I was just searching Google for “Senior Photographers in Colorado Springs” (gotta keep up with how well my website is doing!) and was inspired by the “People also ask” section to answer some of the most asked questions about senior photos. While AI is definitely great at searching the web for answers, here are some of my opinions, answers, and explanations as a real-life senior photographer in Colorado:
What is a good price to pay a photographer?
This is a loaded question and depends on a lot of factors- How many photos do you want? How many locations? How many outfit changes? What is included? How long is the session? How many edits?
I will see photographers charging $150 and promising “unlimited” or 100 edited photos. When I see this I assume that the photographers are likely new, and they are likely using AI to cull and edit their photos. This means that the best photos are not being chosen, and the edits are not tailored to that specific session. Detailed edits are probably not included.
I will also see high-end photographers charging thousands of dollars – they might have a whole session experience planned, be providing hair and make-up services, and unfortunately after you already pay them a lot for their services, they will probably upsell you on expensive prints and announcements. People that charge these higher amounts tend to know what they are doing, and provide great results, but thousands of dollars for senior images is likely more than you need to be spending.
I would say that you can typically expect to spend around $200 to $700 for quality senior photos, but make sure you know upfront what is included. Pay attention to photographers websites and contracts when they say their price “starts at” a certain amount. They will often add on costs for outfit chances, multiple locations, or detailed edits (blemished, fly away hairs, distractions in the background, etc.).
How many pictures will a photographer give for 2 Hours?
Once again, this depends on the photographer and what is included. As mentioned above, a photographer may promise 100 photos that they’ve quickly edited through AI. Others may promise the 30 best pictures that they have lightly touched up. High-end photographers will sometimes have a separate session fee, and then charge you a few hundred for each photo you choose if you want to be able to have the digital photo.
My sessions usually run 2 or 3 hours, and I let the seniors and their parents choose their favorite 10 images from a gallery of images from each location and outfit change. I then do detailed edits on each of these images, making sure to make it the best I can. I don’t want you to have a lot of just “okay” images, instead I choose to give you your favorite choices with the best edits. I then give out the digital photo and also give you the printing and sharing rights to your images.
Is it customary to tip a photographer for senior pictures?
I don’t think there is a photographer out there who would deny or not appreciate a tip, but for most photographers, including myself, tips are not necessary or expected. We have set our prices for our senior sessions/senior packages and what is included, and know that that is what we will be making. Don’t feel pressured to add on a tip. If you feel like your photographer went above and beyond for your senior photos, and you would like to share your appreciation with a tip of any amount, then go right ahead, knowing it will be a surprise and will make your photographers day!
Why are senior pictures so expensive?
If you have your first senior this year, you might be wondering why senior pictures are so expensive. You’re just paying someone to click a camera a few times, and give you the photos, right? Well, if you want your photos to be quality and to turn out great, that isn’t the case. Remember that for those who this isn’t just a hobby, this is their business. Photographers who are skilled at senior pictures work hard to create their website, write blogs, and create social media posts to advertise. They answer phone calls, texts, and emails. They work with you to plan a customized senior session to fit your wants and needs. They take the time to drive to and from the photoshoots, not to mention the hours of the photoshoot itself. Then they cull the photos (choose the best ones), and will spend hours editing your photos. Then they take the time to send you your photos, and possibly even order prints if you are paying for those as well. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for – If you want beautiful, quality images that you will treasure for a lifetime, you will end up paying more than those who charge the cheapest rates.
Where to take senior pictures in Colorado?
I feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful state with such gorgeous locations for senior pictures – Colorado is AMAZING and provides countless places to take photos. Your photographer should be able to provide you with a lot of great options depending on what town or city you are taking your photos, but if not, think hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, overlooks, and fields as search terms for nature locations. For urban locations, I always love finding colorful downtown areas where you can find murals, various colored brick walls, hanging lights, staircases, and cool alleys.
There is also a lot to consider with location such as weather, season, where the sun will be shining from, and if a photography permit is required. You can read more about these things in my blog:
What do I Wear For Senior Photos?
The possibilities are endless for what to wear for senior photos, and your only limit would be if your school has certain restrictions for what you should not wear in any photos that will be submitted to the yearbook.
I always recommend a variety, with some outfits casual and some more classy, so you have a lot to choose from when picking your photos. While I do not limit outfit changes, some photographers do, or they will even add on fees for additional outfit changes.
Your outfits should help you feel like yourself and reflect who you are at this time of your life. You can even include outfits in your sport uniform!
For more ideas and inspiration, check out this blog:
There are a lot more questions I could answer, but as this blog is getting a bit long, I think I will just have to make another one that answers questions about planning your senior session (When to plan/schedule, best month to take senior pictures, how far in advance should you book, how late is too late, etc.). While this all might seem like a lot to think about, a good photographer is there to help make the process simple and fun for you!
If you’d like to start the planning process for taking senior pictures in Colorado with Amare Clara Photography, I’d love to hear from you:
