Dear Senior Moms
It’s here, senior year! And I don’t have to tell you, it’s going to be a BUSY one!
One of the things that might be at the forefront of your mind is senior portraits. And if this is your first senior, you probably have questions.
Having photographed over 25 high school seniors, I know a thing or two about what senior moms (and seniors!) need to know to ensure your senior gets beautiful portraits this year.
1- First up, you need to know if your son or daughter WANTS senior portraits.
In my experience, some seniors definitely do (some have been dreaming about it since freshman year!), some are ambivalent, and others are not interested at all (mostly boys in this third group).
2- Secondly, once you know your senior is wanting portraits, you need to decide if you’d like to do it in the FALL or the SPRING.
Before deciding on your preferred season, keep in mind two things:
A) The yearbook deadline for photo submissions
and
B) Whether you can submit your own photo for the yearbook OR if you must use the school’s contracted photographer.
Some schools require you to submit your yearbook photo in the fall/winter (submission dates range from October to February).
For instance, at Colfax High School, the deadline is typically in February - and you CAN submit your own senior picture. But at Del Oro High School, students are required to use the school-approved photographer. (Reach out to the school to find out their requirements.)
Most of my seniors + moms choose April dates because the weather is a bit warmer than in March (sometimes there are more flowers, too!), and they still have plenty of time to get graduation invitations printed and mailed out to family and friends.
****If you are desiring a spring date, I recommend emailing your desired photographer NOW. I know, I know, it seems way too early, but remember, the most sought-after senior photographers will be booked up if you wait too long!
3- Lastly, you need to find a senior photographer whose photographic style you like and whose price point you’re comfortable with.
There are so many talented senior photographers in our area! Ask friends who have older kids for recommendations. That’s how most of my senior moms find me - through word-of-mouth referrals. Others, learn about me through my Facebook page or my website.
And I sure enjoy working with seniors + their moms every year! (During each senior session, I offer to take a picture of mom with her senior(s). Some take me up on it, while others decline.The moms above were all for it.)
Do you have other questions about the senior portrait process? Please send me a message.
Jennie Harless is a portrait photographer who serves clients in three counties: Placer, Nevada, and Sacramento. Jennie offers high school senior portraits, 8th grade grad photos, and family portraits. To see more of Jennie’s work, check out her website, Facebook page or Instagram profile. Contact Jennie to book your session!