Senior portraits are kind of a big deal. The final year of high school is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated, and with something more than just selfies. There are so many professional senior photographers and photography studios in Fond du Lac and the surrounding area, and searching for Fond du Lac photography studios will turn up many results which can be overwhelming. Choosing the right photographer for senior pictures who can best capture these important images can be a daunting task, so I’ve put together a few tips on what to consider when making this decision.
You should love the photographer’s style.
Style is often the first thing that draws someone to a particular senior portrait photographer. You should be sure that you love the overall look of the photos you see advertised, in regards to posing, backgrounds, lighting, color, editing, retouching, and how they incorporate your interests and creative themes into the photos.
Photography style:
Does the photographer aim for that perfectly posed and smiling wall portrait, for those totally un-posed and candid expressions with lots of movement, or a mixture of both?
Do they capture the photos from a variety of angles and perspectives?
Can they turn ordinary locations into amazing backdrops?
Are the photos primarily taken outdoors, indoors, or in a photography studio? Does the photographer work well in all settings?
Are the photos taken using natural light, off-camera flash, or both? Does the lighting appear to be done well?
Is there a mix of close-up shots and those that include more of the background?
Do they use props or are the subjects primarily interacting with their surroundings?
Editing style:
Are the photos heavily edited, more natural, or in-between?
Does the coloring have a true-to-life look or does it lean toward a specific tone?
Is the level of editing consistent across all their advertised work?
A photographer is an artist, and each will have a slightly different signature look to their work. Because everyone has different stylistic preferences, there will always be a photographer for every high school senior. Ultimately, the style of the photos should be something that you can see yourself loving both today and still many years down the road.
Look for consistency, skill, and quality.
A photographer’s portfolio should demonstrate a consistent style and level of quality. Because every senior portrait session is unique, no two galleries will look exactly alike. However, a consistent portfolio of previous work can assure you that your images will look similar in regards to color, composition, lighting, and editing. This shows that the photographer is skilled in working in a variety of environments and conditions and will be able to replicate the same standards for your session.
Lighting is another important factor to consider. Skilled photographers understand how to work with a variety of lighting techniques, including both natural light and off-camera flash. Popular looks in senior photography today include a mix of soft, natural lighting with more dramatic effects, depending on the location and theme.
Pay attention to potential red flags, such as shadowy eyes, muddy skin tones, washed-out details, uneven lighting, and blurry or grainy images. Also, look for a portfolio that feels cohesive rather than one that appears to feature work from several different photographers. An inconsistent portfolio may indicate a lack of experience, or even uncertainty about whether all the images are the photographer’s own work.
Find a photographer with a great personality and who is someone you feel comfortable interacting with.
Your senior portrait session experience is highly personal, and you’ll likely be interacting with your photographer multiple times. The photographer you choose should be someone you can trust to capture your best features, someone who takes your needs and wants into consideration, someone you can effortlessly connect with, and someone who will make you feel at ease and comfortable during your session. Make sure that your chosen senior photographer is truly excited and passionate about what they do, because this will be evident in the final images.
While you might be able to get an idea of the photographer’s personality online, conversing or meeting in person will help you confirm that they are the right fit for you. This is why meeting for a consultation prior to booking is so important!
You should not be just a number on their list.
Your senior photographer should never make you feel like just a number. Your entire senior photo experience should be personal and customized around your wishes and your unique style. You should not settle for being told that you only get to go to certain locations that the photographer allows, be forced into using the same backgrounds as everyone else, or made to feel you are only there to benefit their portfolio. The photographer should get to know you on a more personal level, and then collaborate with you to develop ideas for your portraits. A unique experience will ensure that you not only have fun during the session, but that you get images that are totally YOU and unlike everyone else’s.
Verify that the photographer is a true professional running a legitimate business.
Hiring a photographer for senior portraits is something that only happens once, so you should also make sure that this person is experienced at what they do. Longevity in the industry will help ensure that the photographer can work in a variety of challenging environments, with a variety of people, and produce the same quality of work every time. Operating and sustaining a successful and profitable business indicates that the photographer has many satisfied past clients who have likely referred them to their friends and family. Check online review platforms to read what real clients have said about their experience! Photography is not a regulated industry like many other professions are, so there aren't any educational degrees or certificates required to become a photographer or to start a business as one. When a photographer is running a legitimate business (legally registered, tax-paying, and insured) this provides assurance that they hold themselves to a higher professional standard, and that it’s not simply a hobby for them. While these factors might not directly affect you as a client, there are some very real risks of hiring someone who is not legally in business. Hiring one who is legitimate can give you peace of mind that the photographer takes their work and their clients seriously, and professionals have systems in place to ensure a positive and repeatable experience for every client.
In addition, photographers should use professional-grade camera equipment, carry backup equipment in case of a malfunction, and utilize redundant forms of data storage to protect your photos from loss. These factors can affect you, and smart professionals understand how important it is to have these bases covered so that you have a worry-free experience. You may be able to verify this from the photographer's marketing materials, but if not, don't feel bad about asking. A true professional will be more than willing to reassure you.
Make sure that the photographer you hire uses a contract.
Because senior photography is a highly custom service, it is also a good idea to sign some kind of contract or service agreement that explains in writing any considerations, expectations, policies, costs, and exactly what you will receive as part of your experience. Having this all in writing is essential to answering questions before something can become a misunderstanding. A good contract is designed to protect both the business and the client!
While having a contract is not a requirement for a small business, it’s just another form of reassurance that the photographer is operating as a professional. Think of the other services you use that require some kind of signed contract or require that you agree to their terms and conditions before moving forward. Typically these are services where you are making a significant financial investment, or the work being done is customized to your unique needs. Professional photography is similar in these aspects.
Understand and agree with the service, products, and pricing.
Just like style, services and pricing ranges vastly from one photographer to the next. There is no true industry standard when it comes to pricing, and searching the internet for “What do senior pictures cost?” gives some very inaccurate (and outdated) answers.
When researching senior photographers in the area, you should find out what’s included with a session, what types of products will be available for purchase, whether you have a choice between digital images or prints, and what amount clients typically spend on their portrait order. A professional should be transparent about pricing and policies. They should have samples of products featuring their own work, so you can see an accurate representation of what your finished products may look like.
Generally speaking, a better overall experience, higher quality photography, and a more established or longtime photographer will demand a higher price. All of the little things can translate to better photos and a better feeling about the entire experience. While there are some photographers who are more hands-off, a luxury or full-service senior photographer will offer things like in-person consultations and ordering, custom session planning, styling and prep tips, product design assistance, hair and makeup artist referrals, and professional print product options. These factors often mean the photographer is low-volume and works more closely with each client. In the Fond du Lac area and east-central Wisconsin, you can expect to pay a few thousand dollars or more with a quality senior photographer who has been in business for several years.
With all of the information, you can decide if your expectations match up with your budget, or if you are willing to stretch your budget because you truly love a photographer’s work and know that you will not be able to get it elsewhere. As the saying goes, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” Senior photos, like newborn photos and wedding photography, tend to be something that families invest more money in because they are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Roxanne Abler - Roxanne Elise Photography is a professional senior portrait photographer with a photography studio in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, serving the Fox Valley and East-Central Wisconsin.