how to find the right senior photographer (without losing your mind).
Senior year: the last dances, the late-night cramming, the countdown to freedom—and somewhere in all that chaos, it hits you…
“I need to book senior photos.”
Cue the scroll-fest through a sea of photographers, price lists, and 80 different editing styles. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Whether you’re a senior, a parent, or a very organized friend doing the research, here’s how to find a senior photographer who’ll deliver photos that feel real, fun, and actually worth putting on your grandma’s fridge.
✅ 1. Look for Personality, Not Just Poses
Sure, you want someone who knows how to find good lighting and tell you what to do with your hands. But senior photos should feel more like a celebration, not a staged production. You want a photographer who can make you laugh a little, loosen up, and capture something real—not someone who turns the session into a yearbook factory line.
The vibe matters. Read their bio, skim their social media, and make sure you actually like the human behind the lens. (Hi, I’m Randall. I bring jokes, chill energy, and usually snacks.)
✅ 2. Make Sure Their Work Matches Your Style
Do they shoot in natural light? Moody studio? Do their photos look clean and bold, or soft and vintage? Scroll through their portfolio and ask yourself: “Would I actually hang this on my wall?” If the answer is “maybe if I squint,” keep looking.
If your style leans bold, confident, fun, or you just want to avoid looking like a wax figure in your photos—there’s a good chance we’d be a great fit.
✅ 3. Check How They Communicate
This one’s sneaky but important. Do they answer emails like a real person? Are they clear about pricing, what’s included, and how the session works? Good communication makes the process way easier—and trust me, senior year comes with enough chaos on its own.
I keep my booking process simple, I send you prep tips ahead of time, and yes—I’ll tell you if you have lint on your shirt or a weird sock tan in a photo. We're in this together.
✅ 4. Don’t Wait Too Long to Book
Senior sessions fill up fast—especially during that sweet spot of golden fall colors or late-spring cap-and-gown season. If you find a photographer whose work you love, don’t wait. Snag your spot before your preferred date becomes “literally the only weekend I had free”.
✅ 5. Find Someone Who Actually Enjoys This
Some photographers specialize in weddings. Others shoot product ads or real estate. Senior sessions are their own vibe—and they deserve someone who actually enjoys working with teens, knows how to get natural smiles, and doesn’t treat the shoot like a to-do list item.
I love senior portraits. Seriously. Whether you’re hype and ready to go or camera-shy and awkward (it’s cool, I’ve got tricks), I’m here to make the process feel easy, fun, and way less cringey than school picture day.
Final Thought
Your senior year deserves more than a rushed photo shoot with a fake background and a half-hearted smile. This is a milestone—so let’s capture it with personality, purpose, and maybe a few laughs along the way.
If you’re still on the hunt for a senior photographer in Colorado Springs (or are willing to let me travel—hey, I’m always down for a road trip), I’d love to chat and see if we’re a good fit. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest photos, a laid-back experience, and results that’ll make your mom cry in the good way.