How To Take A Great Senior Yearbook Portrait

So…senior story portraits are my favorites. Those story images where you and I collaborate to capture images that are uniquely yours are the best! But we also need to capture those portraits that are specifically required for your school’s annual yearbook. No worries! I’ve got you covered. Check out these tips for how to take a great senior yearbook portrait.

Tips for How to Take a Great Senior Yearbook Portrait

We’ll start with general tips, and then I’m going to break it down specifically for the guys and for the ladies. Here are some things that all seniors will want to be mindful of as they plan their formal portraits:

1. Plan your session early. Many schools post a late fall deadline for yearbook submissions. Also, your photographer’s calendar is going to fill up quickly. So book early!
2. Clearly communicate your school’s image requirements to your photographer. If you’re required to use a blue or gray background, make sure your photographer is aware of it.
3. Have fun! Just because the formal portrait is a required component of your yearbook submission doesn’t mean you can’t make it a party!

Formal Yearbook Tips for Guys

Here it is, guys. 007 time – let’s rock these formal portraits. Here are my top tips for nailing that formal yearbook portrait.

1. Schedule your haircut for at least three days prior. Don’t cut it the day of your portrait. But don’t wait too long after your last cut, either.
2. Shave just a couple of hours prior to your portrait session. No five o’clock shadow!
3. Carefully consider earrings. If your yearbook requirements don’t allow them, it will not be your photographer’s responsibility to tell you to remove them. And you’ll end up paying for that Photoshop removal.
4. Bring a white, button-down dress shirt. Make sure it fits properly ahead of time. Iron it.
5. Smile! This is going to be fun, I promise!

Formal Yearbook Tips for Ladies

This is a required portrait, and while the black velvet drape isn’t the most fun garment ever, you’re going to love these traditional, classic images. Here are my best tips for the girls!

1. It’s really best to leave your hair down, framing your face.
2. Carefully select your jewelry. Earrings and necklaces will be visible in your portraits. Pearls are classic!
3. A natural make-up application is best. Don’t go crazy, y’all!
4. Consider a professional hair and makeup artist. You can even add it on to your session with me, and it’s super easy!
5. Bring a tank top with skinny straps to wear under the velvet drape. Those are the easiest to adjust for portraits.

Final Tips…

The most important thing to remember is to have fun! These are traditional yearbook portraits, but it’s also a great time for us to just hang out in the studio having fun. Click that button below to get started planning your formal yearbook portrait, or your full senior story session.

I’m Ready To Plan My Session!