How to: Mukilteo Senior Portraits
Introduction
As a photographer, one of the most rewarding types of sessions to work on are high school senior portraits. The seniors are typically at a stage in their lives where they are excited about the future and looking forward to all the new adventures that await them. It's an honor to be able to capture this time in their lives with photographs that they will cherish for years to come. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 tips for photographing high school seniors (along with a few extra bonus tips), as well as some of the problems I've encountered and how I'm able to avoid major issues during senior photo sessions. I’ll also go over some of my favorite locations in the Mukilteo area for capturing great photos.
All the photos below were taken by Watkins Photography on location.
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5 common problems photographers encounter when photographing high school seniors
1. Not having enough time to take the desired number of photos - Senior portraits are often scheduled in a limited amount of time, so it can be difficult to create multiple poses and scenes if there is not enough time to get through them all.
2. Not having an appropriate backdrop or setting - A senior portrait should include more than just the person's face; this means finding suitable backdrops and backgrounds that bring out the personality of the subject.
3. Unwillingness to try new or different poses - Photographers need to be able to create unique poses and scenes so that their photographic style is distinct from others. If a subject is not willing to try something new, it can be difficult for photographers to create a portfolio of work that stands apart from the rest.
4. Not being able to capture the right moment - Capturing real emotions and moments is a key component of senior portrait photography, so photographers need to be able to anticipate when an expression or pose will look best to take advantage of those fleeting moments.
5. Subject looking bored or uninterested - Photographers need to have a good rapport with their subjects to create natural-looking, relaxed expressions. If a subject is not engaged in the session, it can be difficult for the photographer to capture genuine emotions and moments. If you've ever been to a senior photo shoot, you know that the vast majority of the subjects are girls. This is because, as any high schooler will tell you, boys just don't care as much about their senior photos. They would much rather spend their time playing video games or hanging out with their friends than getting their photo taken by a weird bald guy like John Watkins. A lot of teen guys have a hard time taking themselves seriously. After all, what teenage boy wants to pose for hours while the photographer tries to capture the "essence" of who they are? It's no wonder that so many boys end up looking resentful or disinterested in their senior photos; they're just not used to being the center of attention. But even though it may be a struggle to get them to cooperate, the results are often worth it. After all, these photos will be a reminder of their youth long after they've grown up and moved on from high school. And who knows? Maybe one day they'll even appreciate how mom made them take those senior photos.
Bonus Section: Getting Guys to Engage and be Excited About their Photo Session
1. Focus on their passions - Ask the subject what they like to do in their spare time, and work those interests into the session. For example, if they enjoy playing guitar, incorporate that instrument into the photos or suggest a shot where they're standing with it as if they are about to perform.
2. Let them choose their wardrobe - Letting the subject pick out their clothes will make them feel more in control and therefore more comfortable during the session. Make sure to give them suggestions on colors that will look best with your chosen backdrop, but let them take the lead on what they want to wear.
3. Bring in a friend - It can be helpful to have another person in the session who will be able to keep the subject engaged and relaxed. This could be a friend, sibling, or parent who can help make the session more enjoyable for everyone.
4. Ask open-ended questions - Asking open-ended questions will give you insight into the subject and help them feel like they are being heard. Open-ended questions also allow your subject to share stories and memories, which can be a great way to get them more involved in the session and create a more meaningful experience.
10 More Tips for Senior Portraits
1. Get to know your subject: Before meeting with the senior for their session, get to know them and their interests. Ask questions about what they are most excited about in life right now, as this will give you an insight into who they are and can help inform the direction of the shoot.
2. Try a variety of poses and settings: Working with high school seniors can be a lot of fun as they are typically open to trying new things and exploring different looks. Try a variety of poses in different settings to give the senior a range of options for their final images.
3. Consider wardrobe choices: Help your subject choose an outfit that is flattering, comfortable, and reflects their personality.
4. Incorporate props: Props can add an extra layer of creativity to the portraits. For example, if they are sporty, consider bringing a ball or sporting equipment that can be included in some of the shots.
5. Utilize natural light: Natural light is beautiful for portraits and can help create a more relaxed atmosphere. Whenever possible, try to take advantage of natural light outdoors or in an area with plenty of windows.
6. Capture the little details: Don’t forget to capture those smaller details that make your subject unique. For example, capturing their hands and feet, or even their jewelry or hairstyle.
7. Make it personal: Incorporate items that are special to the senior such as their class ring, a favorite book, or an instrument they play.
8. Get creative with angles: Experimenting with different angles can create a more interesting shot and help you capture one-of-a-kind images of your senior.
9. Offer guidance: Give the senior some direction, but be sure to give them enough room to move around and explore different poses and expressions.
10. Have fun: Taking senior portraits should be a fun experience - remember that your job is not only to take great photos but also to make your subject feel comfortable and have a good time.
Some of my favorite places for outdoor photos near Mukilteo, WA:
Senior photos are a big deal. It's a time to capture all of the things that make you, well, you. Your style, your personality, your essence. And what better way to do that than in nature? Here are some of my favorite places for senior photos (or just outdoor sessions in general).
1. Edmonds Marsh - This park offers a variety of trails, boardwalks, and beach pathways that offer stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. It’s perfect for capturing the beauty of nature in your photos!
2. Brackett's Landing North Park - With its sandy beach, rocky shoreline, and wooded trails, this park is ideal for natural backdrops that provide a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.
3. Edmonds Marina Beach Park - This beach park offers beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound with its wooden boardwalks and sandy beaches. It’s perfect for capturing sunset or sunrise photos.
4. Edmonds Waterfront Park - This park offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker, and Puget Sound. It is ideal for capturing those beautiful “golden hour” shots with its many pathways, boardwalks, and beach access points.
5. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - With its beach access, boardwalks, and trails that run along the shoreline, this park is perfect for taking pictures of the majestic Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. It also offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities!
6. Mukilteo Lighthouse Park - This waterfront park has a lovely view of Puget Sound, perfect for beach and sunset photos.
7. Harbour Pointe Golf Club - A great spot for golf-themed shots, with lush grass and beautiful views of the golf course.
8. Japanese Gulch Park - This park has a variety of trails and plenty of green space, making it perfect for nature photos.
9. Mukilteo Beach - A great spot for beach shots, with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains in the background.
10. Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve - This beautiful reserve offers panoramic views of Possession Sound and plenty of outdoor spaces for portrait photos.
11. Alderwood Mall - With its iconic wood benches and beautiful landscaping, this is a great location for outdoor shots with interesting backgrounds.
12. Big Gulch Trail - This scenic hiking trail offers plenty of trees, open fields, and picturesque views that make it perfect for portrait photography.
With these great locations near Mukilteo, you have all the resources you need to capture stunning senior portraits!
Conclusion
Now that you have the resources to capture beautiful senior portraits, all that's left is to plan your session with your high school senior. With these tips and locations in mind, you can create truly unique and lasting memories for your senior! Good luck with creating images that reflect your senior's personality and style!
You can use these tips and locations to create beautiful senior portraits like the ones you’ve seen above. Or if you would like the help of a professional, you can CONTACT Watkins Photography today and let us help create stunning, lasting memories of your high school senior! We look forward to hearing from you!
