Getting to know the seniors you are going to be photographing is an important step in helping both the senior and you feel comfortable at a senior photo session.  Just showing up, never having really met the senior, and starting to shoot is surely to make everyone a little uncomfortable.  And the first part of the session will be evidence to that fact.

Have you ever compared the first few photos to the last photos of a photo session??  Generally, the first ones are a little less confident and the ones at the end are all confidence.  So how can you get the entire session to be completely comfortable and confident the whole time?  Pre-Session meetings or questionnaires.

The Pre-Session Meeting is a perfect opportunity to get to know your senior.  Talk to her about her session, what she wants and what she doesn’t.  Talk to her about her, what are her hobbies, interests, where does she like to shop…all of these things will help you learn a lot about the senior but also these things will help you when planning the right session and location for that senior.  Meet at a coffee shop or in your studio (if you have one).  Sometimes the parents or the mom come along so they too can make sure that you are a good fit to take their daughter or son’s photos.  Having this time with your client, without your camera in their face, will allow you to really talk to them and make them feel super comfortable with you as their photographer and friend.

If a pre-session consultation is not possible, at least have them fill out a questionnaire.  Ask them all kinds of questions that will tell you all about who they are.  This will give you some insight into who they are and will give you some great things to talk about during the session.  Talking about things they are interested in during the session will help them feel less nervous.  And making each senior feel comfortable and confident will always result in photos everyone will love!!

Below is a FREE download of my Senior Questionnaire.  Mach Form is a wonderful tool for questionnaires!  They make it super easy to create, embed or link a questionnaire.  Use it, add your own logo and more questions if  you want!  Get to know your seniors today!!