A while back you learned one way to create better photos is to use the Rule of Thirds. This rule suggests placing a subject to one side of the image instead of right smack dab in the middle. So, where do you place the person?
The rule is to give the person “room to breathe.” If they are facing toward the right, place them on the left side of the photo. If they are facing toward the left, then place them on the right side.
Take a look at these two placements of RJ. In the first photo, there is a sense of relaxed space within the frame for him to breathe and an area in which to look. In the second photo he seems pressed up against the frame and there is sense of tension.
Of course rules can be broken. Try out various placements with your photos. See which you like better!
As the end of school approaches, and your teen looks forward to their senior year, summer is the perfect time to schedule a Senior Portrait Session.
Why Now?
By creating your teen’s Senior Portraits before the school year starts, this senior milestone will already be accomplished.
You can take advantage of our early summer cooler weather.
How Will We Use our Senior Portraits?
If your school allows personalized images in the yearbook, these can be used in their portrait section, personality section, or for your Congratulation message at the end of the book.
Milestone portraits to share with family.
Many parents like to provide their teen with a Mini Book or other photo items, as a keepsake after graduation.
Special Offers
We’ll go to a place with special meaning to your teen, or create a classic session in the studio.
I also include another Cap & Gown Session at the end of their Senior Year, including a few end-of-high-school portraits. This second session is at no cost. It is my gift to you.
What a Parent Says
“My daughter requested her senior portraits be done with Donna. The session was at the beach with natural light, which is no easy feat, but they turned out beautifully. They are very high drama pictures. My daughter was in absolute heaven. Donna managed to capture her personality and essence in the portraits.
After the session, Isabela was so happy. She was charged with such good energy and was excited not just about the pictures but also about her future plans. I think having a formal session really helped kickstart the graduation transition. The portraits turned out beautifully. It was so hard to choose!
I would recommend Donna for senior portraits because she exudes calm and kindness. She puts everyone at ease very quickly and always maintains a professional demeanor. She knows what she’s doing, and she does it beautifully. Our final portraits exceeded our expectations.”
~Alida C
I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
If you are a parent of a teen who will graduate at the end of their senior year you may ask yourself, “Why would we want Senior Portraits?”
Capturing the Milestone
This is a milestone in your family’s life — your teen is ending their youth and beginning adulthood. Whoo boy, that’s an important time of transition.
When you have professional photographs created, you are telling your teen they are important, worth the time and money to prepare for creating images that will last for generations. These portraits will be on the wall of your home, on your office desk, or in an album. They’ll be given as gifts for extended family and friends, announcements of their graduation celebration, and will travel with your graduate as they begin their new life journey.
Questions
Look at the differences in these teens. Senior portraits showcase personality and style. Professional portraits show who your teen is at this specific time in their life and what’s important to them.
As a parent of a teen, you may want to talk with them about their session and how best to showcase who they are. As a client, I help you with this. Here are a few questions to get you started:
What best represents you this year?
What clothing and accessories say, “This is me!”
What style represents you: Casual, semi-formal, formal?
What location is important to you?
What items do you want to include with your portrait?
A sports item, jersey, jacket; a favorite book; your musical instrument; your artwork or art materials; your pet?
Many parents ask if they have to make their teen smile. Smiling comes from a thought, then a feeling of joy, expressed in the eyes. Some teens smile, some are more pensive. Most teens are not immediately comfortable in front of a camera. As I get to know your teen and build rapport, setting them as ease, their portraits will capture who they truly are — smile or no smile.
Another question you may have is, “Do I come to the portrait session?” The answer is: whatever makes your teen most comfortable. Some prefer to have you with them, some prefer to come alone or with a friend.
I’m often asked by a parent, if we can include a few portraits with the graduate in their cap and gown. Of course we can! Some teens welcome the idea, others cannot understand the need and don’t want to include them. A discussion with your teen about what is important to you can go a long way. “It’s important to me to have a portrait with you in your cap and gown. Will you do this for me?”
When is a Good Time?
Spring or Summer is the best time for the Senior Portraits for the teen entering their senior year in the upcoming Fall. You can celebrate your teen all year with their portraits proudly displayed in your home. Importantly, these portraits can be used in their final Year Book.
If you haven’t had your teen’s portraits created and they are in the final months of their senior year, the time for their session is as early in Spring as possible. These portraits will be used for your home, as gifts and the “Save the Date” celebration announcement.
An Invitation
I would be honored to capture images of your teen, as they are rounding the corner into adulthood. If you would like to discuss this important milestone, or are ready to schedule a session, feel free to call me. I’m always happy to talk with you!
For Senior Portrait Ideas, check out my galleries here: > Portraits Ideas
I am a Southern California based Portrait and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Fine Art and Commercial Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
Donna Edman Photography 