High School Senior Albums

One of the biggest markets that I’ve seen expand over the 10 years HappyFish has been designing albums specifically – is the High School Senior Market.

This generation loves to have their own photographer for a couple hours – or even better – longer to document their daily life. They are already openly sharing everything they like and do on various social media outlets anyway – but a book is much more permanent and sentimental – for both them and their parents. This is an immensely emotional milestone as they are about to leave High School and venture off into their adult lives in college, work, travel or other unique opportunities.  A High School senior book captures this moment that while they think they’ll look like that forever….. in 30 years they will REALLY love looking back and marveling at their  youthful vitality and joy for life.  The top two products that I design for Seniors are books and storyboards.  If you’re looking to get into the High School Senior Photography market and need help with sample albums or you’re already successful and booming in this area and need some HELP – I’d be honored to work with you. Give us a shout.

** SAFARI users (ipad users too) there is a glitch we’re addressing with Elegant Themes. For now browse BACKWARDS … and you’ll see the images. (or view in FIREFOX) ;D Thank you ! **

Different photography studios have different ways that they shoot their Senior sessions:

• in studio with backdrops, clothing changes, props of items that mean a lot to the Senior
• outdoor venues urban, country, alleys, streets, park, sports field, at home
• sometimes they even will photograph with their beloved dog or other pet
• they may even jump in the pool if they are an avid swimmer
• pose with their car or truck if it’s something they are especially proud of
• siblings, parents, grandparents or best friend(s) might hop in a few shots

What the best studios all have in common:

• expression of the Senior’s unique personality
• questionnaires to reveal the Senior’s loves/favorites/dreams
• respect the parents as well as the Senior – ultimately likely Mom and/or Dad are paying the bill – and they’ll be in tears when they see the book, while the Senior will be showing it off to their closest friends with excitement
• show a wide variety of setting and clothing changes
• respectful a poses that show the Senior at their best (and nothing too beyond their years so to speak)
• respect their hobbies, passions (if they want to pose with their Bible or with a field hockey stick….. if it’s who they are – GREAT!)
• be aware of what is natural to them – no awkward or embarrassing jumps or cheesy poses that they might cringe at later
• not afraid of going out of the norm, different angles, venues, dramatic experimental lighting etc.
• while it’s true that the majority of the books for Seniors seem to be for the ladies – the guys do love these books too !!

Ideas for books:

• some allow text or comments with the photographs of the page layouts – a chance for the Senior to share deep thoughts for posterity
• others will do photos only – highlight the photography
• allow space for Seniors’ friends and family to ‘sign in’
• style can vary a lot – from clean white simple to highly layered with text or added graphic elements – text or no text

Marketing:

• besides the obvious Social Media buzz – Studios often will have Senior Ambassadors that will serve as their representatives of sorts
• Senior Ambassadors will enjoy special photo shoots, possibly receive books for discount and are eager to share your studio name with their beloved friends and acquaintances. Great photography is contagious!
• books, Graduation announcements etc with your logo and branding on the back also spread your name around town
• video taping your sessions and slideshows with music for emotional impact

What kind of books?

Typically the Senior book is a lesser priced book that what you would buy for a wedding or mitzvah album. You just can’t sell a book for the same amount even if it’s made by the same album or bookbinding company! Unless you are ultra high end….. most photographers seek a mid range type book for this market.

The perfect book is a press-printed or photographic lay flat book that is NICER and BETTER than anything that a family could buy online on their own. Not all press-printed books are made with the same quality!

When asked I’d say my TOP favorite album companies for this specific market would include in no particular order out of fairness:

• Finao PLAYBOOK (photographic spreads, I would say best to not sign on top of though you could with just the right non-smear archival permanent thin pen.)
• VisionArt Books (great for signing due to fine art matte paper) Dulce line is very economical VS Original line, same inside page construction
• White House Custom Color Press Printed LayFlat Books (great for signing too) and Albums (not the same thing – two different styles both economical)
• ProDpi Lay Flat Press Books (great for signing due to matte paper choices)
• ACI Memory Books (photographic spreads, I would say best to not sign on top of though you could with just the right non-smear archival permanent thin pen.)
• Miller Signature Books (photographic spreads, I would say best to not sign on top of though you could with just the right non-smear archival permanent thin pen.)
• Red Tree Albums

There are others…. so many wonderful choices!

album design for photographers, albums and book manufacturers comparison, high school seniors