Senior Portraits...Do kids still...

[S-Man]

When people hire you for senior portraits, is there still a demand to have them taken in a cap and gown? Most of the sets I see are just random, out-door shots...much like an engagement session without a second party.
Do they still like doing studio shots?
Whats the word on the street right now?

[RightAngle]

most schools have a specific contract with a studio for the "cap and gown" non sense. A lot of the kids use them for more than that but they also get tired of the fact they all look exactly the same. At least that is my experience on the matter.

From what I can tell showing individualized shots to the person is the best way to get some business... Make it really really individual not cookie cutter.

[Howard Barlow]

999 times out of a 1000, Mom and Grandma want cap and gown, in my experience. They may also want a dress up, but it's the kids that want trendy stuff.

[bondarnes]

We offer cap & gown images and less than 1/3 will do it. On a typical session about 2/3 of the images will be in the studio where we have different "sets" and about 1/3 in our portrait park.

[CobyPhoto]

I can name you 3-4 images that sell with 99% of the senior sessions I do. They are all cap & gown, school/sports oriented or a really nice formal portrait of the kid. Remember, Mom writes the check, in most cases, so that is who you are shooting for. I do the edgy, less-traditional, but I usually only sell wallets in those, for the kid to give to friends. The larger portraits (what I want to sell) are the traditional portraits.

CJ

[DeLeon]

For me, the formal portraits are what sells the most. The new edgy stuff is what gets them in the door though. The kids seem to like the stuff that doesnt look like everyone else's, but the parents (the ones that are usually paying) want portraits that they will still want to hang on the wall after the fashion styles change.

[mangosli]

Speaking of which...does anyone have a cap and gown in Katy HS colors that I could possible borrow? I have a kindergarden cap and gown in gold that anyone is welcome to borrow as well.

[mkweaver]

What are Katy HS colors?

[mangosli]

Just got back to this thread - I think they are red and white. I need to check with the girl because I think the step-mom mentioned she found one to borrow.