As a senior photographer in Atlanta, seniors are what I DO, so I’ve become an expert at perfecting each individual session. Even so, I have many moms and teens that come to me (or want to) with concerns. I want to address 6 popular myths around senior photos and why you need not worry about ANYTHING when it comes to an amazing experience and brag-worthy photos! And if you need some help planning them out or feel overwhelmed by the thought of it, download my free Senior Photos Prep Guide to ease your worries and make this a fun experience from start to finish!
MYTH #1
“ONLY GIRLS WHO ARE SUPER PHOTOGENTIC LOOK GOOD IN THOSE PHOTOS”
Many seniors see a beautiful photo of ours and think, “Wow, she’s gorgeous! She must be a model/super comfortable in front of the camera/photogenic, etc. Honestly, it’s just not true. Yes, I do photograph girls that are great on film, either naturally or from experience, but for the most part, our seniors are ALL worried about looking stiff or not being able to get images they love. Don’t worry- that’s what I DO! I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to get the “look” and have never walked away from a session saying, “Nope, I just can’t work with this one”. You will notice during the course of your session that you feel more confident and loosen up so that your expressions become very natural and your movements fluid, creating the perfect photo that looks like the very best version of YOU.
MYTH #2
“THEY’RE JUST PICTURES. I CAN GO ANYWHERE TO GET THEM”
It’s true that you have many choices for senior photos. Heck, even your friend knows how to work a camera and loves shooting. That’s awesome- go out and have fun with them…just don’t rely on those photos to capture exactly who you are or show you in the best light/pose. As a professional senior photographer, I know the art of posing and capturing the best angles for specific body types and looks. It is not a hit or miss technique. It’s focusing on exactly what will highlight your best you!
I also offer beautiful ways to display your images that are exclusive to Urban Trend. Yes, I cost more than many choices, but you get what you pay for and you have the opportunity to get not only great photos of yourself, but an experience that will stay with you long after the session. From sitting in the makeup chair while we go through outfits and chat, to laughing and having fun in front of the camera- I want you to feel like amazing and leave feeling like the most beautiful girl in the world.
MYTH #3
“I’M TOO AWKWARD. I LOOK SUPER BLAH IN PICTURES.”
One of the most common fears I hear from my seniors is that they are afraid of looking awkward/stiff/boring in their portraits. You are not alone in this! It is my job to loosen you up and get you super comfortable in front of the camera. I do the poses with you and perfect them before we even begin shooting. I know what poses flatter your specific body type, height, and even what angles show you off the best. I have tricks to soften your face so you get that gorgeous smolder, not just a blank stare. We incorporate movement into poses and do a LOT of goofing off! You basically can’t mess up! And if you ever feel embarrassed that all eyes are on you, I’m not afraid to take one for the team and make an idiot out of myself so that people look at me instead. I have no shame. The further we get into the session, the more relaxed and natural your movements become- without you even realizing it!
MYTH #4
“I DON’T REALLY NEED THEM. I CAN SKIP THAT MILESTONE.”
Think about this- would you ever entertain the idea of missing your senior homecoming game? Prom? Graduation? Of course not! These events are tradition and make senior year a year to look forward to all through your high school career. Senior portraits are no different. They are a rite of passage into adulthood; a defining moment in your young life, so why wouldn’t you want to capture it? Senior portraits represent an important milestone- not only by providing gorgeous images of you, but creating an experience that is exclusive to being the top dog. Just as you get to attend a senior picnic or senior trip, senior portraits are a reward for all of your hard work throughout the years and definitely should not be an afterthought. They define your legacy and provide something tangible for your parents to look back on and keep after you go off into the world to start life on your own.
MYTH #5
“I CAN JUST DO MY OWN MAKEUP. I’M REALLY GOOD AT IT.”
We know that there are many girls that are fabulous with makeup. They always do their friends up for events like homecoming and prom. It’s a gift and an art that we love to see girls excel at. However, makeup for photography is a whole ‘notha ball game. My makeup artists are trained in the art of makeup for film- from the types of products they use, to the way they apply it, to customizing looks that will compliment your specific skin type, eye color, and hair color. They are also aware of what not to use and take great care in only using professional products to avoid off-coloring and more importantly, adverse reactions. They are careful to avoid specific ingredients and take great care keeping their kits clean and sterile for each session. The result is a camera-ready face that lasts and gives you the confidence to rock your senior photos!
MYTH #6
“SENIOR PORTRAITS ARE JUST FOR GIRLS. I’LL BE FINE WITHOUT THEM.”
There is a very common misconception that senior portraits are exclusively for girls- that’s just not so! Boys can benefit from the experience just as much as the girls. Besides boosting confidence and looking like a GQ cover, there’s no better gift a son can give to his mother than well done portraits of himself. As a boy mom myself, I can confirm this. Rethink your idea of senior portraits as corny and cliché- I know plenty of masculine poses that won’t make you feel like you are trying too hard and will avoid the cheesy smile at all costs. We can also incorporate hobbies, show off your fashion sense, or just play it super casual.
And there you have it- 6 common misconceptions about senior photos all debunked.
Want to learn even more? Check out 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Senior Photos
Looking for a senior photographer in the Atlanta area to discuss your vision and set all of your fears to rest? Let’s chat!
