Beautiful photographs matter, but they're only part of the experience. Here's what to ask before hiring a senior portrait photographer, what warning signs to watch for, and how to prepare for a session you'll genuinely enjoy.


You've found a few senior portrait photographers whose work you love. Their portfolios look beautiful, their reviews are positive, and their pricing seems reasonable. So how do you decide which one to book? You could start with the usual questions: How much do you charge? How many pictures do I get? How long is the session?


Those are important questions, but I wouldn't necessarily start there. After years of photographing high school seniors throughout Davis County and the Salt Lake City area, I've learned that the most important questions aren't always the same for every senior. In fact, before asking a photographer anything, I recommend asking yourself one question:

What's most important to me about my senior portraits?

Maybe you're uncomfortable in front of a camera and worried your smiles will look forced. Maybe you've been imagining a creative, fairy-inspired photoshoot with elaborate costumes, wings, and magical forest lighting. Or perhaps you simply want beautiful, natural portraits that capture your personality and some of the things you've loved during high school. Those are three very different priorities, and they should lead to different conversations with your photographer. So rather than giving you a generic checklist of questions to ask every photographer, I want to help you understand why certain questions matter, what to listen for in the answers, and how those conversations can help you find the right photographer for you.


1. Have You Photographed Something Similar to What I'm Envisioning?

If you have a particular style or creative concept in mind, this is one of the first questions I'd ask. Start by reviewing the photographer's portfolio. Do you see photographs that resemble the style you're hoping to achieve? Are there examples of similar lighting, locations, or creative techniques? If you don't see anything comparable, don't automatically assume the photographer can't do it. Most senior portrait photographers don't fill their online portfolios with highly themed or experimental work. They may have photographed something similar for another client without featuring it prominently on their website. Ask them. "Have you ever photographed something like this? If so, could you show me a few examples?" And if they haven't, there's an even more revealing follow-up question. "How would you approach creating something like this?"


A Creative Example: The Fairy-Themed Senior Session

Imagine you want senior portraits that look like a scene from a fantasy movie. You're picturing an elaborate fairy costume, wings, a beautiful wooded location, and magical lighting.


A photographer might respond: "We could find a nice wooded area and photograph in the morning when the light is softer." There's nothing necessarily wrong with that answer. But it doesn't tell you much about their ability to create the particular look you're imagining.


Now imagine a photographer who responds by asking: "Are you envisioning something dark and cinematic, like a fantasy movie? Or something more playful, colorful, and whimsical?"


They might then explain how they could use a portable light to illuminate you and a second light with a colored gel behind you to introduce subtle color into the trees. They might discuss using slightly muted contrast or enhancing the colors of the surrounding forest to create a scene that looks almost natural, but just a little magical. Notice the difference? The second photographer isn't simply agreeing to take pictures in a forest. They're engaging with your vision, asking questions, and beginning to develop a creative approach. That doesn't guarantee the finished photographs will turn out exactly as imagined. But it gives you a much better indication that the photographer understands the technical and artistic challenges involved. My advice: You don't necessarily need a photographer who has done your exact idea before. But you do want someone who can explain how they'd approach it, recognize potential challenges, and collaborate with you on a realistic plan.


2. How Do You Help Someone Who Feels Awkward in Front of the Camera?

Not everyone enjoys having their picture taken. In fact, many seniors are uncomfortable being photographed, especially when they're expected to pose or smile on command. If that sounds familiar, this question may be more important to you than anything else on this list. And I wouldn't settle for a simple answer like, "Don't worry, I'll make you comfortable." Ask for specifics. "Can you tell me about someone who was uncomfortable being photographed and what you did to help them relax?" Or:

"What would you do if I couldn't seem to smile naturally?" A photographer should be able to explain how they guide people through the session.


For example, I don't expect seniors to arrive knowing how to pose. That's my job. I provide direction, suggest movements, and make adjustments as we work. Sometimes I'll have someone look toward the camera, then away from it. We might try a slightly different stance or change how they're leaning against something. And sometimes the best solution is to stop trying to create a particular expression. What If Your Best Portrait Isn't a Smiling Portrait? Suppose you're an athlete and you feel awkward smiling directly at a camera. Maybe we'd create some editorial-style portraits of you holding your equipment, preparing for an activity, or simply looking confidently away from the camera. You might not need to smile at all.


Or perhaps you're a musician. We could photograph you playing your instrument, allowing natural expressions to emerge while you're doing something familiar. The point isn't to force everyone into the same collection of poses and expressions. It's to find an approach that feels natural for the person being photographed. A photographer who takes time to understand what makes you uncomfortable, and offers thoughtful ways to work with that, is more likely to create an enjoyable experience.


3. What Does a Typical Senior Portrait Session Actually Look Like?

This is a question I think more families should ask. When someone books an hour-long photography session, they may have very little idea what happens during that hour. Are we standing in one place taking the same picture repeatedly? Are we moving around? How often do we change poses or outfits? What does the photographer actually do to create variety?


How I Approach Sessions at Aune Photo

I generally photograph in small series. Let's say we're photographing at a location with several beautiful trees. We might begin with a series of portraits near one tree. I'll have the senior lean against it, change their stance, look toward the camera, look away, and try a few different expressions. Then we might move to another nearby tree and create an entirely different series, perhaps sitting, standing, or interacting with the environment. After that, we could change outfits and move into an open field for a different look. Even when we're photographing at a single location, there's usually plenty of opportunity for variety. And we're active throughout the session. One of the most common surprises I hear from parents is how much photography we actually do in an hour. Some expect us to finish in 20 minutes. Instead, they're surprised by how quickly the hour passes and how many different photographs we've created. It's not unusual for me to prepare a Selection Gallery containing 150 to 250 photographs after a session, even after eliminating many of the nearly identical images captured during action sequences or burst photography.


Ask About Outfit Changes, Too

Here's something people don't always consider until they're standing in the middle of a park with three outfits. Where are you supposed to change? Some photography locations have convenient restrooms. Others don't. For example, Tunnel Springs Park in North Salt Lake has beautiful open scenery, but depending on where we're photographing, reaching the nearest restroom may require a considerable walk. I bring a portable changing room to my sessions, but not everyone is comfortable changing in a temporary enclosure in an open public area, even when it provides visual privacy. Some seniors prefer changing in their vehicle or using a restroom. That's something I want to understand before the session. Ask your photographer how outfit changes work, whether there are changing facilities, and what options are available. If you're uncomfortable with the arrangements, say so. A good session plan should account for your comfort and privacy.


4. How Involved Can I Be in Planning My Session?

This may be the question I wish more of my clients would ask. Because, as much as I enjoy planning and creating photographs, I don't want to be the only person contributing ideas. These are your senior portraits. I want them to reflect you, not simply my favorite poses and locations. Many clients come to me without a specific vision, and that's perfectly fine. We'll talk about their interests, preferred locations, clothing, and the general look they're hoping to achieve. Sometimes that planning conversation takes only 10 or 15 minutes. Other times, it takes much longer. I've had planning conversations lasting 45 minutes because a family had very specific ideas they wanted to explore. One family wanted to recreate a photograph taken at a meaningful location approximately 15 years earlier. That required more discussion than simply choosing a pretty background. We needed to understand the original photograph, what made it meaningful, and how to recreate it in a way that worked for the family today.


Please Share Your Pinterest Ideas Before the Session

I've had seniors mention halfway through a session that they have pictures saved on Pinterest they'd like to recreate. Sometimes we can make those ideas work immediately. But other times, the location, lighting, or clothing we've chosen isn't ideal for what they're showing me. That's frustrating because we might have made different decisions if I'd known about those ideas beforehand. For example, imagine you've chosen a beautiful waterfall with an attractive building behind it. You want a portrait with you in the foreground, the waterfall behind you, and the building in the distance. But at your selected time of day, the sun will be shining directly toward your face. That could make you squint and create lighting challenges that work against the photograph you're imagining. If I know what you want beforehand, we can discuss changing the time, adjusting the composition, or selecting another approach. Similarly, if you tell me you want vibrant fall leaves but choose a location dominated by evergreen trees, I'm going to point that out. Not because I want to override your preferences. Because I want you to understand the potential limitations before we get there. Ultimately, they're your photographs, and I want you involved in those decisions. A warning sign: If a photographer consistently dismisses your ideas or insists you should simply show up and let them make every decision, consider whether that approach is right for you. Some specialized photography experiences require a highly controlled creative process. But for personalized senior portraits, I believe collaboration is an important part of capturing someone's individuality.


