What can your parents possibly know about having senior pictures taken, right? I mean they haven’t been seniors in YEARS! Senior Photos aren’t what they used to be. We all know that, right? So talking to your parents about your senior pictures is like talking to a brick wall. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY!!! Let’s break it down for you and them!
1- WHAT DO YOU WANT?
Your senior pictures are YOUR senior pictures. YOU are the star of the show, so while mom and dad MAY be footing the bill, it really boils down to what YOU want. If you are confident in what you are looking for in senior pictures, mom and dad are more likely to follow suit. Do you follow photographers on social media? Make a list of what you like and don’t like and what photographers fall into the like category most. There’s a photographer out there for everyone. Knowing what you want will help you to more easily find the one for you. Here’s some things to consider in a photographer: Do you have older friends that had their pictures taken last year? Did you like their images? What do they have to say about their experience?
~Do you want your hair and makeup done professionally? ~Do you want someone that offers a style consult to talk about locations and outfits? ~What kind of style do you like? Airy, bold colors, etc. ~Do you want multiple locations or just one?
2- RESEARCH
This kind of goes with step one, but once you have decided what you want, you can start your research! Google local senior photographers and see who comes up. Look at their website or Instagram and see if you like what’s there. Do they show more than just pictures? Information? Personal stuff? Do you feel like you can get to know them by looking at their pictures? Know when your yearbook image is due and if you have to use a certain studio for it. For most of the schools in my area, I’ve done this research for you, but it’s one more piece of info that parents may not have thought of yet. Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools, you DO NOT have to use the photographer that the school recommends. AFH Media is happy to take your yearbook picture and submit it to the school.
3- BUDGET
Do you have a budget? Do you know what it is? Are you paying for the pictures or are mom and/or dad? If you do research and have an idea of costs before you pitch senior pictures to your parents, not only will you look more responsible, your parents will have a better idea of if the photographer you want is even possible. They aren’t going to want to take a second mortgage out on their house to pay for your senior pictures, but they are going to want you to be happy!
4- TALK TO PARENTS
I know this is the last thing you want to do, but you kinda have to include them, especially if they are paying. So go into the conversation informed and knowledgeable and they will be more likely to respect your words and opinions.
5- BOOK IN ADVANCE
I can’t stress this one enough. I’m already booking August and my dates haven’t even opened to the public yet. My AFHsenior Crew got first dibs on my dates.
So, are you ready for more information? Are you ready to book? Either way, you can get more information below!!
This is all so true!!! If seniors and parents communicate about their senior portrait session, everyone wins!