Senior pictures are a timeless graduation tradition where students can capture their personality in celebration of their final year of high school. Some students opt to go with a professional photographer, while others choose to take their own pictures. While these pictures are not limited by any criteria, the GH Falcon has compiled some tips to inspire your senior pictures if you don’t know where to start!

Outfits
Many seniors opt to wear white in their pictures for a timeless look that will continue to look elegant throughout the years. Wearing neutral colors like white, brown, cream or black allows one to take pictures in a variety of environments without the clothes clashing or distracting from the backdrop. While patterns that reflect your individuality are encouraged, many photographers agree that stripes often look unflattering in pictures. It is best to have three to four different outfits planned out, possibly including some casual and some formal outfits, to create variety and appeal to different photo locations. You can also bring a uniform if a sport or hobby has a lot of meaning to you.

Best times
For the best senior pictures, make sure to check the weather before scheduling your session. Many photographers suggest taking pictures two hours before the sun sets for the best lighting that will produce the ‘golden hour glow.’ Spring and fall are the perfect seasons for fair weather and gorgeous greenery. If you are taking your pictures in winter, be prepared to layer up. If you are taking your pictures in summer, make sure to account for sweating.

Locations
Senior pictures are not limited to any location; pictures can range from urban settings to picturesque fields of greenery. The North Carolina Museum of Art has areas for both ends of the spectrum. The exterior of the museum itself has sleek steel walls and modern fountains. The museum also has its own park with flower fields and grassy areas. If you are planning to take pictures at the museum, consider scheduling your session for a week day for less foot traffic. If you are looking for other natural backdrops, check out the GH Falcon’s “Flower Fields” article. If you are looking for more metropolitan locations, Downtown Cary and Downtown Raleigh have multiple areas that could suit your needs.

Posing
Many people dread looking stiff and awkward in their pictures. Incorporating movement and playing around with your surroundings or clothes can make pictures look more natural. Let your photographer click away while keeping your body fluid! Bringing props, like sports equipment, books or college gear can help you keep your hands occupied and prevent you from looking robotic. Shifting your weight and creating angles with your limbs can also create movement in pictures.

Whether you want to hire a photographer or take pictures by yourself, the GH Falcon hopes these tips help to elevate your senior pictures!