5. How Should I Prepare for My Senior Portrait Session?

You might be surprised how much difference a little preparation can make. One of the questions I'd encourage every family to ask is: "Do you provide a style guide or preparation checklist before the session?" At Aune Photo, I provide both a Location Guide and a Senior Style Guide. The Style Guide covers clothing, grooming, accessories, posing, what to bring, and other details that can help the session go smoothly. And some of those details are surprisingly easy to overlook.


Small Things That Make a Big Difference

I've had clients accidentally leave an outfit at home. It's easy to do when you're juggling clothing, shoes, accessories, and everything else needed for a session. That's why I recommend getting outfits ready on hangers the night before, along with the shoes and accessories that go with each one. I also recommend scheduling haircuts approximately a week before the session rather than the same day, giving the haircut time to settle into its usual appearance. If you're wearing nail polish, check it before the session. Chipped polish can become particularly noticeable in close-up photographs where hands are near the face. And here's a particularly important one for seniors wearing clothing with pockets. Take your phone, keys, and wallet out of your pockets before we begin photographing. Phones and wallets can create visible bulges and awkward lines in clothing. They're small details, but they can distract from an otherwise beautiful photograph. These are all things I discuss in my preparation materials. If your photographer doesn't provide a guide, that doesn't automatically mean they're doing anything wrong. But ask what they recommend. A photographer should be able to help you arrive prepared and confident rather than discovering preventable problems on picture day.


6. What's Included, and Who Gets to Choose the Final Photographs?

I've written a separate article about How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Senior Portraits?, so I won't repeat the entire discussion of session fees, digital downloads, prints, and packages here. But there are two questions I believe every family should ask before booking. "Exactly what will I receive?" And: "Who chooses which photographs I get?"


Those two questions can reveal major differences between photographers. Some photographers deliver a large collection of images with basic adjustments to exposure, color, and contrast. Others deliver a smaller number of individually retouched photographs. Some photographers choose the final images themselves. Others let their clients choose. At Aune Photo, I provide a Selection Gallery so clients can choose their favorite photographs before I complete the detailed editing. That approach has taught me something interesting. My Favorite Photographs Aren't Always My Clients' Favorites I've noticed that approximately 60% of the images clients choose overlap with the photographs I would have selected myself. The remaining 40% can be completely different. Sometimes a client chooses a photograph I wouldn't have considered one of the strongest. Maybe the expression is a little unusual, or the moment feels less traditionally polished. But to that senior or their family, it captures something meaningful. Perhaps it's a familiar expression, a genuine laugh, or a moment that reminds them of the person's personality. As the photographer, I don't necessarily know the emotional significance of that photograph. And that's exactly why I prefer letting my clients make those choices. I'm there to provide my photographic expertise. But they're the ones who will live with these images and the memories attached to them. There's nothing inherently wrong with a photographer choosing the final images. Some clients may even prefer that approach. The important thing is understanding the process before you book.


7. What Editing and Retouching Are Included?

Editing is one of the areas where photographers can differ dramatically. Some favor natural colors and relatively subtle adjustments. Others create dark, moody portraits or use warmer, earthy color tones. Some specialize in highly stylized artwork with extensive compositing and image manipulation. None of those approaches is automatically right or wrong. But they're different. And your photographer's existing portfolio is probably the best indication of what your finished photographs will look like. What If You Love a Photographer's Work but Want Different Colors? My own editing style generally emphasizes natural colors. I want the environment to look recognizable and the person to look like themselves. But suppose you love my composition and posing, while preferring the muted, brown-toned look used by some other photographers. You can certainly ask whether I can create that style. My response would be straightforward. That's not my usual editing approach. I'm willing to explore it, but I wouldn't promise to reproduce a style I don't regularly create. And if that particular appearance is essential to your vision, I'd encourage you to consider a photographer who already specializes in it. I would much rather have that conversation before you book than disappoint you afterward.


Ask About Specific Retouching Requests

There's another side to editing that I think deserves more attention. What if there's something you specifically want removed from your photographs? Or something you absolutely don't want changed? I've had clients ask about removing temporary scrapes, reducing glare on glasses, correcting clothing distractions, and making other individual adjustments. I've also had people ask whether a scar, braces, or another personal feature could be left exactly as it is. I try not to make assumptions about those things.


For one person, a scar might be something they'd prefer not to see in a photograph. For another, it might represent an important life experience they want to remember. The same can be true of braces or other details that are part of someone's appearance during their senior year. My approach is to preserve a person's natural appearance while refining distractions and honoring their preferences where possible. If there's something important to you, whether you want it adjusted or preserved, tell your photographer. And if a particular edit is especially involved, ask whether there's an additional charge. It's much better to understand those expectations before the finished photographs are delivered.


