How to pose people for their senior photos?

Question

My friend asked me to take pictures for her since she can't afford the cost of them by a professional. The only problem is, I have NO idea how to pose her for this, especially since she is extremely religious, and requested that that come through in her pictures. Any ideas of how to achieve this?

Answer 1

Now you know why portrait photographers charge what they do .... education, cost of equipment and running a studio and a ton of experience.

There is one lighting setup that should give her a "halo" ...

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/05/on-...

Answer 2

Start off by looking at photographer's websites. Many of them have Senior portrait galleries that will give you lots of ideas.

For the religious issue: don't do anything racy, include some photos sitting on the steps in front of her church, possibly even IN it, have one of her thoughtfully studying the bible, and one deep in thoughts looking up into the sky.