If you scan through any Yearbook now a days, you are going to see a few ...... OK let's say it BAD PORTRAITS!! And this does not need to happen. With each problem I am going to tell you the solution. So you will not be one of those people.
- The number one mistake seniors make is thinking that someone with a really nice camera knows how to use it. My friend, uncle, or someone my dad knows may not be the best choice. A camera is a tool, like a hammer or a sewing machine. Just because you have a the best hammer does not mean you can build a house. Just because you have an amazing sewing machine does not mean you can make your own clothes. But with some education and experience you can eventually do something great. It took me ten years to become a master photographer.
- The second biggest mistake is related to the first mistake. Bad Lighting. How many pictures have you seen where the person is too dark or too light or they have racoon eyes where the eyes are in the shadow or their eyebrows because the light is coming down on them. Or there is a white spot on their fore head. Or you can totally tell the flash blasted their face. The best solution for this is to place the senior on the edge of light, with light coming from behind and to the right or left of the camera. So if you are under a tree have the person ten feet from the edge of the trees shadow line and make sure there are no sun rays peaking through the branches.
- The Third mistake I see is bad posing. A good photographer puts people in poses that look natural, have a slimming effect and accent the seniors best features. This is not easy fix by saying "well do this". But here are a couple of things that will help. First 99 percent of the time do not have the body face directly at the camera. This only works for models. Have the senior turn 30 degrees to the left or right. Second if it bends bend it. Bend a leg or an arm, it will make a difference. For the girls look for curves. For the guys give them something to do with there hands. This will make your poses more interesting in your pictures.
- Mistake number 4 Wardrobe and Style malfunctions. So you think that shirt is pretty cool? Well this one is very subjective so lets just talk about it. The picture you put in the yearbook is how people will look back and remember you, 10,20,30.40 years from now. And so doing the trendy thing can be cool or you end up on a list of most embarrassing Sr. Portraits of 2017 that's trending on facebook. Solid colors usually work best. stripes and plaids can be too busy or make you look bigger than you are. The best advice here is think through what you want to wear and get some advice from parents and trusted friends. For the girls make up can be a big thing. Done well it will enhance your features, done poorly it could ruin your shoot. Check out our previous blog post from June 19, 2017 for how to have it done right!
- Number 5 on mistakes people make for Senior Pictures, Poor Location Choice. Some times it can be funny other times its a total distraction. The photo bomb. Your at the park, you have the lighting down and you are next to a tree. But, in the background is a red car. Later when you look at the pictures your eye is drawn right to the car. Or there is a branch growing out of your head. I have done all of these in the past but not so much now. Many amateurs will focus on the subject and not notice all of the details in the frame. A senior portrait is forever. If you want something great find a professional who does great work. In the long run it is worth it. But if you still want to have a friend do it, these tips should help you.