CHOOSING A SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER IS A BIG DECISION
Because these photos capture who you are in a pivotal time of life.
Plus, most people don't get professional photos again until their WEDDING! (which is crazy!)
Here are 4 things to consider
when finding your perfect match :)
#1 Photo Style
Every photographer has their own editing and shooting style that is a major part of what makes their photoshoots so special! Look at examples of their work on social media, their website, and past clients' photos. See if you can find a past client with a similar skin tone to yours (because some editing styles are more versatile to allow all skin tones to shine while others are tailored more for a specific skin tone range) and make sure you like how those photos look. Choose a photographer with images you absolutely love and a consistent style.
Here's a quick rundown of a few "style" keywords to look for:
- "True to color" (editing stays true to natural colors and skin tones) *this is me!
- "Moody" (often warm or darker images with a sepia feel and high contrast)
- "Bright and Airy" (lots of white tones and light colors)
- "Organic" (think earth tones and creative documenting styles ex: blur and detail shots)
- "Film and Cinematic" (sometimes taken on a film camera or grain is added to give an old-time retro feel)
#2 Retouching
Does your photographer retouch photos? How retouched are images? This is a small detail that is often overlooked but takes the most time in editing. Retouching is an editing technique where impurities are removed and skin is smoothed to best represent a client in their photos. Some photographers retouch themselves and others hire out the retouching process. Retouching is a large range from just removing acne spots to smooth glassy skin and bright sharpened eyes. Some photographers don't retouch at all and others will smooth over all skin. Choose a photographer with a level of retouching that you feel comfortable with.
Curious about my retouching process? Check out my editing page under the "About" tab! Transparency with editing is super important to me because I want the real authentic you to be represented.
#3 Posing and Photoshoot experience
I hope every senior gets the chance to have a photo experience that captures genuine laughter and is truly so much fun. Ironically, I'm really uncomfortable in front of the camera so I know what it feels like to dread getting portraits taken. But the right photographer will keep you natural, laughing, and comfortable so you can focus on enjoying yourself and love how you are represented in the images later. I absolutely LOVE when I get to show clients that photos can be fun! And trust me, the photos turn out better too. If you are someone that loves getting your picture taken that's great also! We'll jump right in and have so much fun.
I've always found it important to provide resources to my clients to help them feel comfortable even before photoshoot day. This includes guides, lists of what to bring, outfit ideas, and more which can be helpful as no photographer expects you to be a photo expert. Pick a photographer who prioritizes pictures AND the experience.
Posing is important too. Choose a photographer with posing examples you love. Look to see if they have more posed subjects in photos or if they prefer prompts to naturally get the best shot. Pick the style that will make you feel the most supported.
#4 Print Products
Lastly, don't forget to look into how your photographer delivers images. Most photographers deliver digital galleries but some also include printing options. Photographers can access the highest quality printers and know how to format your photos and work with their lab to create perfect heirloom keepsakes with quality you simply can't get as a general consumer.
I now offer print products because I know firsthand how easily images can get stuck in a folder on your laptop and never see the light of day. Print products allow you to get the most out of your photos as a consumer and push photographers to constantly step up their work so it will print perfectly. Let's turn those images into an album, print, or canvas so they don't go to waste while lost on your computer.
I hope you enjoyed my top tips on choosing your perfect photographer match.
You are going to have so much fun at your photoshoot!
If you think we might be the perfect match, check out my website to join an email list or book today. Thank you for reading and stopping by! I hope to hear from you soon!
Sending love,
Tessa Bianchi
