Local Photographers Share Tips to Help Capture Your Senior's Moments

As the Brighton High School class of 2013 prepares for graduation, a new set of students will soon be anticipating their own final year in high school.

High school juniors will soon be making their own plans that include finalizing class schedules, applying to colleges and, of course, getting their senior portraits done.

Whether students prefer a simple setting or a more model-like environment, Brighton photographer Judy Anderson of Anderson Studios says whatever the student feels comfortable with, it's “extremely important” to capture this moment.  

“And it’s not because I’m a photographer, but as a mother,” she said. 

Reserving your photographer and photo session early is recommended by Erin Drallos of Footprints Photography, who said most of her sessions are booked by May 31.

Becky Pies of Pies Photography agrees saying it also adds to the “excitement” of senior year.

“It is nice to get your booking on the calendar, then the anticipation begins,” she said.

While many photographers do senior portraits sessions year-round, summer portraits are the most popular, according to Pies who personally recommends the month of June.

“June is a great month and really the best month,” Pies said. “It's not too hot and the colors outdoors are lush and vivid.”

Parents are also encouraged to attend the photo session and help be a second set of “eyes and ears,” according to Anderson.

“They become the stylist," she said, "and they see things that I might have missed."

Other tips provided by local photographers include no haircuts for boys on the day of the photo shoot and some type of make-up is needed for girls to help reduce shine and add color to the face.

Clothing is also important and should include more than one shirt for boys, according to Anderson. Having many different and varied outfit options is highly recommended for all students.

“I like to go through their clothes and put outfits together that they may have not thought of,” Drallos said.

As for senior props, such as sports equipment, hats, letter jackets or drumsticks, Pies encourages students to bring in anything they feel tells their story and helps capture their personality. 

Here are some local options for senior portraits. Did we miss yours? Add the information to our comment section.

• Anderson Studios: 5050 S Old Us Highway 23, 810-229-4971
• Footprints Photography: 248-922-1802
• Iron Rose Photography: 201 Leith St Brighton, 248-867-1402
• Pies Photography: 12751 Hibner Road Hartland, 248-889-1585
• Portraits by Alex: 113 E Grand River Ave Brighton, 810-220-1114