10 Questions to Ask Before You Book Your Senior Photographer | Baton Rouge Photographer
Choosing a senior photographer is a bigger decision than it looks like from the outside. You're not just picking a style you like on Instagram — you're trusting someone with a session you can't redo. Here are the questions worth asking before you put down a deposit, and why each one matters.
1. Can I see a full gallery from one real session, not just a highlight reel?
Portfolios are curated by nature — every photographer shows their best shots. Ask to see a complete gallery from a single session instead. It tells you what a normal result looks like, not just the one perfect frame, and whether the photographer's style holds up across an entire shoot, not just the highlights.
2. What's actually included in the session fee?
This is where a lot of misunderstandings happen. Some session fees include prints and a set number of digital images; others cover only the photographer's time, with everything else priced separately afterward. Ask for the full price list — not just the session fee — before you commit to anything.
3. How many outfit changes and locations do I get?
More isn't always better, but you want to know what you're paying for. Some packages include one location and two outfits; others include several of each. Make sure what's included actually matches what you have in mind for your session.
4. How long is the session?
A rushed session shows up in the photos — you can tell when someone didn't have enough time to relax. Ask how long you'll actually have, and whether that time includes outfit changes or is on top of them.
5. What's your turnaround time?
If you need images for a yearbook deadline, graduation announcements, or a specific event, this question isn't optional. Ask directly, and make sure the photographer knows about any hard deadlines before you book — not the week before you need the photos.
6. What's your rescheduling and weather policy?
Outdoor sessions are at the mercy of the forecast. Find out upfront what happens if it rains, and what your options are if you need to move your date for another reason. A clear, fair policy here is a good sign of how the rest of the experience will go.
7. How do you handle posing and direction?
Most seniors aren't professional models, and that's completely fine — but it means you're relying on the photographer to guide you. Ask how hands-on they are with posing and expression. If the answer is vague, that's worth noting.
8. What's your deposit policy, and is it refundable?
Get this in writing before you pay anything. How much is due upfront, when is the balance due, and what happens if you need to cancel? These aren't awkward questions — every professional photographer expects them.
9. How are the final images delivered, and what do I get?
Ask exactly what you'll receive: an online gallery, downloadable high-resolution files, prints, or some combination. Also ask how long you'll have access — some galleries expire after a set period, which matters if you want to order prints down the road.
10. Have you photographed seniors before, and what's your approach?
Experience with this specific type of session matters. Senior portraits are different from family photos or headshots — they're personal, a little vulnerable, and meant to reflect who someone is right before a major life transition. A photographer who's done this before will have a rhythm for putting seniors at ease and drawing out real expressions instead of stiff smiles.
If you ask a photographer these ten questions and walk away with clear, confident answers, that's usually a good sign you've found the right fit. If the answers feel vague or hard to pin down, keep looking — this is one session worth getting right.
Have a question that's not on this list? Reach out — I'd rather you go into your session fully informed than surprised.
Sarah Shaw is a Baton Rouge photographer specializing in weddings, families, and seniors — drawn to natural light, genuine connection, and the quiet in-between moments that mean the most.