8. What Happens If the Weather or Location Doesn't Cooperate?

This question is especially important in Utah. Our seasons can be beautiful, but they're not always predictable. Fall foliage might peak a week or two later than expected. Spring blossoms might disappear after a few windy days.

And a location that looks wonderful online may photograph very differently depending on the time of day.


Ask your photographer: "What happens if the weather is bad, or the seasonal scenery isn't what we expected?" The answer should help you understand how flexible the photographer is and whether rescheduling involves additional fees. It should also give you an idea of how they approach challenging conditions. Not every cloudy day is a problem. In fact, overcast skies can provide beautiful, soft lighting. And sometimes a light snowfall creates a much more interesting photograph than a perfectly clear day.

But the right decision depends on the senior's clothing, hairstyle, comfort, and desired results. If you're planning photographs around a particular season, discuss that with your photographer well in advance. I've written more about Utah's seasonal photography opportunities and booking timelines in When Should You Book Senior Pictures in Utah? A Month-by-Month Guide.


9. What Can I Do With My Photographs, and How Can the Photographer Use Them?

This is one area where I strongly encourage families to read their photography agreement before signing. And I know from experience that many people don't. I appreciate the trust my clients place in me, but I still believe it's important to understand what you're agreeing to. There are two separate questions here.


What Are You Allowed to Do With Your Photographs? Many photographers allow clients to share finished photographs on social media, send them to family members, and make prints for personal use. But not every agreement provides the same permissions. Some photographers require prints to be ordered through them. Others permit personal printing anywhere. Some prohibit clients from applying filters or modifying the finished images, while others may simply ask that altered photographs not be attributed to the photographer. And if you're planning to use the images commercially, such as in advertising or a professional modeling portfolio, you may need additional permission. Don't assume that purchasing digital images gives you unrestricted rights to use them however you want. Ask what your image license permits, especially if you have a use in mind beyond ordinary personal sharing and printing.


Can the Photographer Publish Your Portraits? Many portrait photography agreements include permission for the photographer to display images in their portfolio, on social media, or in promotional materials. If you're comfortable with that, wonderful. But if you don't want your senior's photographs published publicly, discuss it before signing. This is especially important when the senior is under 18. A parent or legal guardian should be involved in reviewing and providing the required permissions.


A Real Example From One of My Sessions - A few years ago, I photographed a young dancer whose family initially asked that I not publish any of the images. I agreed to respect their wishes. Their concern was understandable. The session involved dance costumes, and they wanted to be careful about how their daughter was represented. Throughout the session, I focused on movement, grace, and the artistic nature of dance. Approximately two weeks after receiving the photographs, the family contacted me again. They loved the images and felt their daughter had been photographed respectfully as well as beautifully. They told me they'd changed their minds and were comfortable with me sharing the photographs. That was entirely their decision. And it's an example of why these conversations matter.


Families should feel comfortable expressing their concerns, and photographers should take those concerns seriously. My recommendation: If you want restrictions on how your images can be used, make sure those restrictions are documented in writing.  Don't rely solely on a verbal understanding that might be forgotten later.


10. What Are the Warning Signs That a Photographer Might Not Be the Right Fit?

Sometimes the most revealing part of interviewing a photographer isn't the specific answer they give. It's how they respond to being asked.

They're More Interested in Payment Than Planning - Of course, photographers need to be paid for their work. But if the only communication you're receiving is about when payment is due, and nobody has discussed your session, your vision, or how to prepare, I'd be concerned. A photographer doesn't necessarily need to schedule an hour-long consultation for every client. Many of my own planning conversations last only 10 or 15 minutes. But there should at least be an opportunity to discuss what you're hoping to achieve.


They Become Defensive When You Ask Questions - Suppose you ask why a particular retouching service costs extra. A photographer might explain that removing braces from a photograph requires more detailed work than removing a temporary blemish. That's a reasonable explanation. But if they become irritated, dismissive, or confrontational simply because you asked, I'd consider that a warning sign. You're hiring someone to create photographs of an important milestone. You should be able to ask reasonable questions without feeling uncomfortable.


