A Parent's Guide to High School Senior Pictures- Part 1

Welcome to Senior Year!

As a high school senior photographer serving the Maryland, Virginia, and DC area, I often get questions from parents about how to best prepare for their child's senior photo session. Senior year is a busy time filled with important milestones, so it's crucial to schedule your session wisely.

When to Schedule the Session

One of the first things to consider is when to schedule the session. Senior year is packed with activities, from SATs to prom, so it's best to plan ahead. Ideally, the session should be scheduled during a less hectic time, either in the summer before senior year kicks off, in the first couple of months of the year or during a school break. September and October are great months to do your session. And another thing to consider is that you can use your pictures to add to your senior's yearbook page, or for any other reason they may need pictures of themselves. So bottom line, schedule knowing that it would be great to get it done, and get it done sooner rather than later! 😊 This way, your senior can be relaxed and fully enjoy the experience.

The Benefits of a Senior Photo Session

Having professional photos taken during senior year offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, it captures a pivotal moment in your child's life—transitioning from high school to the next big chapter. These photos are not just for yearbooks; they are keepsakes that commemorate this special time. Additionally, a senior photo session provides a confidence boost for your teenager. Having the spotlight on them and looking their best can be an empowering experience.

What to Wear: Finding a Compromise

One common concern is what your senior should wear for their session. It's important to remember that your teenager will have their own opinions on what they want to wear, and these may differ from your preferences. This is completely normal and nothing to stress about. The key is compromise. Discuss outfits together and consider doing multiple outfit changes during the session. This can resolve any style disagreements and make room for both their choice and yours. I love giving seniors a chance to show their style and uniqueness. Wear what's comfortable and what represents you. 😊

In summary, senior pictures are a wonderful way to celebrate and commemorate an exciting time in your teenager's life. By planning ahead, understanding the benefits, and finding common ground on outfit choices, you can ensure the session is a joyous and memorable experience for both you and your senior.

Sonia Greenaway Mickle is a senior photographer and portrait photographer based out of Fort Washington Maryland and Northern Virginia and serves the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Her goal is to bring out every senior’s personality in their images and she's dedicated to making sure that every senior session is unique and different so that you enjoy your images that reflect you and only you, know that you're special and valued, and experience a fun time. Sonia is now booking the Class of 2025 students for senior sessions, as well as portrait sessions