraits are just about their yearbook photo, but that is not the way to look at it! Senior photos are your time to shine and document this important milestone in life. Your session can also be an amazing confidence boost, and you and your family will be thrilled to have these photos for years to come. The more you put into it, the more you will love your photos!
Here are a few tips to get the very most out of your Senior portrait session.
1. Give Some Thought to Location
It’s easy to do your session close to home, but with a Custom Session, there are a wealth of incredible options even within an hour or so. Caitlin knew that she wanted a really elegant setting, and the Crane Estate was just perfection for Senior Portraits. I promise I have location ideas for whatever you have in mind — from city spots, to elegant estates, to rustic barns, to the beach. Whatever your vision, we can find a spot that is just right.
One note about the Crane Estate — They do charge a location fee to hold your session there, and while yes, some photographers are willing to sneak in, I’m a rule follower and a believer that we need to pay these fees to keep beautiful properties like this going. However, lots of locations are free to use and I’m always happy to give you a range of options!
2. Choose a Wardrobe That You Love
Caitlin chose two gorgeous dresses from Aritzia for her session (scroll down to see the other one), and they fit her style and the location perfectly. I know that it’s a lot to think about, but you will be glad to put some planning into your wardrobe rather than just grabbing something out of the closet the day of. That’s not to say you have to buy something new, but definitely try on a few things, and choose items that you feel great in. Keep in mind that with a Custom Session, or an upgrade to your Simple Session, you will have time for a wardrobe change — so definitely use the time you have to mix things up! And of course every Senior will receive my wardrobe guide prior to their session — its full of great tips. I’m also always standing by to answer questions or make suggestions.
3. Do Think About Hair and Make-up
Keeping make-up natural is great, and if you are good at doing your own, then that is perfect. But you can also consider getting a blow-out and having your make-up done that day. It’s just one more way to make yourself feel special and at your very best. I highly recommend Mel at Salon Forza in Andover. She does beautiful work, and she’s young and knows what looks great.
4. Know How You Like To Be Photographed
I will give you plenty of guidance for posing during our session so that you feel at ease, and know what to do — so don’t worry! However, it never hurts to look through photos of yourself and think about angles or other things you like and don’t like. For instance, some people are picky about their hair being to one side of the other, others don’t like to show their teeth when they smile, some know for sure which side is their “good side” — definitely don’t be shy about sharing those things with me. Your generation is definitely used to being photographed, so I know you have a few pictures on your phone!
5. Have Fun!
I think Caitlin and I both had a great time during this session, and it really was a team effort. She had some great ideas for poses, and didn’t hesitate to tell me if she saw a spot she liked. I love that! The two of us were having so much fun, and finding so many cool pockets of light or beautiful nooks and crannies at the estate that we were racing to get everything in before the property closed for the day (this session lasted a good two hours)!
If you are looking for beautiful senior portraits, then please get in touch and let’s chat! I really love working with Seniors, and we will come up with the perfect plan for your session!
Cristen Farrell is a Boston Senior Portrait Photographer, and offers a variety of Senior Session packages. Cristen will capture you in a natural and authentic style, and you will have fun along the way! If you are looking for Boston Area or North Shore Senior photos, Cristen can be reached by clicking on the contact form on this page. Don’t forget to follow Cristen Farrell Photography on Instagram, too!