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Another school year is coming up and where starting your junior year of high school may not seem like the time to think about senior pictures I’m here to tell you IT IS!! I’m sure your senior year has crossed your mind and all the things that go along with being a senior and graduating so why not go ahead and add senior pictures to your list?

Now I’m not talking about having your session now – it’s still too early for that. I’m talking about the ways you can start to become prepared for what you want to do and who you want to book when your time comes!

Ask your senior friends about school guidelines and deadlines

Keep in mind these may change some year to year but it’s never a bad idea to have an idea what the deal is. Some schools have formal only portraits, yearbook deadlines, casual and formal options, etc. and it’s important for you to know what your school offers and “requires”. If you have an idea before your senior summer about what the school has to say you can be better prepared and weigh out all your options without feeling rushed or frustrated.

Once you ask around and find out about these things check out my post covering the difference between a senior photographer and a school photographer. I talk about 3 myths surrounding school photographers and whether or not “just using the school photographer” is best for you. You can find that by CLICKING HERE!

Pay attention to the senior photos your friends are posting and have posted

Starting to pay attention now to what you like and don’t like about senior photos can help you make the best decision when it comes to what you want. Make mental or actual notes about what you do and don’t like… Do you want to stand on a stage and hold wooden numbers? Do you like bright and airy styles or dark and moody or something else? Is capturing a sport or activity you are into really important to you?

See someone’s photos you love – find out who did the photos and follow them. Finding and following a photographer early can help you with a couple of things.

First, do they show up consistently in their business. You don’t want to book someone who is constantly making excuses or can’t seem to get it together. These photos are important and making sure you are booking someone that shows up for sessions and delivers galleries in a timely manner is a big deal.

Second, do you like them. You can use social media these days to really get a sense of who someone is and whether or not you think you will like them. Booking someone you feel you can have a good time with or someone who you feel will make you feel comfortable is important – when you are comfortable it will show in the images!!

Reach out to photographers for information

It’s NEVER too early to ask questions about the booking process, pricing, how things work, etc. Keep in mind some things may change from year to year but having an idea early about these things can help you be prepared. Reaching out early may help you get an ideal session date for a summer (like this one for me) where your preferred photographer has limited availability.

Asking for information can also help you narrow down your decision based on replies you receive. You may have found someone you love online but find out they are slow to answer emails or don’t have information easily available and you may think twice about using them.

You may also reach out early and learn about senior team programs they run where you can join a group of senior students for fun photoshoots during your senior year – like this one… The Senior Experience Team. Knowing about opportunities like this early can help you make sure you don’t miss application deadlines!

Want more information about senior sessions?

I have a great resource for you!! You can download The Senior Cheatsheet, which is an all inclusive guide to who you should book, what you should wear, when you should have your session, where you should shoot the session, and why you need senior pictures! It’s a free guide and I personally don’t think you should go into your senior year without it!

Download The Senior Cheatsheet

Ready to reach out?

You can reach me directly by email jaden@giorgianniphotography, follow me on Instagram @jadengiorgianniphotography, or check out the senior session page on my website. I can’t wait to say HI!!