They Promise Everything, Even When It's Outside Their Experience - This is one of the biggest concerns I'd have with a highly creative session. Some photographers are enthusiastic about trying new ideas. I think that's wonderful. But enthusiasm and technical capability aren't the same thing. If a photographer has never done extensive fantasy compositing, has no examples of comparable work, and promises they can create anything you imagine, I'd be cautious. A photographer who acknowledges their limitations may actually be giving you a much more trustworthy answer.


Sometimes I'm Not the Right Photographer - I've had prospective clients approach me because they liked my previous work with their family. One family asked about maternity portraits. I've photographed maternity sessions before, but it's not my primary specialty. During our planning conversation, they described a very particular style involving specialized props and setups. I asked whether they had those props. They didn't. They were specifically looking for a photographer who already provided them. At that point, I explained that I probably wasn't the best choice for what they wanted. I could certainly create maternity portraits, but I wasn't equipped to deliver the specialized experience they were describing without a significant investment in equipment and props I didn't ordinarily use. I recommended looking for a photographer who specialized in that type of photography. I've had similar conversations with people requesting elaborate fine-art images requiring extensive compositing and digital manipulation. I'm comfortable with Photoshop and detailed portrait retouching. But that doesn't mean I specialize in creating complex fantasy scenes from multiple photographs and fabricated elements. When someone describes something outside my expertise, I'll tell them. Sometimes I'm willing to experiment, with clear expectations. Other times, I think they're better served by someone who does that kind of work every day. A photographer who can explain what they don't do may be just as valuable as one who can explain what they do.


The Most Important Question Might Be the One You Haven't Asked Yet - If you've noticed a common theme throughout this article, it's intentional. I keep coming back to communication and collaboration. That's because some of the best senior portraits come from ideas I wouldn't necessarily have thought of on my own. A senior might want to include a childhood keepsake. Another might want to recreate a meaningful family photograph. Someone else might have a Pinterest board full of poses, clothing ideas, and creative lighting they want to explore. Those details matter. And the more I understand about what makes someone unique, the better I can tailor their session. But I can't know those things unless we talk about them. That's why I encourage seniors and their parents to participate in the planning process. You don't need to arrive with a complete creative vision. You don't need to know anything about photography. And you certainly don't need to know how to pose. You just need to be willing to share what's important to you.


A Quick Checklist Before Booking Your Senior Photographer

If you're comparing photographers, here are the questions I'd keep handy:

  1. Have you photographed something similar to the style I'm looking for?
  2. How do you help seniors who feel awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera?
  3. What does a typical session look like, including poses, outfits, and locations?
  4. How much input can I have in planning the session?
  5. Do you provide a style guide or preparation checklist?
  6. What's included in the package, and who chooses the final photographs?
  7. What editing and retouching are included, and can I request specific adjustments?
  8. How do you handle weather, seasonal changes, and rescheduling?
  9. What can I do with my finished photographs, and how can you use them?
  10. Is there anything about my vision that you think might be difficult to achieve?


You don't need to ask every photographer every question. Start with the ones that matter most to you. And pay attention to whether the photographer is genuinely interested in helping you find the right answers.


Final Thoughts: Choose the Photographer Who Understands What Matters to You

Senior portraits are an investment. But I don't think the goal should simply be finding the least expensive photographer or the one who delivers the largest number of images. I'd rather spend more on photographs I genuinely love than spend less on something I'll never want to look at again. One is an investment in a meaningful memory. The other is money wasted on something that didn't accomplish what I wanted. That doesn't mean you need the most expensive photographer. And it certainly doesn't mean Aune Photo is the right photographer for everyone. What matters is finding someone whose work you appreciate, whose approach fits your expectations, and who is willing to understand what makes your senior unique. Someone who can offer creative ideas while respecting yours. Someone who can explain what's possible and be candid about what's not. And someone who cares about the experience as much as the finished photographs. Because years from now, when your senior looks back at these portraits, I hope they'll remember more than a beautiful picture. I hope they'll recognize themselves, their personality, their interests, and the things that made this particular chapter of life special.


That's what a thoughtfully planned senior portrait session should accomplish.


Planning Senior Portraits in Davis County or Salt Lake City?

At Aune Photo, I believe senior portraits should be a collaborative experience. I'll help you explore locations, plan outfits, incorporate meaningful props, and create a session that reflects your personality. Whether you already have a detailed vision or you're not quite sure where to begin, I'm happy to talk through your ideas and help you understand what's possible.


Explore the Senior Portrait Experience at Aune Photo and let's start planning something that's uniquely yours.