Senior Photos, Be Happy to Look Back: Professional Senior Photos vs. DIY & Finding Your Match

Professional Senior Photos vs. DIY & Finding Your Match

Part 1. of a Senior Photo Series

Okay, I’ll admit I’m biased being a senior portrait photographer and all, but I still want to address this question because I did DIY senior photos myself and can see the appeal.

Photography services, like any investment, are often expensive and not always an option for every senior. It gets more confusing when all your friends may swarm to a specific photographer who may 1) not be your style 2) not be in your price range or 3) not have availability. And then we all have our friend who is really good at working that portrait mode on their iPhone, so why not just have your own shoot? That’s an option too.

Let’s first break down the choice to hire a professional photographer or to DIY your own shoot, then we will discuss how to find your best match if you do choose a professional photographer.

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT:

My first recommendation to anyone deciding how to go about their senior photos, especially right now in a time of COVID, is to ask yourself what you want. Senior photos can be more than a simple photo for the yearbook. A senior photo session can serve as an entire experience, as a chance to treat yourself, and as a way to create content you can look back to years to come and remember this current time and who you are in it. So ask yourself, “Do I want an experience?”. Then think about what you want in photos. Is there a certain style you’re drawn to? Do you want a lot of photos? Do you want photos with a professional look to them or photos you might not otherwise be able to take on your own? If you answer yes to these questions then you will most likely find more value in deciding to hire a photographer opposed to taking the senior photos yourself or through a (non-photographer) friend.

Maybe you honestly do not care about the photos, and that’s completely fine! If you don’t want to make a big deal about your senior photos than it really might not be worth it for you to invest in a professional photographer. That’s an honest conversation you want to have with yourself. If you feel hesitancy in saying “I don’t care” then maybe ask if it’s just that you don’t feel comfortable with the idea. If being uncomfortable or nervous is the case then a professional photographer might actually be really good, in that they can help you to be more comfortable in front of the camera. But if you honestly do not care to take the time to hire a photographer or spend the money, maybe choose to treat yourself on something else that makes you happy. My biggest be honest with yourself to help make a decision you won’t look back negatively on in the future.

THINK ABOUT THE OUTCOME:

This ties into the previous point but it’s important to really think about the outcome. If you are expecting professional photos from a DIY shoot, you may be disappointed. This isn’t me trying to be a Debbie Downer (sorry Debbie) but I want to be upfront about it. I had my friend take my senior photos with my camera and I edited them myself. I don’t hate them and to be honest, I don’t ever go through my High school yearbook, but what I did miss out on was the experience of being professionally photographed, of feeling supported in my shoot, and of having a wide selection of photos to choose from. When you DIY yourself you might have a few great shots but it also may be a greater strain on you. Just be aware of this.

FINDING YOUR “MATCH”:

Finding a photographer that fits your price range, style, and availability can be difficult and overwhelming, which can lead you to jump the gun in booking a photographer that might not be the best fit or maybe resulting in you just giving up on the search all together. My best recommendation is to ask yourself what “style” you are looking for. Use Pinterest and Instagram to find ideas and then look for local photographers to your area. Shop around with pricing if that’s your concern as well, see what is the normal rate in your area and work from there. Ask your photographer about their style of shooting if you have questions. If you are nervous or concerned about something be upfront and ask your photographer about it, they should be glad to help!

It’s always best to start this process as early as possible to ensure that you are able to book with a photographer you love at a time that you love!

A QUICK PLUG:

I’ve done my best to be as unbiased as possible throughout this post. What I’ve written is honest and inspired by my own experience with and knowledge of the subject. But I also am transparent and confident in my services so here’s a quick photography plug!
This is my fourth season shooting senior photos and they have become one of my favorite types of sessions. If you are looking for natural, authentic, and playful photography curated specifically to your personality and wants, we may be a great match.

I am currently booking 2021 seniors!

ABOUT SENIOR SESSIONS

MY INSTAGRAM

3 Problems and How to Overcome Them (With Phelan)

Phelan

Phelan and I have been shooting together for almost seven years. We met through Instagram. Inspired by her style and stellar Instagram feed, I commented on one of her posts asking if she’d like to shoot together. This was months before Instagram came out with direct messaging through the app, I had just purchased a camera, and hadn’t even graduated middle school.

