Every senior portrait session is an opportunity to capture a moment in your senior's life. More importantly, it is an opportunity to remember your senior at an age when they are ending one chapter while embarking on a new adventure. 

When preparing for your senior portraits, it is essential to plan for the types of shots you want to capture. I like to say there are four "must have" shots every senior portrait portfolio should include: the candid/natural shot, the action or movement shot, the headshot, and the styled shot. 

Read on to learn about the four portraits you should have incorporated into your senior portrait sessions. 

1. The Candid/Natural Look

The natural look or candid shot can be a great opportunity to find the real you in a portrait. When you are enjoying a moment, there is a specific sparkle in your eye. This sparkle can only be captured when you are not expecting the camera to go off. Make sure to work with a photographer who knows how to capture that moment and give you the perfect candid or natural look portrait for your portfolio.

2. The Active/Movement 

Much like the candid shot, the active shot is a great way to capture you in your glory. As a teenager, sitting still is not the norm. Most days, as soon as you leave class, you are doing something with your time that keeps you active. whether you enjoy a walk in the park, engaging in athletic competition, participating in live theater or music events, or laughing and having fun with your friends and family, you are always on the move. 

An active shot captures you being you. It can be a fun shot that shows your love for life and all it entails. 

3. The Headshot

One day, in the near future, you will be off on your next adventure. This adventure may include college, vocational training, or even starting your new career. Whatever your new adventure may be, you will need a professional headshot. 

Many people will include a headshot with their resume. While that may not be necessary for your college applications or employment search, you may still need the headshot for your social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, your company's website, or for volunteering purposes. Take the opportunity during your senior portrait sessions to get the headshot you may need. 

4. The Styled/Editorial

Finally, you should not forget to get your styled/editorial shot when you take your senior portraits. The styled or editorial portraits may also be considered creative or conceptual.  These give you an opportunity to have fun and strike a pose with your look. Editorial portraits are the type of portraits you see in magazines. 

Have fun and make sure you include the styled shot in your senior portraits.

Final Thoughts

Make sure you work with a photographer who will ensure you consider the four "must have" portraits in your senior portrait portfolio. Set up a 15-minute chat to discuss expectations and plan out your senior portrait session with Lisa Mongulla Photography. Or give Lisa a call at 856-297-0910 before it gets too late.