As a Senior Photographer in the East Bay and Bay Area, I have a lot of great tips I can’t wait to share with others looking to photograph seniors as well! After my very first senior session, I knew I had found my sweet spot! I think I love being one on one with people…I feel like I can really get to know them and create a comfortable environment where they can be their authentic selves without feeling self conscious or nervous. We all have nerves being in front of a camera and I know how intimidating it can be! But after 15 years of photographing people I know with full conviction that it is the role of the photographer to bring out each person’s personality so that they can deliver genuine, real imagery. Read further to learn how to create a dynamic senior session providing a huge variety of poses and backdrops in their final gallery of images.
2. Use furniture and nature to add to the variety of poses. Think off all the fun things you could do with a chair a bench, a stool, rock or log! I don’t mean bring these to the session, but find them in your environment!
3. Photograph them at different angles. Do not take all their photos with them at eye level to your camera! If you look at fashion magazines most of the time the photographer is shooting UP at their model. We are trained that this angel is never a good one, but when done correclty it can give a high fashion feel to the image. Magazine Worthy if you will :). I also love shooting downward on my subjects as this really makes their eyes POP and I feel like I can see right into their souls. The next angel that is a must is a shot from behind. Have them walk away and then have them look back at you as if to say, “OH Hey Girllll!” It’s a fresh angle and always the cutest expressions come from it! The last angle is for you drone owners. An Aerial shot! I LOVE these shots to add to the gallery. They are so unique and offer a very cool perspective!
4. Posing Hands: Because you are working with one subject it can often feel like they have no idea what to do with their hands. Like with engagement and family sessions, you can always have them hold someone’s hand, hug them etc. In fact, seniors will often say to you, “What should I do with my hands?” The good news is, there is SOOOO much they can do that will really take your photos to the next level! All hands on deck? See below for lots of visuals on what to do with the hands!
5. Posing the body: Remember to use your environment to create a variety. Another thing to remember is if you find a great spot, milk every last pose you can get out of it. For example: You found a rock. Have her sit on it with her knees pulled to her chest, have her put one leg to her chest one leg down, have her sit on the edge of the rock leaning forward resting her elbows on her knee, shoot down on her, shoot up at her, shoot behind her and have her turn to look at you. You can get 10 great shots of her on a rock just by changing her slightly and by you changing your perspective.
Below are some great posing examples:
What to do with the hands:
5. Lastly, get to know your senior and be well versed in all of their interests so that you don’t miss an amazing photo opportunity! For example, Isa is a dancer and has been dancing her whole life. I told her to bring dance attire for part of the session and these are the photos we got!
In conclusion, choose a location that you can get a lot out of, use your environment to create different poses, juice a great spot and get 10 shots out of it by switching the pose and your perspective, shoot at all different angles, have them do things with their hands, and get to know them so that you can incorporate their passions into the session! Good Luck! Seniors are a blast!
DESIGNED BY REBEL STUDIO DESIGN
HEATHER SCHARF PHOTOGRAPHY | All Rights Reserved.
HEATHER SCHARF PHOTOGRAPHY
All Rights Reserved.