A Senior’s Guide to Taking Pictures
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Senior Northwest students take pictures at the East Village, Waterworks Park and Ledges State Park. Whether it is senior photos, Instagram posts or cute candids with friends, seniors have plenty of experience finding photo spots in the Waukee area. Here is everything today’s teens should know about perfect pictures.
Locations
The first thing students should consider when planning their photos is location. Central Iowa is full of floral, urban and formal settings that serve as beautiful backdrops for photoshoots.
“I always ask people if they want nature or if they want cleaner,” senior Alyssa Farrell said. Farrell works as a photographer. She named the East Village and the greater downtown area as ideal shooting locations.
“It’s pretty niche and unique down there, I really like it,” senior Jenna Le agreed. The East Village is covered with grungey brick walls, vibrant colors and pretty murals.
For more natural photos, Grey’s Lake and Ledges State Park are popular locations.
“I took some photos in the water [at Grey’s Lake] and they turned out really good,” Le stated. A hidden gem is the Kum and Go Headquarter’s rooftop garden. Senior Arya Ambardekar has taken photos there in the past.
“The very top of it has flowers, it’s really cute and nice,” Ambardekarshe stated.
Photos do not have to be taken in a park, city or garden to look good, however. Secluded areas like grass fields and cornfields are perfect places to take photos without being photobombed or disrupted by East Village shoppers.
“There are public places where I know I’m not going to get in trouble or disturb anyone,” Farrell described.
Outfits
After picking a location, the next step is choosing an outfit.
“I usually try to coordinate my outfits to the place I’m going,” Le suggested. Consider if the location is cool or warm-toned, busy or clear and vibrant or muted. Try to keep the picture cohesive and easy on the eyes.
Floral and busy backgrounds work best with simple, monochrome colors.
“If I’m going to a floral area, I wear single-colored outfits,” Ambardekar stated, “black, pink or gray so it doesn’t clash with the florals.”
More casual outfits serve urban photos well. Jeans and a nice shirt look good in nearly any location.
When taking senior photos, Farrell recommended both a white or black dress near the water and casual dressy outfits with most other backdrops.
Overall, however, outfits are meant to reflect the personality of their wearer. Clothes should make the subject feel comfortable and confident.
“I look for if it goes with my style,” Le claimed, “I’m taking pictures for myself, so If I think it looks good, it looks good.”
Do’s and Don’ts
After setting the stage, the next step is taking the perfect photos. Avoid common mistakes that might make the process more difficult.
Mind the weather. Hot weather can ruin hair and makeup, while cold weather may leave you stiff and shivering.
“Go when it’s not hot,” Ambardekar agreed, “I took my senior pictures when it was 90 degrees and I was sweating.”
Stick to the plan. Changing the agenda can lead to wasted time and uncoordinated outfits.
Farrell suggested, “Know what you want to wear and what you want to look like so you don’t have to worry about it in the moment.”
Find a photographer that works well with the subject. They should bring out the best in the subject and see their vision through.
“[Farrell] took amazing photos, and she’s so easy to work with, she is amazing,” Le claimed.
Lastly, take photos with friends. Having someone who makes the subject comfortable leads to brighter smiles and pretty candids.
