High School Seniors “How To Make Seniors Look Cool”

Images By Travis & Angie Hill

I try to use the environment to help me figure out what type of pose I want to put the subject in.  Take notice to the framing around some of the photos.  Also use lines to to help draw the viewers into the photograph.  Have your subject pose in a way that adds to the environment, once you get really good at placing your subject in an environment that fits, you will be able to place them in a contrasting environment.

Image 1.  Note the head placement in this photo, it has a slight angle to it.  Also notice the arm is not hanging straight, have the subject put their hand in a pocket to give an angle to the arm.

Image 2.  This is a funky pose that just seemed right for the lighting.  This photo was actually the seniors moms favorite.  It explains itself really, arms out palms up.  Note the center composition, it may have not worked well if the subject was placed to the left or right of the frame.

Image 3.  Moms love this one.  A classic just have them rest their elbows on something and put their face in their hand, real simple and always a winner.

Image 4.  This is a fun pose, but notice the her hand in the middle.  It has the “alien hand” effect.  Make sure you can always see where a hand is coming from, or else it looks like it is popping out of nowhere, like an alien hand.

Image 5.  Camera tilt!  Use it well!  This is a pretty laid back senior type of pose check out the bend in the leg.  Had him raise one foot to the step above.  Imagine if there was no bend, would the photo have the same effect?

Image 6.  Props can be a good thing with seniors, they really want to represent who they are.  Also take notice to the finger placement on the jeans.  By placing his hand near his pocket it gave some separation between the arm and body.

Image 7. Arms out, leaning against the background.  This is a pretty neat pose if you can find the right background.

Image 8.  Laid back, arms crossed.  A typical senior look.  Also notice the lines, see how the windows are pointing to the subject.  Always use the environment to make your subject stand out.

Image 9.  Same pose, just changed the angle and look how much different the shot is.  Just walking around and getting different angles can change your photo dramatically.

Image 10.  A pose with both seniors, check out the attitude in this one.  It could have been improved by having the female place a hand on the hip, other than that it is a cool way to get both seniors.  I say this because a lot of time a senior will want to bring a friend with them  I always allow 1 extra person, because they will see how cool it is and have to schedule a session too!