Do you need to schedule your Senior Photos but have no clue where to start or how to choose the right photographer for you needs? When it comes to photography, there are many options.
We are here to help! Below you will find some common questions to ask when choosing the
photographer for your Senior Portrait experience and things to ask before booking your session.
We are here to help! Below you will find some common questions to ask when choosing the
photographer for your Senior Portrait experience and things to ask before booking your session.
Tips to consider when choosing your Senior photographer:
1. Hire a professional - Your Senior year is special and will only happen once. When investing in your Senior portraits make sure you are trusting your memories to a professional with experience in photographing Seniors. How do you know if the photographer you are inquiring with is a professional and specializes in Senior portraits? You should be able to verify their business, view their portfolio of work for examples and they should be willing to meet with you prior to booking and answer any questions you might have.
2. Communication is Key - Be sure to hire a photographer that communicates freely and closely with their clients. Good communication is key to planning and preparing for your session. Great communication will help your vision come to life and result in photos that you LOVE!
3. They care about what YOU want - A photographer's job is to not only take your photos, but to create a vision that shows the best version of you! Yes, they are the professional and will have ideas and will be able to give you inspiration, walk you through options and help with customizing your session for the best results, but do they take into consideration what you really want? Make sure you are working with a photographer that asks questions, discusses your desired result for your photos and will schedule a consultation to plan your session. A professional photographer will meet with you in person or have a consultation with you by phone/online prior to your session to discuss and prepare for the job you are hiring them for ahead of time. They should be able to provide tips and ideas to make your vision come to life.
4. Transparency is a must - Every photographer has a different workflow, pricing, skillset and process. Each photographer also offers different types of services and products. When inquiring with photographers, be sure they are transparent about the services they offer, products they offer and pricing from the start. It is very important that you understand your investment options and exactly what you will be investing in from the beginning. Nobody likes surprises. You should be able to make an informed decision on which collection and products best fit what you truly want. When it comes to professional photography services, many people are unaware of what they are actually paying for and we are glad to walk you through our process and explain all the details at your complimentary consultation to make sure we are a good fit for your needs.
5. Experience - Just like eating at a restaurant, getting your hair cut/styled, or buying your prom dress, There are many different levels of experience and services when it comes to photographers. Remember, you are investing in a service and memories that are important to you and who you choose to create those memories will affect the result of the Senior photo experience you have. Your Senior photos should be AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET and your PHOTOS WILL LAST FOREVER. Hiring a professional with experience is important. An experienced professional will have advanced skills in planning a session, knowledge in different personality types and styles of sessions, will be able to work with various types of clients, have advanced posing knowledge, post-processing skills, creative insight and more! They are also more likely to be able to offer more options when it comes to creativity in your session to make it unique to you! With years of experience, a photographer often acquires equipment, props, accessories and wardrobe for client use, knowledge in popular locations and so much more. Don't leave your Senior photo day to chance....be sure to hire a photographer that has experience.
6. Interest in you as a person - In order for your photographer to capture your true personality and have a connection with you as their client, they must be truly interested in your likes, dislikes, personality, hobbies, talents, activities, etc. This will help them prepare ideas and make sure your Senior photos reflect all the amazing things that make you who you are! They should also speak with you about the style of photos not only you want, but what your parents, grandparents and anyone else that may be wanting photos of you would like as well. This allows for planning a session that results in photos EVERYONE will love and be proud to display.
7. Products - Make sure the photographer you choose offers the option for professionally printed products through top industry professional labs. Many photographers do not offer any printed or physical products and leave that part of the experience for the client to do themselves. Digital files are great for social media sharing, but what about after those Instagram stories disappear within 24 hours or in five years when you no longer post on Facebook anymore? What if your flash drive goes bad or you lose it? Will you ever really have a quality product of your photos printed on your own and if so, how? Most professional quality products are only available through a professional photographer. All too often we see that people invest in being photographed and only receive digital files. This can be an easier option for photographers, however, is this REALLY what you want? Photos are made to be displayed and printed. We feel it is very important to exist in print and that our clients deserve only the best! Those printed products should be of a quality that will far outlive us so that they can be passed down for generations! That is why we offer only the best professional quality products. We offer three different product lines ranging from our basic studio line of products to our luxury Black Label line of products. And because we feel so strongly about our clients having a physical product of their photos, many of our products even come with digital files at no additional charge!
8. Consistency - Does the photographer have a consistent editing style? Can you be sure of what the outcome of your final photographs will be by looking a their portfolio of work? Hiring a professional with a consistent editing style and body of work will allow you to be confident that you know what you will be getting. When a photographer is more experienced, they often have learned the skill of hand editing to create a consistent and more natural look, giving their photos a more professional and dimensional look. Most industry professionals do not rely on presets, filters and overlays to edit their photos, as they create each image from beginning to end more like an artist would a piece of art. A professional photographer/retoucher will offer skin retouching for blemishes, remove distractions, color grade and many times be able to create composited images and more! Do you need acne or braces removed? Ever wonder how some photos look more polished and professional with less distractions? Do you want your photos to have depth and dimension instead of looking flat? If you are looking for more than just a basic snapshot, be sure to ask if your photographer can offer these options before booking your session.
