E:2 – Posing Like A Pro: How To Bring Out The Best In High School Seniors
Posing Tips for Senior Photography: How to Make Seniors Feel Comfortable
Senior photography isn’t just about taking gorgeous pictures—it’s about making your clients feel comfortable, confident, and like absolute superstars. If they’re stiff and awkward, trust me, it shows. And we are not about that life.
Why Comfort = Better Senior Portraits
Ever had a senior show up looking like they’ve just been forced into a public speaking competition? Yeah, us too. Some have never had a professional photoshoot before, others have been doom-scrolling their friends’ sessions on Instagram, convinced they’ll never look as cool. And then there are the senior guys who are only there because their mom made them (shoutout to the moms for keeping us in business!).
But here’s the thing—your job isn’t just to take their photo; it’s to make them feel amazing. The more comfortable they are, the more natural their expressions, the better their poses, and the more they’ll love their final images. So how do you make that happen? Let’s get into it.
How to Get Seniors to Relax and Look Their Best
1. Break the Ice Before They Even Arrive
I send out a video walkthrough before the session so seniors know exactly what to expect. Sarah does a 15-minute pre-session call with them and their parent (because let’s be real, parents make the booking decisions). Whether you do a call, a guide, or a video, setting expectations beforehand makes everything easier.
2. Use Questionnaires to Build Connection
We send out pre-session questionnaires with fun, low-pressure questions like:
- What’s your go-to hype song?
- What’s your dream vacation?
- How would your friends describe you?
This not only helps us get to know them but also gives us a game plan to tailor their session to their personality. Bonus: it makes great content for blogs and social media!
3. Music is a Game Changer
Silence is awkward, and nobody wants to feel like they’re at a dentist’s office. That’s why we always ask about their favorite music and play it during the shoot. A solid playlist helps shake off nerves and gets them into the right energy. Because let’s be real—no one can stay stiff while lip-syncing their favorite song.
4. Start with Movement-Based Posing
Instead of making them stand still and overthink every little detail, we start sessions with movement. Walking, twirling, flipping their hair—anything to help them ease into the session. Movement brings out personality, and personality brings out the best photos. It’s science (or at least, it should be).
5. Hype Them Like They’re on the Cover of Vogue
If you’re not hyping up your seniors, you’re doing it wrong. Tell them:
- “This is amazing—don’t move!”
- “Okay, this lighting + you = perfection.”
- “Wait ‘til you see this shot, you’re going to lose your mind.”
And show them! Flip your camera around and let them see how incredible they look. That instant confidence boost? Game-changing.
6. Make Their Session Feel Personal
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. If they’re an athlete, get them moving. If they love the outdoors, take them somewhere with a killer view. If they’re shy, adjust your energy to match theirs. The more personalized the experience, the more comfortable they’ll feel, and the more authentic the final images will be.
Ending on a High Note
The last five minutes of a session are just as important as the first. Wrap things up with excitement—show them a sneak peek, tell them how much fun it was, and remind them they crushed it. And don’t forget to send a sneak peek within 24 hours! Keeping the hype going ensures they’re even more excited to share their photos (which, hello, is free marketing for you!).
Your Action Step
Try adding one new icebreaker or posing prompt at your next session and watch how it transforms your senior’s confidence. Need help prepping your clients? Grab my free senior questionnaire—it’s a game-changer. Link in the show notes!
Ready to Take Your Senior Photography to the Next Level?
If you’re done with stiff, awkward photos and want to start delivering fun, personality-packed sessions, Raw Edit has your back. Subscribe, binge the episodes, and let’s make some magic together! 🎧🔥
Real Talk. No Fluff. Just Photography, Unfiltered.
If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of an edit at 2 AM, questioning all your life choices—or had a client request just one more tiny edit that turned into a never-ending saga—you’re in the right place.
Hosted by photography besties Kellie Rochelle & Sarah Monson, RAW Edit is where we strip away the sugarcoating and dive into the real behind-the-scenes of running a photography business. From nightmare shoots to lighting disasters and those why-is-this-happening tech moments, we’ve seen it all—and we’re talking about it.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still figuring out how to pose your first couple, this podcast is your go-to for raw, relatable stories and real-world advice. So grab your camera, your caffeine of choice, and let’s get into it.
Want More Posing Tips?
📸 Download Kellie’s FREE Senior Posing Guide: Download now
📍 Book a 1:1 Mentorship with Sarah: smonsonphotography.com
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About Raw Edit
Hosted by Kellie Rochelle and Sarah Monson, two photographers who have been through all the highs and lows, this podcast is your safe space for honest conversations about what it actually takes to thrive in this industry.
Each week, we’re bringing you behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and hard-earned lessons—so you can skip the mistakes and fast-track your success!
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Sarah Monson Photography
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- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmonsonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMonsonPhotography
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