Before we even get into the tips for senior pictures with instruments for you musicians or music lovers, it’s important that you understand one thing: we actively avoid anything that feels cheesy, awkward, or too “posed” (like the photo [we did not take] below).
The tips below are geared toward people who want to have fun photos that they’ll actually enjoy for a lifetime, which means these are ideas that will hopefully get you excited about your senior photo session.
Tip #1: You don’t have to feel basic.
A key component of musicianship is performance. Whether that’s classical or a rock show, anytime you’re putting yourself out there with your instrument, you’re doing it for the benefit and enjoyment of your audience.
The same thing applies when you’re talking about including instruments in your senior pictures. We want these to have an element of excitement and get people jazzed about what they’re seeing.
Basically - we can throw basic out the window.
Even if it’s just you and your instrument in your senior photos, we’ll guide you through elements of showmanship so you’ll turn your photos into something eye-catching.
The cool thing is - it doesn’t have to be all about your instrument! For instance, we’ve taken sheet music and thrown it through the air or scattered it in water for that little “extra” touch that separates you from the pack.
Tip #2: Environment can make things more epic.
One thing that can really enhance your music photos is the environment/location. It can look so awesome to get you in a theater, on a stage, or in a performance hall. Locations like this add an extra layer of detail that make your senior photos even more memorable and engaging to anyone who sees them.
If a concert hall isn’t your style, no problem! If your instrument is more portable, we can head out to an outdoor nature area, someplace urban, or even a lake. These settings make a great environment for senior pictures with acoustic instruments, and urban looks unlock even more potential.
Tip #3: Band outfit/uniform… or not?
It can be really fun to include your band outfit in your photos! It can be a great way to commemorate special memories you’ve made through the years.
However, you can also opt not to wear a uniform if you’d like to be a little more subtle. For instance, we could go to the football field you marched on and get you in regular clothes. Or, we could even get you in-studio with your band instrument without the uniform.
Essentially, you have options, so don’t feel like you have to do things the “traditional” way. In fact, we’re more than willing to break some norms to help you get something totally unique!
Tip #4: You may not even know how to play the instrument!
Oddly enough, you can get some incredible music-related senior pictures without using any instruments! For example, check out the photos below. Both clients love listening to music, even if they don’t know how to play anything. One we took to a record shop and got some really cool photos. With the other, we grabbed some studio headphones to create some out-of-the-box images in-studio that tie in her love for music.
In another example - one of our clients incorporated her late brother’s banjo into her photos as a special way to remember him and his hobbies.
Schedule your senior photos with instruments today!
We love a good challenge, and always love coming up with new ideas for senior pictures with instruments, so musicians or music lovers can have the best experience possible.
If you want some next-level photos that are tied to your fondness of music, let’s hear your ideas!
Schedule your style consult today, and we’ll plan out how to incorporate music into your session.
