How to Get a Variety of Images in Your Senior Session
My clients are often amazed by the variety of images they see in each senior’s gallery. I make it a priority to provide many different looking images for my clients to choose from. How do I do this and how can the client assist?
Posing & directing
I consider myself fairly experienced in directing each senior through a multitude of poses. When people hear the word “pose” many think of stiff, unnatural positions that look well posed. I like to think of what I do as guiding each of my clients to create the most natural and flattering ways to stand, sit and even move. To be honest when I explain that I plan to direct a senior, most seniors are relieved. It can be a bit intimidating getting one’s picture taken for an hour or more. It is funny but in the majority of my sessions my seniors start to relax about half way through and need very little guidance.
Lighting
I like all kinds of light. Whenever possible I use all the available types of light in my sessions to create different looks. I love to play with shadows and sunsets but am equally happy with an overcast days that casts even flattering light. I also bring my own light to ensure that I get the looks I want in every session.
Use of locations
I make it a point to thoroughly use a location. Sometimes it is easy to find a variety of spots in one location. This is especially true with a beach like Tod’s Point or a school campus. However, even if a client chooses his or her home for a session, I am sure to find a variety of ways to make it look like we were at multiple spots.
Clothing Choices
I always recommend a minimum of two outfits for each senior session. This can be as simple as a change of a top or as elaborate as a complete outfit change. Clients are often surprised at what a difference a change of clothing can make. It is really ideal to have more than one clothing look. Recently one of my seniors just popped a sweater over her dress for some of the session. Even that simple change created variety.
