| Here's a quick guide for the upcoming high school | | | | have online galleries and/or slide shows. How similar |
| senior and his or her family to consider when | | | | are the shots? Do they have enough outdoor or |
| preparing for senior photographs. | | | | location images for your taste? |
| 1. DO get your senior photos taken! You'll regret not | | | | DON'T be fooled by studio size. Large studios may |
| capturing your memories. | | | | mean a quick, impersonal session where you are |
| DON'T wait too long to reserve your session. Many | | | | limited by changes, locations and poses. Your poses |
| photographers' schedules fill up quickly. | | | | and images may look like many other students'. |
| 2. DO ask your friends about their photography | | | | 6. DO ask about locations, changes, friends, pets, |
| experiences. Note the good and the bad stuff. | | | | retouches, time limits and proofing. |
| DON'T be forced into the "official school | | | | DON'T be shy about expressing your needs and |
| photographer" routine. It's not what goes into the | | | | wants. It's YOUR session! |
| yearbook that matters, it's how your images are | | | | 7. DO discuss with your family. Sure, you are your |
| captured and how you feel about the experience. Do | | | | own person, but the folks and relatives might really |
| you really want your senior photos taken by the | | | | love a traditional shot thrown in among your creative |
| people who did your 7th grade pictures? | | | | stuff. |
| 3. DO your homework. Know which photographers | | | | DON'T Try a new hairstyle or try to get that perfect |
| offer the kinds of sessions and experiences that | | | | tan the day before your shoot! |
| meet your needs. Do they travel with you? Will they | | | | 8. DO Plan for your shoot. Set aside clothes, |
| take pictures of you with your dog? Boyfriend? | | | | uniforms, props, pets, accessories and shoes. |
| DON'T be impulsive and grab that old card that | | | | DON'T worry about cosmetic/skin issues. Any |
| showed up in the mail sometime this spring. Think | | | | photographer worth the money will take care of that! |
| about it...probably 2000 other people got that same | | | | 9. DO let your personality shine through. Relax and |
| card. | | | | the real you will emerge! |
| 4. DO shop on the web. Try searches like "Senior | | | | DON'T scan or copy or post any of the proof images |
| Photographer " with your city or area to see who | | | | without photographer's OK. It's illegal and tacky to |
| specializes in senior photography. | | | | steal! |
| DON'T get suckered into "Ambassador Plans". They | | | | 10. DO have a wonderful, unique time with your |
| often put you in a position to sell for a studio. Is that | | | | senior session! |
| what you really want to spend your time doing? | | | | DON'T forget to order enough wallets for your |
| 5. DO Look into the photographers' portfolios. Many | | | | friends and relatives! |