What Happens At A Senior Portrait Session?

You’ve booked your senior portrait session. You’ve chosen your outfits, had your hair done and you are ready to go. But you’re wondering…what happens at a senior portrait session?

This post is going to give you a deep dive into exactly what happens at a senior portrait session. For a detailed look at the full Traci Sproule Photography senior portrait experience from initial contact to delivery of products, check out this post.

But for now, here’s a look inside a senior portrait session!

What Happens at a Senior Portrait Session?

First, what happens…is a whole lot of FUN! Guaranteed. I promise. Let’s see what that looks like, shall we?

Formal Portraits

Most senior sessions begin at my home studio with formal yearbook portraits. Tuxedo and tie for the guys is the dress code, and black velvet drapes for the ladies.

Guys, all you need for this is a white button-down collared dress shirt. I have jackets in most sizes, and black bow ties. Bring your mom, because the shot of Mom adjusting your tie for formal portraits is a super special memory.

Ladies, you’ll want a tank top with thin straps, and pretty jewelry.

We usually shoot formal portraits on both a blue backdrop and a gray one, so that later on you can choose the one you like best.

Casual/Story Portraits

Once your yearbook portraits are captured, we’ll ditch the studio and head out on location for your senior story images. (Your yearbook staff may refer to these as casual or informal portraits). These are the portraits that will really showcase you and your interests. Let’s break it down:

Who?

You! That’s who. A story session is individually crafted to capture everything that is cool about you.

But also…want photos with your bestie? Bring her along. Can’t leave your Boo? Let’s grab a quick couples photo. This is your session, so if you want extra peeps, it’s totally cool with me.

What?

Story images! What’s your story? What do you love? Let’s create images that perfectly capture your obsession with shopping and ice cream, if that’s your thing.

When?

We usually try to do on-location story images an hour to an hour and a half before sunset, so check with SIRI about when that is and count backward from there. 😊

Where?

Totally up to you! Your session location should help craft the narrative of your story. Maybe your own personal bedroom or backyard serves best, or perhaps the field where you practiced football. I am not opposed to hanging off the back of a speedboat if that’s what it takes to tell your story.

Last Questions:

I get these questions often, so I’m just going to throw them out right here:

1. How many outfits can I bring? As many as you want, and that you think you can physically change into before the sun goes down. Check out this post for style tips on what to wear.
2. Will my images be photo-shopped? Yes. Post-processing includes light re-touching and color correction if necessary. Additional edits can be provided on a case-by-case basis.

So That’s It!

I’m super excited to collaborate with you and create a senior story session that you will remember FOREVER!

So Let’s Get Started!