What is popular with HS Seniors now?

[Rolland]

What are todays high school seniors looking for?

Thanks,
Rolland

[BWDPhoto]

A lot of my seniors want something FAR from traditional senior stuff. (Although parents still want something similar to what they had). Outside, retro, creative - think 'America's next top model' type shoots - flair on fashion. Some of mine want something more conservative, but they all want something that isn't cookie cutter like large corporate studios.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by BWDPhoto

A lot of my seniors want something FAR from traditional senior stuff. (Although parents still want something similar to what they had). Outside, retro, creative - think 'America's next top model' type shoots - flair on fashion. Some of mine want something more conservative, but they all want something that isn't cookie cutter like large corporate studios.

I'm not hot and heavy in the senior market, but this is my impression, too. Some of the independent cookie-cutter studios around me are doing hot business, but that's because a lot of the schools hire one preferred vendor and they've got an automatic "in" with all the seniors. But I think given a choice, seniors want something unique that reflects their personality but isn't so weird that they'll get teased.

[eRoc]

Originally Posted by Rolland

What are todays high school seniors looking for?

Thanks,
Rolland

Drugs.

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

I agree with the above said...

train tracks seem to be the hot thing now...

any thing that is NOT conformed... the power of CHOOSING what they want to do ... but be sure to TALK them into the traditional shots for mom, dad, grandparents... AT least one or two!!! I think they like this option the choice to CHOOSE!!!!

[Charles Putnam]

To graduate...

Agreed with BDW. Those that I've done I've "counselled" that mom and dad want traditional type shots, so we'll NEED to do those. From there, I'll ask them what their likes/dislikes are, hobbies, aspirations, how others would describe them or view them (i.e. class clown, classy, slacker, etc...) and go from there.

[BWDPhoto]

I think the main thing is to really get to know them and what it is that they want. What do they see (envision) for thier senior portraits? Do they want fun and relaxed, serious, flirty, athletic, or do they like most kids - just want it all....I think taking a few extra minutes to ask these questions can really set you apart from the cookie cutters. Really make their session about them and the achievement of being a senior.

[ajl3photo]

In South Texas, it's all about the beach scene. A lot of Seniors want photos right next to the water or with an ocean view background. It's really a great shot, but you just have to make sure your equipment stays away from the water!

[MikeyG1965]

My wife and I couldn't believe the the photo graduation announcement card we got from our niece. We are not prudes, but were very shocked at the poses and the clothing (or close to lack of) she was wearing.

Just to be sure, I took the card to work and showed it to a few folks and they were just as shocked as we were and said they would never let their daughter pose and dress like that for senior pictures.

[ajl3photo]

I don't do those kind of poses or have had clients with the questionable clothing yet! But, a lot of the photographers around the area take pictures like the one you probably saw Mike. To the Seniors, the real look most of them go for is how can I be sexier. That is what seniors want in their photos.

[playbak]

Almost all of my senior session have been outside. I have a nice waterfall and bridges near my home, so it's easy access. They usually bring a couple of changes of clothes. A couple them brought a friend that they wanted to be photographed with.

They don't really want studio headshots since they get that at school. In the long run, some don't really know what they want, so it's up to you to direct them. My props are trees, playground equipment, bridge railings, etc. The parents seem very pleased with these types of shots.

You might also consider sorority shots. They require a headshot, 3/4 and full shot to send into the sorority (don't ask me why). There should be several that are in a hurry to get this done before the Fall term starts.

A note of caution on railroads. I've read elsewhere in this forum that railroad tracks are considered private property and they really don't like you tresspassing.

Good luck

[CobyPhoto]

I would first ask how many seniors you shoot a year. (We average about 200+ seniors a season).

Even though we do on location work, I have always SOLD more traditional, in the studio portraits that have cap & gown, school accomplishments and activities involved in the images.

Typical kids are done with the session after the photos are taken. Mom pretty much takes over from there and handles the remainder of the contact, purchasing etc. of the images. It isn't uncommon to NOT have the child at the viewing session or even look at the proofs! You aren't selling images to the kid...you are selling them to the MOTHER (90%) of the time.

Mom writes the checks...and they are looking for photos that capture the accomplishments, activites and achievments of the child. Those sessions outdoors and around urban stuff are nothing more than portrait sessions. There is nothing about them that says Senior (unless you add it in text) and mom usually doesn't buy those. The kid gets some wallets from these images to share with friends, but I am more interested in the 16x20 and gift images, not wallets.

CJ

[lindseylett]

I agree that the mother is the one writing the check/swiping the card. You have to market to them while still making the senior feel like they are getting a one-of-a-kind senior portrait. I typically do outdoor shots with my seniors and try to find textured backgrounds. I have used old buildings, run-down fences, and even train cars with graffiti on them if I find graffiti that is bright and has no profanity to it! The moms usually let the senior pick one or two pictures that they really like for themselves, and then mom takes it from there. It seems like the mom narrows it down to three and lets the senior pick out of those which one they would like in the announcements! It is actually a pretty entertaining process!

[jeffro20]

Numerous good points made here. Very helpful for me. Anybody else?

[HotHolly]

We've been straddling dramatic and traditional. It seems like a good blend. Moms happy and the senior is happy and they both buy lots of stuff.