It’s summertime which means a new class of rising seniors are getting ready for their Senior Pictures.  But what exactly is a senior photo?  Is it the same as a yearbook photo?  NO!  There are huge differences between the type of senior photo session I do for my clients and the traditional yearbook photo.

All over the country, senior photos are done differently.  In some areas, it is super popular and in other areas it is not.  I remember when I first started specializing in high school senior photos, 8 years ago (wow!), no one really even understood what I was doing.  I mentioned the word senior and some immediately thought, “well we just get the yearbook photo.”  But you are missing out on something special if that is the only way you capture your senior year.

It took me a while to educate my market and show what a senior photo shoot could really be like!  And how the yearbook photo is not the best way to capture your senior year.

The Yearbook Photo

Let’s start with what a yearbook photo is.  A yearbook photo is the photo that all seniors have to get in order to be in the yearbook.  These photos are typically taken in July before the senior year begins.  They are done at the high school with a large photo company that sets up a backdrop and artificial light.  All seniors have the same photo taken…for boys that means a fake tux and for girls that means a black drape.  This is done so that the yearbook photos all look uniform and consistent.  I actually think for the yearbook it does make for a nice look and is very traditional.  However, that is where it should end and the type of shoot I do should begin.

According to one senior who just had her yearbook photo taken, “It felt unnatural and was not creative or personal at all!”

The LKP Senior Session

With a senior photo shoot, your personality gets to shine.  Each session is planned according to each client.  Seniors can wear whatever they want and have more than one outfit to really showcase their personality.  Props can be used and seniors can choose a few different locations to really showcase what they love.  From a country field type setting to an urban downtown location, each client can pick what works best for them.

In addition to the different outfits and the different locations, all of my senior photo shoots begin with professional hair and makeup (for the girls) which allows each client to feel really special and look their absolute best for their shoot.  I work with the same hair and makeup team, Cotton Rouge and Company, and they know exactly the correct amount to apply to show up on camera but still keep each client looking like themselves.

The entire process of a senior photo shoot (especially with LKP) 🙂 is an experience.  We get to know one another, I make sure to help each client feel comfortable in front of the camera, I spend time with them at hair and makeup and give them guidance throughout the entire photo shoot.  Unlike the yearbook photo which is a process of getting as many seniors through as possible, a senior session is one that allows me, the professional, to guide you, the senior, through the process and make sure you get the most out of your experience.  After all, you are only a high school senior once and I want to make it as memorable as possible.

 

After the photo shoot, I guide you and your parent or parents through the order process.  I show you a slideshow of the images and help you pick the products that fit your needs best.  From digital images that allow you to show off your photos in a variety of ways to large prints or graduation announcements, you are able to choose what works for you.  And you can ask questions and create something special just for you if that is what you want.  I am with you throughout the entire process.

So if you are looking to capture your senior year in a fun, unique way, book a senior photo session with LKP in addition to your yearbook photo.  I am now booking for the Class of 2019 summer and fall sessions.  You can contact me for more information at leslie@lesliekerriganphotography.com.

Happy Senior Year Class of 2019!

xoxo,

Leslie

Check out the Chart below to see at a glance the difference between the two different types of sessions…