5 Reasons to consider while choosing the right senior photographer for your high school senior portraits

Having fun during a Senior Photoshoot

Don't ignore these 5 reasons for choosing the right senior photographer :

1. Promptness- Are they prompt in replying or setting an appointment for you? If you don't hear back from them promptly, that speaks a lot about their professionalism and is a big red flag as the journey will not be as smooth as you would think.

2. Niche - Do they specialize in senior photography? Or, do they do everything under the portrait photography umbrella (newborns, families, weddings, events, etc.)? The photographer who specializes in a particular genre has put in a lot of time and effort in learning their craft. They have experience working with seniors just like you! A photographer who specializes in senior pictures understands that senior year is a milestone year in a high schooler's life, and they care and work towards making it extra special for their seniors.

3. Quality vs. Quantity - Photographer who focuses on quality over quantity is the one who values and takes their craft seriously! They do not want you to walk away with 50 to 100 mediocre images with no visible differences but want you to cherish every image of you that is unique and gorgeous.

4. Consistency and Editing Style - Is their work consistent? Or, is it all over the place? The consistent work in their portfolio is a green flag as this assures you that your senior photos will turn up as expected every time.

Do they take time and effort to edit your images? Or, do they apply some presets that make your images look "A-Okay"? Applying the same preset on all images works the same way as one size fits all! For your Homecoming or Prom, would you buy a dress that says "one size fits all" or would you rather buy a well-fitted /well-altered dress? Also remember, that every professional photographer will have their signature editing style. For example: Dark/Moody; Light /Airy; Rich/Vibrant; and Natural, etc. To find out their editing style, browse through the photographer's work. Do you like their style? And most importantly, is it consistent throughout their portfolio?

5. Unique Session Experience - Does a photographer make an extra effort to get to know you personally and then curate a session considering your vision, style, and personality? Do all their sessions look alike, or are they unique? As there is no one like you, so should be your session- UNIQUE!

 Is the photographer by your side every step of the way? Do they go over and beyond to provide exceptional service with wardrobe help, posing guidance, easy-to-follow resources, and guides with pro tips that will help you prepare for your senior portrait session and ensure that you look your absolute best? Or, after you book your session with them, do they directly meet you at the location and take your pictures?

Do they design and offer superior quality keepsake products? Do they provide additional services like designing and printing grad announcements and yearbook photos?

My Final Thoughts: The senior year is a milestone year in your life therefore choosing the right senior photographer to capture your personality is important.

Don't forget to:-

• First, do your research and don't simply rush to work with someone because your friends plan to work with them. Make an educated decision as your situation, needs, and desires will not be the same as your best friend's.

• Book your session early so you are not scrambling for the photographer's available dates. Booking early gives you the advantage of working around your busy schedule and getting a preferred slot on your favorite photographer's calendar.

• Have fun.

I urge you to get your senior portraits taken as this time will never come back. And, the next time you will get your professional portraits taken will possibly be at your wedding!

BONUS:

A bonus tip to ponder on that will go a long way. Your community and surrounding areas might be flooded with photographers of all kinds. E.g. a locally owned photographer with a small business, hobbyist photographers, volume photographers who normally take school pictures and work with hundreds/thousands of seniors, etc. You may choose to work with anyone but remember when you support a local professional photographer who owns a small business instead of a big chain studio you are putting food on their table and in return you are getting a personalized service as you would get from your favorite local hairstylist. As a side note, this will also help boost and contribute to your local economy by keeping money within your community and encouraging small business entrepreneurs.

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Make your senior year memories worthwhile by letting us capture your true essence. Set up your complimentary phone consultation with Sonali and learn about your senior portrait session experience. (At no cost to chat/obligation to book).

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MIA, a senior at South Fayette High School - Senior Pictures Pittsburgh PA

It was a perfect day in Pittsburgh, PA for Mia's senior session with an urban feel!

Senior Pictures

Before Mia’s photoshoot, I had scouted the area and then we designed her looks, so I knew how the light was going to be at the particular location, and where she would be able to rock all her outfits! We had 3 outfits in mind for her senior photos. First was a cute black dress accented with blue-colored open-toed sandals, a denim jacket & hat (denim jacket & hat were provided from the AIP senior closet). I photographed Mia in Carnegie PA in front of a wall with vibrant murals and by a sidewalk lined with bright blue posts. By looking at her senior pictures, anyone would agree that she is such a natural beauty! She looked stunning in all, but my favorite one is of her in a black dress while holding her jacket.

The second outfit we had in mind for her session was a striped halter dress. As I had scouted the location before her shoot, I knew beforehand that the door frame I had in mind would perfectly compliment her dress. At first, we could not find it but when we did, it felt that the pastel green and blue door frame was painted just for her as she peeked out of the door frame.

For her last outfit, we chose a pastel pink dress so I could photograph the spring blooms and her in one frame. The flowers were the perfect addition to her pink dress (the flowers in her pictures were real and a few were brought by me as props).

Now that we have seen Mia's senior pictures, let me share a bit about her. Mia is a senior at South Fayette High School. She strives for excellence and is involved in many activities to make her school and community a better place. Mia is the President of Student Government at South Fayette. She has a passion for music and takes private voice lessons, and enjoys performing in her school musicals! Additionally, she loves science and is a mentor to younger students at the middle school. In the Fall of 2022, Mia plans to go to College for a five years Physicians Assistant program to receive her Bachelors and Masters degree. I am so excited for you & am pretty sure that you will do great things in life, Mia!

What I admire about Mia is that she is kind and believes in her ability to make a difference in her own life and the lives of the people around her. Mia has shared with me that, when she is able to bring a smile to someone's face, it warms her heart.

As we wrapped up our chat I asked Mia a few more questions:

What is important to you?

Mia said that she does not want to take the little things for granted since life will be different next school year, and she wants to cherish her present time with her family and friends.

Why did you get your senior pictures taken?

Mia expressed that she chose to get her senior pictures because she thinks senior pictures are a great way to wrap up her childhood and to look back & reflect for the years to come.

Do you think that other high school seniors should get their pictures taken as well? And, why?

Mia strongly believes that the senior pictures provide an experience to look back and see for yourself, how much you have grown as a person! And, they will help you cherish and re-live those beautiful memories of your senior year!

Mia, thank you for choosing me to be your senior photographer, and all the very best to you for your future life!

Also, check out the Gallery of Mia's images at the bottom of this page.

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Are you looking for a senior portrait photographer in Pittsburgh PA or surrounding suburbs to get your / your teen's(if you are a parent) senior pictures taken? Then, click the button above to book your complimentary consult with me. I will be happy to chat and educate you about the senior session experience that I offer, to go over the expectations, and to learn if- I am the right senior photographer that you are looking for! I can capture the most important milestone in your teen's life in a beautiful way. Let's chat to learn more!

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