How to Choose a State College, PA Senior Photographer: Top 3 Tips

Looking for a State College Senior Portrait Photographer? Here are my top 3 tips to help you choose!

In today's day and age, there are seemingly endless options for anything you can imagine. For example, last month, I hopped onto Amazon to buy some supplies for my son's birthday party. An hour later, I had a headache, my eyes were blurry, and I had reached decision paralysis. I was totally overwhelmed with the mind-boggling number of OPTIONS that I simply gave up and recruited my sisters to organize the party decor. They did amazing, and I was relieved to have one less thing to think about - see pictures at the bottom!

This is the case with pretty much ANYTHING these days; it's exhausting. It is no different with photography. There are many, many amazing photographers everywhere you look. Choosing the right one for you can be...well...difficult. Because you don't want to get it wrong. And I am here to say that I completely understand, and I have some tips that may help you choose your ideal State College senior portrait photographer.

Here are three key factors for you to consider when deciding on your photographer.

1. Is the photographer a person who you will feel comfortable with?
2. Does the photographer's shooting and editing style match your vibe?
3. Is the photographer able to provide variety?

To Elaborate...

1: Comfort

You need to feel comfortable with your photographer!!! This is truly the secret sauce to amazing senior photos. Comfort = confidence = stunning photos. Because let’s face it, it can be awkward to be in front of the lens. But having someone in your corner, who can hype you up, make you laugh and get along with you is really going to be key to making your senior session enjoyable, rather than awkward. You need a photographer who’s going to help you every step of the way and offer their ideas, as well as listen to yours. It's a team collaboration to create those amazing, magical images.

Shameless CBP Plug ↓

I like to think I'm a pretty personable person. I'm easy to get along with, and I will certainly hype you up in front of the camera! I know how awkward it is to stand in front of the lens with no direction being given. I will NEVER do that to you, pinky promise. I like to laugh and provide my clients with a relaxed, yet efficient session where I guide you the whole time. You don't need to worry, I've got you!

2: Style

Before you hire a photographer, make sure you spend some time stalking their Instagram and their portfolios. You need to make sure that you love their vibe because what they post is how they photograph and how they edit. Every style is slightly different, so make sure you are head-over-heels in love with that style, and it aligns with yours.

Shameless CBP Plug ↓

My style is natural lighting, colorful, and creative. Please make sure you check out my Instagram (@catebodner_photography) and my website portfolio to make sure we are a good match!

3: Variety

In today’s world, senior pictures are not just for that one yearbook image. They are for profile pictures, senior shoutout pictures, Instagram pictures, college decisions, yearbooks, graduation party invitations and decor, your parents' living room, the list goes on and on. It is so important to make sure that you are getting a good variety with your senior pictures so that you have plenty of unique shots that you are proud to show off.

Shameless CBP Plug ↓

I’m intentional about being creative throughout your entire session. I’ll guide you through a variety of poses, explore different angles, and thoughtfully use our surroundings so your gallery feels dynamic and personal. The goal is images you’re truly proud of, not ones that feel stiff or staged.

In Conclusion

Your senior pictures should be one of the most fun parts of senior year. While this season is exciting, it can also come with stress and uncertainty. My goal is to create a relaxed, enjoyable experience from start to finish, so you can feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. Because senior photography is about more than just the final images, I focus on an experience that truly sets your session apart. I would love the opportunity to work together!