9. Long-term relationship - Hiring a professional that has experience in multiple genres of photography can be a benefit. Although they may specialize in Senior photography, hiring someone you can develop a relationship with that can photograph various types of photography has great benefits. If you prefer a consistent look for displaying your photos and want to know what you will receive for all your photos, developing a long-term relationship with one photographer can be beneficial. We often start photographing our clients when they are young and continue to photograph their families, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, business needs, sports photos, etc. Finding a photographer you can trust and that can get to know you means you will be more comfortable during your sessions and know you can trust them with your memories.
10. Compassion - Finding a compassionate photographer is a must. Every client is different and goes through different things during their life. Finding someone who is compassionate and will take the time to understand any unique situations, be able to discuss things that bother you or preferences about your session, that can work around any disabilities or posing difficulties you may have, etc. is very important. We also understand that being a teenager comes with a lot of pressure and stress. We are not only here to be your photographers, but also a supporter of your Senior year journey and beyond. When you work with us, you become like family!
1. Hire a professional - Your Senior year is special and will only happen once. When investing in your Senior portraits make sure you are trusting your memories to a professional with experience in photographing Seniors. How do you know if the photographer you are inquiring with is a professional and specializes in Senior portraits? You should be able to verify their business, view their portfolio of work for examples and they should be willing to meet with you prior to booking and answer any questions you might have.
2. Communication is Key - Be sure to hire a photographer that communicates freely and closely with their clients. Good communication is key to planning and preparing for your session. Great communication will help your vision come to life and result in photos that you LOVE!
3. They care about what YOU want - A photographer's job is to not only take your photos, but to create a vision that shows the best version of you! Yes, they are the professional and will have ideas and will be able to give you inspiration, walk you through options and help with customizing your session for the best results, but do they take into consideration what you really want? Make sure you are working with a photographer that asks questions, discusses your desired result for your photos and will schedule a consultation to plan your session. A professional photographer will meet with you in person or have a consultation with you by phone/online prior to your session to discuss and prepare for the job you are hiring them for ahead of time. They should be able to provide tips and ideas to make your vision come to life.
4. Transparency is a must - Every photographer has a different workflow, pricing, skillset and process. Each photographer also offers different types of services and products. When inquiring with photographers, be sure they are transparent about the services they offer, products they offer and pricing from the start. It is very important that you understand your investment options and exactly what you will be investing in from the beginning. Nobody likes surprises. You should be able to make an informed decision on which collection and products best fit what you truly want. When it comes to professional photography services, many people are unaware of what they are actually paying for and we are glad to walk you through our process and explain all the details at your complimentary consultation to make sure we are a good fit for your needs.
5. Experience - Just like eating at a restaurant, getting your hair cut/styled, or buying your prom dress, There are many different levels of experience and services when it comes to photographers. Remember, you are investing in a service and memories that are important to you and who you choose to create those memories will affect the result of the Senior photo experience you have. Your Senior photos should be AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET and your PHOTOS WILL LAST FOREVER. Hiring a professional with experience is important. An experienced professional will have advanced skills in planning a session, knowledge in different personality types and styles of sessions, will be able to work with various types of clients, have advanced posing knowledge, post-processing skills, creative insight and more! They are also more likely to be able to offer more options when it comes to creativity in your session to make it unique to you! With years of experience, a photographer often acquires equipment, props, accessories and wardrobe for client use, knowledge in popular locations and so much more. Don't leave your Senior photo day to chance....be sure to hire a photographer that has experience.
6. Interest in you as a person - In order for your photographer to capture your true personality and have a connection with you as their client, they must be truly interested in your likes, dislikes, personality, hobbies, talents, activities, etc. This will help them prepare ideas and make sure your Senior photos reflect all the amazing things that make you who you are! They should also speak with you about the style of photos not only you want, but what your parents, grandparents and anyone else that may be wanting photos of you would like as well. This allows for planning a session that results in photos EVERYONE will love and be proud to display.
7. Products - Make sure the photographer you choose offers the option for professionally printed products through top industry professional labs. Many photographers do not offer any printed or physical products and leave that part of the experience for the client to do themselves. Digital files are great for social media sharing, but what about after those Instagram stories disappear within 24 hours or in five years when you no longer post on Facebook anymore? What if your flash drive goes bad or you lose it? Will you ever really have a quality product of your photos printed on your own and if so, how? Most professional quality products are only available through a professional photographer. All too often we see that people invest in being photographed and only receive digital files. This can be an easier option for photographers, however, is this REALLY what you want? Photos are made to be displayed and printed. We feel it is very important to exist in print and that our clients deserve only the best! Those printed products should be of a quality that will far outlive us so that they can be passed down for generations! That is why we offer only the best professional quality products. We offer three different product lines ranging from our basic studio line of products to our luxury Black Label line of products. And because we feel so strongly about our clients having a physical product of their photos, many of our products even come with digital files at no additional charge!
