SENIOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Before you know it, you and your son or daughter will be looking for a photographer to take his or her senior portraits.  Most high school students have their portraits done the summer before their senior year.  A senior portrait is one of the milestone portraits in a person’s life and can be a big investment.  So, how do you choose a senior portrait photographer that is right for your son or daughter?

• Check out the photographer’s blog, facebook page, Instagram account and website to see if you like her work.  Do people look relaxed?  Do they look natural and not over photoshopped?
• Is the photographer someone your son or daughter could work with and feel at ease with?
• Call or email the photographer to ask questions about the portrait session.  Is she friendly, knowledgeable and good with high school students?
• What if it rains on the day of the portrait session?  Can it be rescheduled?  Is there a fee for rescheduling?
• Ask about your investment.  Like most things in life, you usually get what you pay for.  Is there a sitting fee?  How much time does the sitting fee cover?  Are there any special promotions or collection pricing?  Can you buy individual photos or do you need to buy a collection first?
• Some photographers shoot and burn, meaning they take the photos and give their client a CD with the images on and you have to have them printed.  Many times printing at a pharmacy or discount store will not give the quality of prints that a professional lab can. Be sure if you choose a shoot & burn photographer that you have the ability to read the CD, as many computers nowadays are no longer equipped with CD readers.  Other photographers are print photographers, meaning they offer printed products to their clients that are archival and will withstand the test of time.  They are an heirloom to be passed from generation to generation. 
• Often, the processing can mean the difference between a nice portrait and a great portrait.  Ask what kind of post-processing is done and is there is a fee for each proof that is retouched.  Can she remove braces or glass glare?
• Ask what kind of camera and lenses she works with.  Does she have her portraits professionally printed?  Professional, quality printing means your portraits will last a lifetime and larger portraits will be mounted and possibly sprayed with a UV protectant.
• Ask the photographer for suggestions regarding clothing.  Will she allow your son or daughter to bring along a pet?  What about sports uniforms, musical instruments or other props? Will she go on location or do all sessions have to be in the studio?
• How are the proofs presented?  Do you place your final order online or in person?  Will she help you when it comes to ordering and seeing different options such as black & white and color?
• Can your son or daughter order a variety of different poses or is he or she limited to 1 or 2?
• What other products does the photographer offer?  Canvas prints?  Photo albums?  Storyboards? Metal prints? Digital phone apps? Slideshows?  Montages?
• Once you place your order and decide to order more will the price go up?  How long do you have to order prints?  Does she offer graduation invitations and party supplies?
• Is she willing to travel out of the area for a session if there's a special place the senior wants his or her session?

If you’re interested in looking at what I have to offer, please check out my website www.KathyWeigmanPhotography.com  for portraits I’ve done.  As a teacher, mom and photographer, I have a good rapport with high school students.  Their session is fun and relaxed, and you get quality portraits at an affordable price.  One of the greatest compliments I've received from a parent was that I made her daughter feel so confident; "Her self esteem soared during the session with Kathy." Another parent said that they chose me for their daughter's session because I didn't make my seniors look plastic.  I brought out their inner beauty and captured their real personality.  If you have any questions or would like to book a session, please feel free to contact me at 733-3425 or [email protected]

~Kathy Weigman