Natural Lighting Senior Portraits vs. Studio Senior Portraits

Natural Lighting Senior Portraits vs. Studio Senior Portraits

As June is coming around the corner, it seemed fitting to write about the topic of Natural Lighting Senior Portraits vs. Studio Senior Portraits. When I speak of studio senior portraits, I’m talking about the formal portraits we usually all take during our senior year of high school (and even in college).

Instead of giving you all my take on it first, I asked some of my old senior portrait clients why they decided on natural senior portraits, over studio portraits!

If you’re trying to make your decision on senior portrait decisions, read some testimonies of real  to see the benefits of natural senior portraits! As a somewhat recent college grad myself, I put my take on it at the end! ;)

 

1. REBECCA (Click here to see more of her shoot!)

“I chose to do my senior portraits outdoors because it felt incredibly natural. I love being outside and wanted something different from a traditional photo shoot, with a studio and a backdrop. Taking photos on my college campus was an excellent way to commemorate my time spent at UCR. I know that there were other graduation shoots done on campus as well, but Margarette was amazing and made it truly unique. I loved that she used the natural “golden hour” to capture photos with the most beautiful lighting, and was willing to go on a bit of an adventure around campus to get perfect photos.”

 

Rebecca chose to bring her cap & gown for her shoot! We walked around & found locations where she’s had class! :)

 

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2. KATIE (Click here to see more of her shoot!)

 

“So, I absolutely hate taking pictures. I avoid photos at all cost. So last year when I was graduating from UC Riverside, I was totally dreading taking graduation photos. I first tried a cap and gown picture during a grad fair. The photo came out awful! It was so impersonal, the lighting was unflattering, and it just didn’t work.

Then I remembered my friend who I had met in high school was a photographer. So, I sent a message to Margarette and set up a time slot. I decided to forgo a cap and gown photo shoot for a couple of reasons. To me they seem generic, and frankly I want to wear something that I’m comfortable in, and shows off my style.

I was still very nervous because I had taken professional photos before and they had turned out awful. I expressed this to Margarette, and not only did she make me feel comfortable, she also explained to me why she was posing me a certain way, and how it was flattering to my body shape. The photos came out stunning! I loved that I was outdoors and on campus. It was great being able to incorporate the pretty landscape of my campus. I definitely will use Margarette the next time I need photos done, she’s basically my photographer for life!”

 

Katie & I  found a great location on her campus! And after communication via email and over the phone, I was able to help Katie feel comfortable and prepared for her portraits session before the day arrived! :)

 

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5. CHRISTINE (Click here to see more of her shoot!)

“Studio photos are too generic…they don’t capture your personality! They remind me of high school year books… everyone posed the same… A unique shoot with personality is the way to go!”

Christine chose to stay close to campus as well! We went into downtown Riverside as well as on UCR campus to get some photos of her! She chose not to do any in her cap & gown, but wanted to do some photos with her violin!

 

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3. KRISTY (Click here to see more of this shoot!)

 “I chose to do natural senior portraits because I wanted my photos to preserve the memories of being a graduating senior in the surroundings of my university. The freedom of taking my portraits in the place I chose made me feel more comfortable during the photo shoot because I knew my surroundings well. It helped me to be myself and allowed Margarette to take the most natural and unique shots. I also love being able to look through my portraits and remember the person I’ve grown into in the place I’ve personally grown the most. Also, who doesn’t like pictures with gorgeous light flares?”

 

Kristy and I had a ton of fun roaming around her campus & revisiting some of her memories there! :)

 

Kristy Senior Portraits at Biola University

Kristy Senior Portraits at Biola University

Kristy Senior Portraits at Biola University

Kristy Senior Portraits at Biola University

Kristy Senior Portraits at Biola University

 

 

 

 

 4. ANGELA (Click here to see more of this shoot!)

 “While posed, studio photos are great, it’s nice to be able to do a natural photo shoot to capture those milestone moments. With a natural photo shoot, you get to personalize your photos with everything that describes you – from props to cute outfits to your favorite venue! I loved working with Margarette during my natural senior photo shoot! The sunset and beautiful scenery of Santa Rosa plateau resulted in photos that captured me and my love for nature.”

 

Angela knew the kind of look she wanted to help represent her for her senior portraits! I loved how these came out!

 

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& LASTLY, MY OWN OPINIONS

Back in high school, I had begged my mom to let me take natural photos instead of buying the studio senior portraits because I absolutely hated how my HS senior portraits came out. I didn’t really like the lighting, how darkly contrasted it was, or to be honest–how I looked. My hair was so flat, and I felt so posed. I remember the studio workers were nice, but I still felt so stiff and uncomfortable in the pictures. Of course, I had to take them my senior year for the yearbook, but I did not want any of them printed to give away. That year, my mom obliged to my pleas and my friend Cris Mendoza took senior photos of me and my best friend, Abi. I definitely liked those better. I felt a lot more natural and I actually had some fun! :)

But part of my deal with my mom was to let her order some formal studio photos of me when I graduated from college–which I kept my word on. Las year, I took studio portraits for my college announcements, and while I liked them better than I liked my high school senior portraits, I still opted to take some natural shots for my own benefit–and needless to say I liked them better. ;)

Why? For one, I have always been much more attracted to natural light photography. Studio senior portraits photography is admirable and definitely it’s own art, but my own personal taste veers towards nature, and natural lighting! There’s something about being in the open air and just being able to move around that allows for my photos to look a lot more natural.

Secondly, I got to pick what I wanted to wear instead of wearing the whole cap & gown ordeal. I totally understand that most people want studio photos because you see the whole cap & gown–which symbolizes your graduation, but I honestly had a hard time liking how I looked in the huge gown. I just wanted the cap & stole, & so I was able to do it the way I wanted to–and I liked the outcome! :)

Lastly, I enjoyed the natural shoot a lot better since John took the photos for me on my camera. I was already comfortable around him and I was able to be myself. A big part of my portraits session is helping my clients get comfortable with me & my camera! I think it’s a big part of what makes portraits look great & natural!

 

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Whether you pick to have your senior portraits taken at the chosen studio your school works with, or with a natural light photographer, senior portraits are a great way to commemorate your graduation!

It’s March now, and June is 3 months away! Better get these portraits scheduled and out of the way before your graduation & finals come around! Remember that it takes some time to have the portraits processed and printed, & if you’re thinking about sending out those announcements, the sooner the better!

Last year, my weekends and weekdays were quickly filled up around time for graduation. Sadly, I had to redirect potential clients who tried booking their senior portraits last minute because all my days were filled! So make sure whoever you book with, you start booking as soon as you can! :)

Happy Tuesday!