Four tips for avoiding awkward Senior Photos
The #1 fear that seniors have when it comes to senior photo sessions is the fear of feeling or looking awkward.
MaKenna, Class of 2023
My biggest fear was not knowing how to pose my arms. It was awkward at first but Sarah gave me all the tips and tricks and it made me feel so much more confident!
My favorite part was going to all the locations around town. All the places we visited were a big reflection of my personality and it made it super enjoyable!
I would recommend anyone to Sarah when they have the chance. She’s amazing to work with, makes your visions come to life, and doubles as your hype girl during all of this!
-MaKenna
As someone who has experienced an awkward photo session, I completely understand why my clients want to avoid that feeling. In fact, 99% of my clients have expressed similar fears, including not knowing how to pose themselves, looking awkward in the photos, fear that the session will not be enjoyable, and not liking the final outcome. These are legitimate concerns, and I can certainly relate – I feel the same way when someone takes my photo!
So, how do we get from awkward and nervous to confident and comfortable during your senior photo session??
Here are my four tips to avoid an awkward senior photo experience:
1. Do you “click” with the senior photographer?
Preventing awkwardness begins with selecting the right senior photographer for you. Can you see yourself being comfortable around them? Do you trust them? Do they show interest in you and making sure your senior experience is unique but also represents you?
Meeting my clients before the senior photo session day is so important to me because, just like you, I want to make sure we click. I like to meet and understand my seniors likes, dislikes, wishes and goals so we’re on the same page for their session. If we don’t ‘click’ and it’s forced then the images will look forced too. I also think it would be super awkward meeting someone and putting a camera in their face five minutes later. Ensuring that you are comfortable and confident is so important to me and that begins with getting to know you as a person.
2. Pick a senior photographer that is experienced and knows how to have fun!
While your Mom’s friend may own a camera, there is so much more that does into a the senior photo experience than just owning a camera. Choose a senior photographer that has at least three years of experience gives you more assurance that they know what they are doing. A seasoned senior photographer understands lighting, knows how to guide you, knows the well known locations around town (plus some secret locations they love), and has some high quality gear and knows how to use it.
Most importantly, they know how to interact with you and gives you prompts and instructs you on what to do. Thinking back to my first few years in business, I struggled a lot in knowing how to pose high school seniors and give them instructions, all while figuring out my gear. 99% of the seniors I work with are not models. Models know how to move and pose themself while the photographer just shoots away. My seniors need guidance and prompts. Most like to be told exactly what to do.
3. Prepare for your Senior Photo Session.
I know I feel more relaxed and confident when I’m prepared and in a good headspace. I recommend that all of my seniors get plenty of sleep the night before their session, drink lots of water, eat a snack before and come with an open mind and a willingness to look silly.
The day or two before you session, gather all of your clothes, accessories, jewelry and shoes. Make sure you have complete outfits, including the right undergarments. Iron or steam items that are wrinkled. Make sure everything is clean and without stains. Set everything aside on hangers or pack everything up so the day of your session, you have everything ready to go!
4. Practice!
If you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, spend some time before you senior photo session in front of a camera, any camera. Go out with friends and shoot each other around town. Ask someone you trust to take your photo. The more time you spend in front of the camera, the less awkward it will feel when it is time for your senior photo session.
I will help guide and pose you during your entire senior photo session but, if you feel more comfortable, we can play with more poses and prompts!
The Stay Wild Photography senior photo experience begins with professional hair and makeup. This ensures that you don’t have to feel stressed before your senior photo session because you can only get one false eyelash on or you have no idea how to curl your hair. This is the perfect time to relax and listen to your favorite songs before your senior photo session.
Do you have any other tips to avoid an awkward senior photo session? Comment below!