5 Tips for Selecting a Senior Photographer in Washington and Oregon
How do I find the right senior photographer for me?
Behind the scenes of a Vancouver, WA senior portrait session
Choosing your senior photographer is more than just checking a box. It’s about finding someone who truly understands your style, makes you feel comfortable, and captures your personality in a way that feels real.
I’m a portrait photographer based in Vancouver, Washington, working with amazing seniors from all over Washington and Oregon to create unforgettable sessions that are fun, relaxed, and authentically you. I’m here to help you feel celebrated every step of the way.
I remember what it was like choosing my own senior photographer. I spent hours scrolling through websites until I found someone whose style just clicked with me.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, don’t stress. I’ve got your back. Keep reading for my top five tips to help you find the right senior photographer (and hey, it might just be me!).
1. Determine your style
Photography is an art, and every artist has their own unique style. I’d describe mine as warm and natural, with candid posing that belongs in a fashion magazine yet still looks like you. It’s perfect for capturing authentic senior portraits.
I recommend searching “senior portraits” on Pinterest and pinning what you like. You’ll notice patterns in your style preferences, such as warm and sunny or moody. Think about what you’ll still love years from now. Avoid anything too trendy to keep your portraits timeless. Knowing your style helps you find the right photographer.
2. Quality check
Senior pictures are an investment, so it’s important to make sure you’re spending your money wisely. When looking at a photographer’s work, zoom in and focus on the eyes. Make sure the image is sharp and crystal clear. Many inexperienced photographers miss focus, resulting in slightly blurry photos that can’t be printed or displayed beautifully.
Also, keep in mind that platforms like Instagram and Facebook reduce image quality, making it harder to judge the true sharpness of photos online. So, do your research before booking with a photographer to ensure you get the quality you deserve.
3. Skin retouching
You know you’re booking with a professional photographer when they include skin retouching in their images. While some photographers skip retouching to offer more photos, quality and longevity should not be compromised.
Most of my seniors choose to add wall art, so their skin needs to look natural yet polished, especially for large prints. Even with makeup, professional cameras capture every pore, and most clients expect a clean, natural finish.
When choosing a photographer, I recommend looking for someone who offers retouching but does so tastefully. There’s a fine line between enhancing your natural beauty and overdoing it.
4. Find somebody you are comfortable with
When researching photographers, take a look at the photographer’s reviews. Look on Facebook, Google, Yelp, etc. Make sure you find somebody whose reviews put you at ease. What makes a professional portrait photographer stand apart is being able to make the person in front of the camera feel confident and comfortable.
You wouldn’t believe how many clients tell me they usually “hate getting pictures taken of themselves”, but change their mind mid-way through photo sessions. My most common review is how comfortable I help people feel in front of the camera, and I know that is something that cannot be simply instructed with a pose.
5. The experience
A senior portrait experience is much more than just a typical photo session. It’s your last chance to capture the memories of your childhood while celebrating the transition into adulthood. That’s why it shouldn’t be limited to a quick 30-minute session with a simple digital gallery delivery.
Look for a photographer who takes the time to connect with you beforehand. I like to meet with my clients during a Session Consultation to understand their vision and help them feel comfortable and excited for their shoot.
But it doesn’t stop there. After the session, I meet with my seniors again at the Heirloom Shopping Session to help them narrow down their image selections and customize products that are only available through professional photographers. This relaxed, fun process takes the stress out of choosing photos and ensures they select the images that truly represent their teen years.
Final thoughts
To wrap things up, remember that you only get to have your high school senior portraits done once. This isn’t the time to settle for anything less than perfect.
Take your time searching on Google or social media, and don’t be afraid to look beyond your local area if you can’t find a photographer whose work truly speaks to you. I’ve had clients drive over four hours and turn their session into a fun day of exploring a new city because they wanted portraits they absolutely loved. Keep your options open and never settle!
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Natasha Victoria
