Benji is a musician and music-loving senior at West Linn High School. “I like quite a lot of music.,” he says. “I like electronic a lot, orchestra music has a very special place in my heart, and rock/jam bands are very cool too. I listen to indie sometimes.” After graduating from West Linn High School, Benji hopes to earn a masters in music, and also become a commercial pilot.
So naturally, we set out to photograph Benji with his two favorite instruments: his violin and guitar!
Like Benji, if you are a band or orchestra student, you have spent a significant portion of your high school career dedicated to your instrument of choice. High school band and orchestra programs are an important part of many students’ lives and often leave a lasting impact on them. Incorporating your instruments into your senior pictures serves as a reminder of that time and the memories created.
And for many students, their instrument is an extension of themselves and represents a significant part of their identity. Senior portraits are a way for students to commemorate their last year of high school and capture a moment in time that they will always cherish. Incorporating instruments into your senior pictures is a great way for band and orchestra students to celebrate their passion for music and the hard work you have put into your craft.
One of the main reasons band and orchestra students should consider having their senior portraits taken with their guitars, violins, and other instruments is that these instruments add a personal and unique touch to the images. Incorporating an instrument into a portrait session creates a sense of individuality and showcases your passion for music. It also creates a visual representation of your personality and interests, making the portrait more meaningful and special to you over time.
Another reason to include your instrument in the senior portrait session is that it highlights your achievements and accomplishments as a musician. Many band and orchestra students have devoted countless hours to mastering their instrument and have achieved a high level of skill. Incorporating your guitar, violin or other instrument into your senior portraits is a way to recognize and honor that hard work and dedication.
When it comes to the actual portrait session, there are a variety of ways to incorporate the instrument. You can hold the instrument, play it, or even lean against it. Guitars and violins can especially be used in many different ways in senior portraits, such as having the senior play the violin while sitting on a rock, tree or bench. Or they can be held on the side, near your face, or over your shoulder. Your instrument is an extension of who you are as a high school senior, not just another added prop! Incorporating your guitar or violin into your senior portrait session is also a great opportunity to showcase your talent and skill by capturing candid shots of you playing in your environment or posing in a way that highlights your technique and mastery.
The location of the portrait session can play a big role in how the instrument is incorporated into the images. A natural setting, such as a park or beach, can complement the instrument and create a relaxed and natural vibe. For a location, Benji settled on his favorite childhood park whis is Fields Bridge Park in West Linn, Oregon. This park park offers a variety of natural backgrounds, flower fields, a flowing river and other settings that can be used to create beautiful and artistic portraits.
When planning the photoshoot, it is important to consider the time of day and the lighting conditions at the park. Benji chose to take his senior portraits early in early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sunlight was soft and diffused and the summer temperatures were still comfortable.
And Benji decided on a variety of outfits to complement his instruments and love of Fields Bridge Park. From casual outfits that highlighted his favorite hoodies and t-shirts, to more formal images with his tuxedo and violin. For your senior portraits, it’s imporant that you dress in clothing that is comfortable and flattering. You should always wear an outing that speaks to who you are as a person and that complements the natural setting of the location you choose to use for your senior pictures.
In addition, wearing a tuxedo, suit or a formal dress along with your violin or instrument of choice is a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your senior portraits. The formal attire and the instrument create a visually striking contrast, making the portraits stand out and appear more polished.
Are you looking for someone that can help you create amazing high school senior portraits that show off your favorite images, love of music, hard work, and talent as a musician? Visit https://www.brianpasko.com/high-school-senior-portraits/ to learn more!