8. Consistency - Does the photographer have a consistent editing style? Can you be sure of what the outcome of your final photographs will be by looking a their portfolio of work? Hiring a professional with a consistent editing style and body of work will allow you to be confident that you know what you will be getting. When a photographer is more experienced, they often have learned the skill of hand editing to create a consistent and more natural look, giving their photos a more professional and dimensional look. Most industry professionals do not rely on presets, filters and overlays to edit their photos, as they create each image from beginning to end more like an artist would a piece of art. A professional photographer/retoucher will offer skin retouching for blemishes, remove distractions, color grade and many times be able to create composited images and more! Do you need acne or braces removed? Ever wonder how some photos look more polished and professional with less distractions? Do you want your photos to have depth and dimension instead of looking flat? If you are looking for more than just a basic snapshot, be sure to ask if your photographer can offer these options before booking your session.
9. Long-term relationship - Hiring a professional that has experience in multiple genres of photography can be a benefit. Although they may specialize in Senior photography, hiring someone you can develop a relationship with that can photograph various types of photography has great benefits. If you prefer a consistent look for displaying your photos and want to know what you will receive for all your photos, developing a long-term relationship with one photographer can be beneficial. We often start photographing our clients when they are young and continue to photograph their families, weddings, graduations, anniversaries, business needs, sports photos, etc. Finding a photographer you can trust and that can get to know you means you will be more comfortable during your sessions and know you can trust them with your memories.
10. Compassion - Finding a compassionate photographer is a must. Every client is different and goes through different things during their life. Finding someone who is compassionate and will take the time to understand any unique situations, be able to discuss things that bother you or preferences about your session, that can work around any disabilities or posing difficulties you may have, etc. is very important. We also understand that being a teenager comes with a lot of pressure and stress. We are not only here to be your photographers, but also a supporter of your Senior year journey and beyond. When you work with us, you become like family!
COMMON QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BOOKING YOUR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
- How do I book my session?
- Do you meet with your clients prior to booking or shooting their session?
- Do you require a retainer to hold a date?
- Do you have a client welcome guide or physical information I can review?
- Can you tell me about your workflow?
- How long is your average turn-a-round time?
- Do you offer printed products?
- Do you include digital files in your session fees or charge for them separately?
- What exactly will I be paying for? What is included in my investment?
- Do you use presets/filters or do you edit specific to each photo and for lighting Do you offer professional level retouching? Do you hand edit?
- How many locations/backdrops and outfits do I get?
- How long will my session be?
- What can I include in my session?
- Do you offer both outdoor and studio session options?
- Do you use professional quality equipment and lighting?
- Do you have props, accessories, wardrobe or other items for your clients to use?
- Do you collaborate planning and if so, how?
- Can I include a friend, my family or pets in my photos?
- Do you have examples of your work or a portfolio?
- Do you have referrals and client feedback?
- Do you have a website and social media?
- Do you travel?
- Are you familiar with working with teens?
- Do you have insurance and a business license?
- Do you have a contract?
- How do I send you my inspirations? Do you make Pinterest boards or inspiration boards for your clients?
- Do you offer color palette services?
- What format do you shoot in? JPEG and AUTOMATIC or RAW AND MANUAL?
- Do you use a professional camera that has dual card slots so you don't lose my photos?
- Do you have experience in both natural light and professional studio lighting indoors and outdoors?
- Do you photograph all skin colors/types (this MATTERS!)?
- Do you shoot according to light or do you have lighting knowledge?
- What is your procedure and time frame for backing up and storing my photos?
- How will my gallery be delivered?
- Do you offer collections or different types of sessions?
- Do you offer payment plans or financing options? How do you accept payments?
- How many years of experience do you have? Do you do continuing photography education and are you a member of any professional organizations?
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Your Senior Photo experience should be fun, worry free and all about you! Finding the right photographer for your needs that works well with your personality will make your experience that much more memorable. A
great client-photographer relationship is important to make sure that your photos are as amazing as you!
When you find a photographer that cares, takes their time to help you plan and prepare for your
session properly and who understands your vision, you are sure to love your Senior photos.
Hiring a professional not only assures you will have a great experience, but that your memories will be taken seriously. With a professional, your photos will be given great care in the creation process.
Senior year can be stressful for both the student and the parents.
When choosing your Senior photographer be sure to choose a photographer that will walk you
through a seamless experience and take all the stress out of preparing for
your Senior photos. Remember, you are investing in an experience and memories that will last forever!
If you would like more information on our available options for Senior photos visit our website at:
www.kingluxephotography.com or give us a call at 1-620-309-8437
great client-photographer relationship is important to make sure that your photos are as amazing as you!
When you find a photographer that cares, takes their time to help you plan and prepare for your
session properly and who understands your vision, you are sure to love your Senior photos.
Hiring a professional not only assures you will have a great experience, but that your memories will be taken seriously. With a professional, your photos will be given great care in the creation process.
Senior year can be stressful for both the student and the parents.
When choosing your Senior photographer be sure to choose a photographer that will walk you
through a seamless experience and take all the stress out of preparing for
your Senior photos. Remember, you are investing in an experience and memories that will last forever!
If you would like more information on our available options for Senior photos visit our website at:
www.kingluxephotography.com or give us a call at 1-620-309-8437