High School Senior Portraits


As a parent with a recent High School graduate and one more a couple of years away, I know that Senior year goes by so fast! There's a year full of lasts - last game, last concert, last PTA meeting, and all of it can be full of joy and overwhelming at the same time. There's so many details to manage: the yearbook order, cap and gown order, announcement to print or not to print?


My goal with this blog post is to provide some tips that I find many clients ask me about so you can feel prepared. And 5 may seem like a lower number, but I think they cover just about everything! And I'm going to list them with questions to consider to help guide the list.

What does as Senior Portrait Session cost?


1. Decide what your portrait intentions and needs are first.


In the greater Seattle area a Senior Portrait Session may cost you between $175-$1,000 or more! It varies based on the photographers business and their levels of service. The average range I see most is between $500-800 in Fall of 2024.


For those who simply want something for the yearbook with a little more personality, you can spend very little and use one of the major chain portrait studios with a series of sets or backgrounds to choose from.


And for those who want something more personal, a whole experience to celebrate - this could look like a session planned using more than one location with a variety of options to change outfits and overall looks. This options costs more because of the planning, time and special skills it takes.


Having a clear idea of your budget and your needs will help you find the right photographer for your session. I suggest making a list of the things you wish to have from your session - something along the lines of: a portrait for the graduation announcement, something for the yearbook, and something for your student to enjoy and celebrate (could be a sports jersey/prom dress/concert attire, whatever is meaningful to them) - this could become an album of portraits that really highlights they most enjoyed about High School.

2024 Senior Portrait in the studio by Holli Margell

Whats the best time to schedule Senior Portrait Session?


2. Decide what style and look you want. Outdoors? Indoors?


Do you wish to have a summer scene on the beach? Or maybe you want fall colors? When thinking about an outdoor location, the weather is a key factor.


If outdoors, then the best daylight depends on the look you wish to have. If you want a beach sunset look with golden light, then you need to schedule an hour before sunset and avoid November - April months when it's mostly too rainy and cold.


For indoor settings, it's going to depend on your photographer and if they use all natural or studio lighting.


And, then there are yearbook deadlines. If you want your portrait for your yearbook, I recommend booking a photographer before any deadlines! For Seattle Public Schools, the yearbook deadlines are typically in December, so booking before November or mid-November at the latest is best. Be sure to communicate with your photographer before booking to make sure they can meet any deadlines you have.


If a yearbook is not a factor, then you could do your session in the spring before school ends!

2021 Senior portrait outdoors by Holli Margell

Where should you do your portrait session?


3. Consider what's most meaningful for your Senior - are they into sports? Are they into theater? Did they get really involved in a car club or outside school activity?


The answer may be no - and that's totally okay too! I always suggest including something meaningful about their time during High School in their portrait.


That may help guide where to do your portrait session - at school, outside school, in a studio, somewhere else?


And, yes, maybe including a family pet or their pet would be perfect - communicate with your photographer to choose a location for those situations.


2021 Senior portrait by Holli Margell

What Should you wear?


4. Choose outfits that feel good.


What's their style? What's your intention?


Maybe there's a dress code to comply with for the yearbook? What would look good printed in a frame hanging on your Grandma's wall?


What I suggest is choosing to wear clothing that feels good, and plan for a couple of looks. Maybe including your Prom or Senior Ball formal wear would be meaningful?


Your intentions or where you will use your portraits will help determine what to wear. It's about celebrating this milestone!

Outdoor Senior Portrait by Holli Margell

Do You need Hair and make up?


5. Decide what makes you feel good!

Some of my clients feel more confident and photo ready with this extra layer of support for hair and make up styling.


Some of my clients come as they are with their own level of hair and makeup. There's no right or wrong here.


I believe a Senior Portrait is about supporting your Senior having a wonderful experience and celebrating with them!

2023 Senior portrait in studio by Holli Margell