What To Expect For Your Senior Photoshoot In St. Louis
If you’ve never had a photoshoot, you might be a little anxious about your senior pictures. Maybe you don’t like all the attention to be on you, maybe you’re afraid you need to perfect your supermodel skills before you can face the camera, or, if you’re like me, you don’t like to show up for an experience with no clue what to expect. If this sounds at all like you, keep reading because this blog post is going to alleviate all those fears and help you show up for your session excited and ready for a good time!
If you choose me as your senior photographer, we will have a face-to-face consultation prior to your session. I love meeting my clients before the shoot because I get the chance to learn a little about them-their personality, style, how they want their images to look and feel and their biggest fears for the session. We will also use this time to plan the location and outfits. In addition, I will make sure you know what to expect after your session is over. I will show you samples of the products I offer as well as a full pricing menu. That way, you can start thinking about how you want to show off your images in a way that fits your style and your budget. This meeting ensures that I answer all of my client’s questions and helps them show up to their shoot fully prepared, stress-free and excited.
Sessions start about two and a half hours before sunset because that is when we have the best light. The sun is lower in the sky which means fewer shadows and a lot less squinting.
Sessions with me are very relaxed. We will spend our time walking around the location looking for beautiful light and cool backgrounds. I will have specific spots in mind, but we are always on the lookout for something new and interesting. My seniors usually bring around three outfits, so we will decide when and where to change clothes before we start. Of course, we can always modify the plan as we go because being flexible makes the session a lot less stressful, and stress is the last thing I want my clients to feel.
Once we find the perfect spot, I will help you pose in a way that is relaxed, natural and modern. You are not responsible for posing yourself-that’s my job, and I will make sure you look and feel amazing. I always show my seniors that back of my camera so they can see how great they look and also so we can make any necessary adjustments before we move to the next location. You can expect to try a variety of sitting, standing and movement poses as well as different facial expressions. Did you know that you don’t have to smile in every photo? It’s true! You can smirk, laugh and even have a serious face sometimes. We will try it all so that you have a lot of options.
How To Prepare For A Senior Photoshoot
Part of my job as your senior photographer is to make sure you’re totally prepared for your session. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
-
Hair and makeup: If you are planning to have a pro do your hair and makeup, you will want to make your appointment as soon as possible. Hair and makeup artists book quickly, especially on the weekends.
- If you are going to do your own hair and makeup, plan some time to practice your look just to make sure you love it. You don’t want to decide an hour before your session that you hate your smoky eye or that beachy waves don’t fit your urban vibe.
-
Plan your outfits:
- Give yourself enough time to go shopping or to borrow clothes from your friends if you need to.
- Try on every piece to make sure it fits properly and that you love how you look and feel. If you are uncomfortable with any item of clothing, choose something else. It is so important that you feel amazing because that confidence will show up on camera.
- I recommend ironing your clothes before your session day, place the outfits on hangers and add your accessories in a ziplock baggie to make sure you don’t lose an earring or forget your favorite necklace. This will help you stay organized and make changing your clothes quick and easy on location.
- Wear undergarments that are neutral and, if possible, seamless so they do not cause any distractions.
-
Props: Not everyone wants to bring props to a senior session, but if you play a sport or an instrument or if you have another cool hobby that you want to highlight, please feel free to bring something that represents that side of your personality.
-
Miscellaneous:
- Don’t forget about your nails. Your hands will be in a lot of your photos, so you want to make sure you have clean nails preferably with a neutral color. Bright colors can be really fun, but they also may be distracting.
- Bring comfortable shoes because we will be walking a lot during your session.
- If you happen to get a breakout on the day of your session, don’t worry about it! Just do your makeup like you normally would and let me fix it when I edit.
Where Are The Best Places To Shoot Senior Photos In St. Louis?
The location you choose for your senior pictures will help create your vibe, so you want to choose a place that will bring your vision to life. We are really lucky in St. Louis to have a variety of options to choose from that will provide the perfect backdrop to show off your personality.
Locations can generally be divided into city, small town and nature categories. If you are hoping for a modern, edgy vibe, St. Louis has some really fun neighborhoods that are perfect for senior photos. Downtown is the obvious choice, especially if you want some iconic landmarks like the Arch or Busch Stadium in your photos. Three other options to consider are The Grove Neighborhood, Central West End and The Loop. These locations will give you the full city experience with some really fun backgrounds.
If you like the idea of an urban location, but the city is a little too much, you can think about places with a small town feel. Small towns give you the benefit of the urban locations with a variety of background options, but the mood is a little more calm. New Town, Main Street St. Charles and French Town are all great options to consider if you are going for a more quaint and less edgy feel.
If you’re the outdoorsy type or if you have Boho style then you might want to consider a park or nature area for your senior pictures. St. Louis offers several amazing options for all you nature lovers. Forest Park, Indian Camp Creek and Busch Wildlife are beautiful in any season, and they are large enough to provide a variety of background options so all of your photos don’t end up looking the same. Regardless of your style, I will help you find the perfect spot for your session.
Why Choose Polly's Lens For Your Senior Pictures In St. Louis?
Unlike a lot of other photographers, I specialize in senior pictures. That means my seniors have my undivided attention so I can create an experience tailored specifically to them. I use natural, relaxed poses that are modern and flattering. Your photos will not look or feel like your mom’s senior photos, and you will be proud to show off your images now and twenty years from now.
I work hard to create a fun, laid-back experience for my seniors and their parents. This starts with great communication. My consultation process helps to ensure my clients know what to expect every step of the way, and I am very responsive when questions arise before or after the session. You won’t have to worry about anything!
During your session, my number one priority is to help you feel comfortable and confident. Most clients feel a little awkward at first because they are not used to being the sole focus of a photo shoot. But you don’t need to worry. I have a knack for helping my seniors relax and actually enjoy being photographed. Your personality will shine and you will love the way you look. But more importantly, you’ll love how you feel.
I make the process of ordering your products as easy as the rest of your experience. I offer collections along with a specialty menu with wall art, albums, products for your coffee table as well as digital images to choose from. You don’t need to make any decisions until your viewing and ordering appointment. You will have an opportunity to see samples of the products that I offer, so you will know exactly what you are going to get. I will do all the ordering for you using professional labs that offer high quality artwork that you will love for years to come. Once your products are ready, I will deliver them to you. You choose what you want, and I will do the rest!
If you’re looking for a senior photographer in St. Louis and would like to schedule a consultation, just fill out the contact form here and send me an email. I look forward to meeting you!