What turns a nice portrait into the one that goes on the wall?
Usually it’s one little detail that makes you say “that’s my kid.”
For Sam, it was the headphones. His mom took one look at this portrait and said, “That’s SO him.” Decision made. It’s going up on the wall, right where it belongs.
Sam, thank you for bringing your calm, easy confidence into the studio. It was SO fun to spend time with you, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. You got this!
Parents, I get asked all the time what your senior should bring to their session. Sam’s headphones are the perfect example, so here’s how to pick the personal items that make senior portraits feel like your kid.
1. Bring the thing they never leave the house without.
Headphones, a guitar, a well-loved hoodie, a jersey, a camera, a stack of books. If you’d notice it missing, it belongs in at least a few portraits.
2. Keep the focus on their face.
The best items add to the portrait without taking over. Sam wore his headphones around his neck, not over his ears, so you still see his whole face.
3. Plan the outfit around the item.
Think about colors that work together. Sam’s white headphones popped against his mustard colored shirt and blue jeans. Simple, warm, and so him.
4. Get it both ways.
Capture some portraits with the item and some without. That way you have the “so him” portrait for the wall and a classic option for the yearbook, the grad party, and Grandma.
5. Let your senior choose.
This one matters. When your senior picks what they bring, they feel more like themselves in front of the camera...and it shows.
The portrait you’ll love most is the one that looks exactly like your kid right now, before they’re off to whatever comes next. Bring the headphones. Bring the guitar. Bring the dog. (Seriously, bring the dog.)
Stories Framed Photography creates senior portraits for families in Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Waukesha, New Berlin, and the greater Milwaukee area, including seniors from Wauwatosa West, Wauwatosa East, Brookfield Central, Brookfield East, Marquette, and Divine Savior Holy Angels.
