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Writer's pictureJessica Butterworth

How to Make Your Senior Portraits Stand Out on Social Media

Senior portraits are a rite of passage for high school seniors, capturing their unique personalities and accomplishments in a single photo. With the rise of social media, it's become more important than ever to make your senior portraits stand out among the sea of photos on your friends' feeds. Here are some tips to help your senior portraits shine on social media.

Carmen Ainsworth senior portrait session at sunrise on a Lake Huron beach.

Choose a unique location

When selecting a location for your photography session, consider places that have meaning to you. A local park, city street, or even your own backyard can be excellent choices that can help create a more personal and intimate setting. The location you choose should reflect your interests and hobbies, as well as your personality, to make your photos look unique and original. If you're into nature, you might choose a location with beautiful scenery, such as a forest or a lake. If you're a city person, an urban street or an alleyway with graffiti and street art could provide the perfect backdrop for your photos. Choosing a unique location make your photos look more authentic, personalized, memorable, and captivating. So, get out there, explore, and let your surroundings inspire you to create something truly special. If you're still struggling your senior portrait photographer should be able to suggest some ideas.

Flushing High School senior leans against his tractor during his senior session at property he's helping develop.

Experiment with lighting

Lighting can make or break a photo, so don't be afraid to experiment with different lighting conditions at your senior photo session. Natural light is usually the most flattering, but you can also play with different angles and lighting equipment to create dramatic effects.

Davison High School senior poses on beach in morning light.

Show off your style

Senior portraits are a unique opportunity to showcase your personal style and individuality, and your outfit plays a vital role in achieving that. You should feel confident and comfortable in your clothes, so don't be afraid to dress in a way that reflects your personality and style. Think about incorporating some of your favorite pieces or accessories into your outfit. It could be a favorite pair of shoes, a statement piece of jewelry, or a scarf that adds a pop of color. These elements can help showcase your individuality and add a personal touch to your photos.

Incorporate your hobbies and interests

Senior photos are more than just pictures; they are a reflection of who you are and what makes you unique. That's why it's essential to make your photos personal and meaningful by incorporating your hobbies and interests into them. Whether you're an athlete, musician, a car enthusiast, or artist, adding props or elements that reflect your passions can make your photos stand out and add depth and personality. If you're a musician, bring your instrument to your photoshoot or use musical notes as a background. If you're into sports, wear your team uniform or incorporate sports equipment into your photos. These elements can add a touch of authenticity and make your photos more memorable.

Get creative with poses

If you want your photos to stand out from the rest, it's important to get creative with your poses. Rather than relying on traditional poses, try experimenting with different angles and positions to find the most flattering poses that also showcase your personality. When it comes to posing, the possibilities are endless. Try sitting or lying down in different positions, leaning against a wall or a tree, or even jumping in the air. These non-traditional poses can add a unique and dynamic element to your photos, making them more visually interesting and memorable. If you're a dancer, try striking a pose from your favorite routine. If you're a book lover, pose with your favorite book or in a cozy reading nook. These small touches can make a big difference in making your photos more personal and reflective of who you are.

Consider using props

Adding props to your senior portraits is a great way to showcase your personality and interests. Whether you're an athlete, musician, artist, or simply have a favorite flower or book, incorporating props into your photos can add a unique and personal touch. When choosing props, consider what represents you best. These small touches can add depth and dimension to your photos, making them more visually interesting and memorable. When incorporating props, it's important to use them sparingly and thoughtfully. You don't want them to overpower the photo or distract from the subject. Instead, use them to complement the subject and enhance the overall mood and feel of the photo.

Don't forget about post-processing

Post-processing is an essential part of creating stunning senior portraits. A knowledgeable photographer can use editing tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust lighting, color, and other elements of your photos to make them stand out even more. When it comes to post-processing, it's important to find a photographer who has experience and knowledge in this area. They should be able to use the software to enhance your photos while still maintaining a natural and realistic loo

Your senior portraits are a chance to showcase your personality and accomplishments, so don't be afraid to get creative and make them stand out on social media. By choosing a unique location, experimenting with lighting, incorporating your interests, and getting creative with poses and props, you can create photos that truly capture who you are. And with a little post-processing, you can make them even more stunning and share-worthy.


This blog is written by Jessica Butterworth, a senior and family photographer at Behind the Shutter LLC in Grand Blanc, Michigan.






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