How to Get the BEST High Senior Portraits in Salem, Oregon

Congratulations on getting to Senior Year! While there are so many things to think about and accomplish during this milestone in your life, one of those things is a little … important to think about ahead of time, Senior Portraits!

It’s already time to start planning and thinking about your senior portraits so you have time to pick out your cloths, get scheduled and choose your favorites before your yearbook deadline! Most clients contact me to schedule their session in Spring, to get a Summer portrait session and just so you know, many of you will have a October/November yearbook deadline to get your photos in, so be sure to schedule early if you want a spot with one of the top senior portrait photographers in Salem, Oregon.

Whether you have your own ideas, or need some inspiration, these ten tips will help you look like a pro in your senior photos.

1. Choose Outfits That You Love and Feel Comfortable In: We all know how it feels to wear an outfit we aren’t comfortable in. So when taking your senior portraits, pick out outfits that show off your personality and make you feel confident. You get several outfit changes with all my senior portrait packages so don’t cut yourself short! I always recommend choosing a comfy and casual outfit (the real you), a nicer outfit cleaned up a bit and then dressy option if you want so you have a nice range of images you can use for so many things (social media, sending to family/friends or even holiday cards or college applications!).

2. Know What Your Self Conscious About: Different poses work for different people. Some people look best smiling and others look better with a serious expression. Experiment before the session by practicing in front of the mirror or asking for advice from friends or family members about which poses make you look the best. When you hire me to take your senior portraits, I will send out a questionnaire so I can ask if there is anything about you that you don’t care for … while I fully support each client and know we are all incredible humans and you are beautiful or handsome the way you are, I also know we all still have our ”things” about us and I want you to feel your absolute BEST, so I will do everything I can to avoid those “things”.

3. Have Fun With It!: Senior portraits really are all about having fun and capturing who you are as a person at this moment in time. Show off your unique style or interests by including props or elements of nature that remind you of special moments in your life like sports equipment, musical instruments, books, etc.

4. Don’t Do Something for the First Time on Photo Day: If you’re anything like me, sometimes I do things last minute and procrastinate something I really should do ahead of time … yeah, yeah … I am not here to lecture, haha. If you want to whiten your teeth, get a spray tan, try a new lip plumper or skin care routine … PLEASE PLEASE don’t try it for the first time the day or or even the week of your senior portraits! WHY!?! because your senior portrait session is scheduled with a busy photographer and if you last minute have a mishap with that limp plumber that is sending you to the doctor or made your lips NOT how you want them … you may not get a refund on your session time and you don’t know when you can get a new session scheduled. But beyond that, it’s just not a good idea to try something new on photo day … it could go great, but it could also be a total disaster and I am just here to try and save your mental health over it!

5. Lighting is everything: 99% of the high school senior portraits I take are outdoors because we live in the Willamette Valley and we have access to so many beautiful spaces. The lighting and time of day for your session is very important but your photographer will advise you on what times they have available. Try to get something in the morning or during golden hour (usually 2-3 hours before sunset is when this lighting is effective snd gives a beautiful effect in your photos that will have everyone oohing and awwwing!

6. Find Inspiration Online: There are tons of examples of amazing senior photos online so take some time before the session day to browse around and find some looks that inspire you! This is also a great way to communicate what kind of poses/looks you would like captured during the shoot with your photographer ahead of time as well as getting ideas for props or locations that may be cool additions to the shoot later on down the line (if allowed).

7. Smile Big!: When posing for pictures, don’t forget one of the most important aspects - smiling big! Smiling brings joy into any photo session so make sure to show off those pearly whites whenever possible! While you don’t have to smile big for all the photos, remember how important it is for your parents, guardians, grandparents and those who support you!

8. Bring Friends Along: I always allow a friend or crew, ask a few close friends or family members along with you on shooting day—it never hurts having someone else there who knows what kind of poses work well for you plus having them around can help ease any nerves and make the experience far more enjoyable overall! It is also so helpful for easing your nerves and getting your real smile to show! and YES, your friend(s) can even hop in for a few photos!

9. Get Creative With Locations: Don’t settle for basic backdrops when taking senior photos; find unique locations where interesting features can add something special to each shot instead (like colorful graffiti walls, outdoor fields/meadows/forests etc.). If you know you want something *different, just tell me in your questionnaire and we can brainstorm a place that won’t be repeated 10+ times in your yearbook!

10 Be Yourself & Have Fun!: Lastly – remember this is supposed to be fun so just relax and enjoy yourself until it’s time for picture-taking! Be yourself throughout each pose so that everyone can see how amazing YOU truly are :)

Taking awesome senior portraits doesn't have to be stressful - follow these tips above & you'll be looking like a pro in no time! Remember - pick out an outfit that makes YOU feel confident & comfortable; know what poses work best; get creative with locations & props; use natural light whenever possible; smile big; bring friends along…and most importantly – just have fun & be yourself throughout it all :)