We met up at the local recreational fields around sunset and took fun, poorly focused, backlit photos. They are some of my favorite.
Now in college, several years and hairstyles later, Phelan and I are still shooting, constantly switching up locations and styles.

These photos inspire me. Phelan is a savage, boss, of a women and the photos show it.

But no shoot comes absolutely free of dilemmas and in honor of the growth shown in this shoot, I figured I’d share some problems I, as a photographer, faced and how I handled them.

Problem 1: Lighting

This shoot wasn’t really a shoot. It was more of a “I’ll bring my camera for the hang” . Sometimes this is what produces the best photos, no stress involved.
Had I planned to shoot I would have tried my best to avoid shooting at 1pm on a bright, sunny day. Shooting under direct light can often produce a number of problems, harsh lighting and weird shadows being two examples. But, especially during busy seasons, you will eventually be faced with the dilemma of mid day lighting .

We started off shooting in a patch of woods in our town. The lighting was really harsh and seemed at first to wash everything out, making it difficult for Phelan to see. When we moved under the shade of trees, the leaves casted shadows across her face, and the bright light gave off a green hue. These are common problems I’ve faced while photographing, even during the “perfect” hours of shooting.

Here Are MY Tips:

• Move Around

  Don’t be afraid to move around to find the best lighting. Try different angles and positions. It can seem a bit intimidating to ask your model to switch sides or move around a lot but as long as you communicate well and keep it fun, it’s no big deal. They want good photos too!

  I find that having your subject back lit creates beautiful soft lighting during midday.

  It is important to note however, that some spots might not work. That’s ok too, you can move on or try to circle back around later in the shoot.

• Find Shade

  If the lighting is super harsh, I always recommend finding shade. Not super dense shade, you still want there to be light, but enough so that the sun is not casting strange shadows or fading out tones. This is especially helpful mid day.

• Bring in “Help”

  When shooting in bright light it can be beneficial to use other tools to work with the light. I personally don’t use reflectors but know they can be of great service when it comes to lighting (the only downside is that you will likely need somebody to hold it while you shoot). There are other creative ways you can “bring in help” though. My favorite trick? Nature! I love taking leaves, flower petals, rocks, etc… and shooting with them in front of the lens. It can help to manipulate the lighting and creates a unique photo.

• Shoot Lots

  This can be tricky if you are shooting on film or with limited storage (though I suggest you always bring back up memory cards) but I find that taking a good amount of shots saves my butt in the long run. Even if you don’t love the lighting, take a few more photos just incase. It’s not a great feeling going back to photos in post and realizing that you wished you’d taken more photos in one location.

• Be Creative and HAVE FUN!!!!

  When you can’t change it you gotta learn to work with it. Don’t be afraid to play around with different posses and lighting, find creative solutions to the issue of lighting. I like playing with shadows when I can’t get rid of them, creating and emphasizing contrast by using the harsh lighting to my advantage. Shoot around with it! Encourage your model to do interesting poses that will captivate viewers and work well with the lighting to create a large story. Have fun!!!!

Problem 2: Obstructions

As much as we wish it was so, the world doesn’t stop just because we are taking photos. This is especially true in cities where people crowd the sidewalks, and tourists fill the most popular areas. So how do you take photos in front of a cool wall while people scurry past, trash bins crowd the sides, and a man walks back and forth behind you? These are some of the troubles we faced.

Here Are MY Tips:

• Frame Well

  You don’t need the whole location to be clear, just where you are taking the photo. This is why framing is so important. Once you see a good spot its all about positioning. Move the model (and yourself) around so that they are framed well and with the backdrop you like. If there is something interfering with your photo you can always move to get it out of the frame or use a prop (like a leaf or cloth) to put in front of your lens and cover it.

• Move Around

  This is similar to my previous tip but it’s really important. Move around to get the best angles, often you will end up with more original photos doing this. I don’t just mean move side to side or around the location, I’m telling you to get higher and lower and diagonal and all over the place. I had Phelan stand on a bench, and I shot from below, so that you couldn’t see the garbage laying against the wall.

• Be Patient

  Sometimes you have just have to wait for somebody to pass or for an area to clear up. it’s okay to move on to another spot and come back or to wait 30 seconds for someone to move.

