The Pros and Cons of Indoor Studio Senior Photos
Let’s set the scene — you’re scrolling on Pinterest looking for senior photoshoot inspiration. You come across some cute photos of seniors on the beach, on the softball field, and in other picturesque outdoor locations and you save a few to your mood board. These photos are classic, yes, but you know you also want something different. Then you see some indoor studio senior photos and you’re like…now wait a minute! You’re intrigued, and, rightfully so — it’s not every senior session that takes place indoors!
You start to wonder…
How do senior pictures inside a studio look?
What are the benefits of shooting these photos indoors?
What options would I have when it comes to outfits, props, and poses?
As a senior photographer with quite a few indoor studio senior photos sessions under her belt, I’d love to tell you everything you need to know about studio senior pictures!
What's so special about most studio spaces is their versatility. By design, they're intended to offer multiple backdrops, settings, props, etc. so you can create a wide variety of looks in a single session. In a studio, you can do bright white backdrops, and sometimes more textured walls. Different couches, chairs, boxes, ladders, mirrors, stairs… the options are what makes being in a studio so creative and fun.
Photographer tip: studios are also a fun environment to play with new gear, like fractals and wide angle lenses.
Also, I've got to say that having music playing in a studio really takes the experience to a new level. I always bring a portable speaker to outdoor shoots, too, but music can definitely set the vibe at a new level inside a studio. Music can help the client (you!) relax, and the photographer get into a creative headspace. Music is powerful!
There Are Pros And Cons To Any Photoshoot Location
A studio is a more controlled environment, which has its pros like the versatility we already talked about. But there are also more considerations that need to be made for a studio, especially when photographing with primarily natural light. Before booking the studio, you need to think about which direction the sun will be facing toward which side of the studio (aka deciding whether to book the space morning, mid-day, or afternoon/evening).
Outdoor locations require a bit more flexibility, as you can't always control the wind, or random surprises that might pop up like animals, construction, closures, or a new paint job over your go-to mural wall! But that's part of the adventure of photographing outdoors, which is also an environment that presents 'limitless' possibilities if you choose to see it that way.
Studios also provide an easy place to change outfits, play music, do makeup touch-ups, etc and outdoor spaces are really a bit more adventurous. You could pick one or the other, but you don’t have to. I recently did a photoshoot for a client who opted to do one of each — one indoor studio location followed by a trip to the beach. It was the perfect combo!
What To Wear For Indoor Studio Senior Photos
In a studio that's more neutral in nature, you could really take it in two directions: natural and subtle, sort of like this denim-and-white "bare beauty" theme we did for my senior rep team recently, OR bright and colorful (which works because the backdrop is so neutral to begin with).
If you're going for a pared down denim look, keep it classic with a true-white tee-shirt, tank top, and some loose-fitting jeans. Shoes are optional, and barefoot often works well indoors depending on the outfit. In my opinion, this type of look works well here because it sort of peels the attention away from the backdrop, away from the clothes, and places a greater emphasis on the subject.
Don't get me wrong though, there's also a time and place to introduce color. A blank, neutral studio can literally be considered a blank canvas — get creative! You get to decide in which direction you want to take it (but, as a general hint, loads of excess colorful, textured fabric never hurts).
Indoor Studio Senior Photos Pose Ideas
1. Sitting/laying down on the ground
Take a break from more typical standing poses by playing with 'levels' - get low!
You can also use a prop, like a wooden box or chair, to sit on.
2. Head-on power pose
Face forward, wide-ish stance, hit a personality pic! Whether that's silly or more serious — both are print-worthy!
3. Move around
Walking, dancing, jumping, kicking — movement is almost never a bad idea when it comes to photography.
So What Do You Think, Is An Indoor Studio Senior Photoshoot For You?
Whether you’re still a little on the fence or ready to dive right in, let’s chat!