• Be Respectful

  I encourage people to keep shooting, even if it’s busy but it’s important to be aware that other people are trying to get through their day too. Be mindful of how much space you are taking up. While I often keep shooting and let people move around us, I also think it’s important to be aware of when this might not be appropriate. I, personally, try not to block sidewalks, and always let people pass. For instance, Phelan and I made sure to stay out of someone’s way as they moved their tools from the side of this building to his car. He was clearly just trying to do his job and I don’t want to make it any harder than it needs to be.

Problem 3: An Unwanted Audience

There’s the problems that may exist by people just scurrying by and accidentally photobombing, then there is the gross discomfort that can come from strange men (or women) stopping to watch, comment, or approach you and/or your model. This happens frequently to me, especially in cities, and can be a huge bummer. Phelan and I just ignored it and moved on but it can prove more complicated at times.

Here Are MY Tips:

• Be Safe

  This is the most important thing. Trust your gut. If someone is getting too close, too interested, or you are just getting an off feeling, walk away and try to go to a more public setting. I carry pepper spray with me, especially when shooting by myself. It shouldn’t be necessary but it is. Keep you and your models safe.

• Ignore It

  This is honestly my best tactic, especially for guys walking by. Don’t give them the satisfaction of your attention. You have a job to do, so keep doing it

• Stay Engaged With Your Model(s)

  It can be easy when faced with an uncomfortable situation to forget that you aren’t alone in it. Really, you should be doing the opposite. I find that when a shoot attracts unwanted attention it can isolate me and the model from one another. Don’t let this happen. Engage with your model, roll your eyes at the annoying men (they tend to be men from my experience), make a joke, and gage how they (your model(s) are feeling. Be supportive of one another, even as those around you are disruptive and negative.

Overview:

Have fun. That’s what this should all be about and I’m blessed to have people like Phelan in my life to remind me of it. Strive for growth and do so by really challenging yourself to make the best out of every situation (with or without a camera). The last tip I’ll leave you with is to simply click that shutter button and to keep clicking. You get better with practice, a lot of practice. Take it from me, you won’t get better if you don’t try.

Now go take some pictures!

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Check out my Instagram for stories, posts, and sales!

@aliviasobeyphoto

January 2018 Overview

January was 31 days... 31 days that felt like 360. While the majority of my new years resolutions slipped away under the pressure of school,life, and any other excuse I can scramble to find, my photography goals (for the most part) were maintained. I shot a lot and after a couple of weeks it was barely an effort to do. Yes the first 14 days of January meant skipping lunch, skipping school (sorry Mom), and many times meant skipping social events, it soon felt natural and just part of the routine.

What I learned.....                                                                                                                                  Not every photo shoot has to be super deep or conceptual but it always helps to plan in advance (some of these shoots were planned in December). Start with an idea of a photo and move forward, its totally okay to branch away from the starting inspiration as the shoot goes on. And NEVER EVER be afraid of trying new things! It's the challenges that offer opportunity for growth.

Throughout the first month of 2018 I had various ups and downs, days where I felt great about my photography and days where I felt awful. This month however was the most productive period of time I've had regarding photography. I have made several new and revised goals I hope to achieve in the upcoming year. But here's what to expect in the upcoming month...

• MORE BLOG POSTS
• one large conceptual shoot a month
• the rebirth and an explanation of my series "War Zone"
• a pretty big and likely deep shoot as well as an  explanatory blog post coming out early-mid March (MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!!)
• videos?

Until then... here are some of my photos from this month

Welcome

New Year... New Me... New Website? 

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Blogging is sooo 2016 but I've always been a couple years behind the trends. My goal for 2018 is to focus on me... me... and only me. Maybe this is selfish but it's also necessary. I tend to take on other people's problems, the world's problems, and I become weighed down by of things which I have no control over. But no more.

Part of working on myself is working on my brain and soul. This means more reading and writing for the brain and more artistic expression for the soul. 2017 has had many good days but it would be naive of me to ignore the frequent bad days, many of which (upon reflection) I have come to realize were avoidable had I just articulated my emotions. While blogging might be cheesy, I wish to use it as a way to connect my photography to my everyday life and furthermore to my brand. 

 *clinks wine glass with fancy butter knife*                                                                                   Here's to 2018... My Year.