Editorial Senior Portraits — What Sets Them Apart - KC Senior Photographer Guide for Parents and Seniors

Photography by Andrea DeLong

What are editorial senior portraits?

Thinking about senior portraits? If you want more than the standard cap‑and‑gown or park bench shots, editorial senior portraits give you a magazine‑worthy look that helps a senior stand out from their peers by using their own unique interest, talents, style and personality to craft a brand image that is them. Editorial senior portraits borrow from fashion and magazine photography. They focus on styling, storytelling, lighting, poses, and a curated set of looks rather than a quick checklist of standard poses. The result is a cohesive, high‑end set of images that reads like an editorial spread—perfect for social media highlights, graduation announcements, portfolios, and keepsakes.

How editorial differs from traditional senior portraits

• Styling: Editorial sessions include planned outfits, hair and makeup, and location scouting. Traditional sessions are more casual and rely on the student’s everyday wardrobe and typical locations and venues.

• Direction and posing: Editorial posing is polished and expressive, with intentional angles and movement. Traditional shoots lean on simple smiles and standard head‑to‑toe frames to often fail to capture the essence of the scene or subject.

• Lighting and locations: Editorial work uses varied light setups (dramatic studio, cinematic golden hour, moody urban) and locations chosen to match the concept. Traditional shoots usually stick to a few classic locations and flat natural light.

• Team and time: Editorial sessions often involve an MUA, scouting, posing education, and pre-production time. They take longer for multiple looks and creative setups. Traditional sessions are shorter and simpler.

• Post‑production: Editorial retouching aims for a flawless, magazine finish. Traditional retouching is typically lighter and more natural. However a senior using this style will find the right balance of both.

What parents should know

• Investment vs. value: Think of editorial portraits as an investment in a legacy and in their student’s confidence. The photos will be shared for years—on graduation announcements, college apps, and family walls.

• Safety and comfort: A professional Kansas City photographer will prioritize comfort, consent, and a closed set if requested (important for semi‑nude or intimate editorials).

• Budgeting: Expect to see base packages with digital files and optional add‑ons (prints, albums, MUA). Ask for a full price list before booking so there are no surprises.

• Usage rights: Clarify what files and usage you receive (social, print, commercial) in writing.

What 17‑year‑olds should know (how to stand out)

• Bring personality: Props, hobbies, or signature items (guitar, sketchbook, sports gear) help tell your story.

• Go full editorial with one look: Even one magazine‑style outfit or location will make your gallery pop.

• Be authentic: Editorial doesn’t mean fake—bring energy and poses that feel like you but slightly elevated.

• Get hair and makeup: A pro MUA makes a big difference on camera and boosts confidence.

How to prepare: timeline and checklist

4–6 weeks before

• Book early: The best Kansas City photographer dates fill quickly—especially in senior season.

• Mood board: Save images of poses, outfits, and lighting you like. We walk our clients through this process as it's the most important part. Book your free consult.

• Budget: Decide how much you want to allocate for MUA, location fees, styling and final files.

  
  

1–2 weeks before

• Finalize outfits: Bring 3–5 options that vary in color and style (editorial, casual, formal). we ask that our clients send a photo of the different looks with the accessories.

• Grooming: Schedule haircut, highlight or trim if desired. Avoid drastic changes in the week before the shoot.

• Skin care: Hydrate, sleep, and avoid experimental skincare the week before to minimize irritation or the wrong tone in tanning products.

Day before / day of

• Pack a kit: hairbrush, deodorant, clear lip balm, safety pins, snacks, water, and a portable steamer for wrinkles.

• Rest and hydrate: Good sleep shows up on camera.

• Arrive on time and with a positive attitude—energy matters.

• Watch/rewatch a few of the posing education videos sent to you.

What to expect during the shoot

• Welcome and review: The photographer will review the plan and the shot list.

• Hair and makeup first: If you’ve booked MUA, expect this to take 45–90 minutes.

• Warm‑up shots: The photographer will start with easy poses to build comfort.

• Multiple looks: Time will be allocated for outfit changes and location moves.

• Direction: A good KC senior photographer will guide you with clear, encouraging direction—no awkward posing left to chance. We expect our seniors to watch the education videos we send you prior to your session.

• Breaks: There will be pauses for rest, touchups, and snacks.

Deliverables and turnaround

• Ask the photographer for delivery timelines—editorial retouching can take anywhere from 2–3 weeks.

• Typical deliverables: a selection of edited digital files and albums.

• Prints and albums usually require additional production time (2–6 weeks).

  
  

What editorial sessions cost? (and why that’s worth it)

Pricing reflects time, expertise, and deliverables:

• Team: Professional hair/makeup and stylists add costs but give the polished look that helps a senior stand out.

• Time: Editorial shoots often run 3–5+ hours to accommodate multiple looks and locations and often require two days.

• Creative planning: Mood boards, location scouting, and styling take prep time from the photographer.

• Equipment and lighting: Studio lights, backdrops, and extra gear raise production value.

• Retouching: Editorial images require more extensive editing per image than standard headshots.

  
  

  Pricing expectations (ballpark) for our Studio - Andrea DeLong Photography

• Sitting Fee: $300 (pre and post production time, the session, editing, location scouting and fees and retouching and included in your sitting fee.)

• 10 High Resolution Digital files: $250

• 20 High Resolution Digital Files: $450

• Individual Files: $45

• All Digital Files in Gallery Including BW: $650

• Additional Shoot Day: $200

• Studio or Rental Fee - $0 - 200 (many fees are covered in our sitting fee however some locations are perfect and may require that we share the cost or the client agrees to take on that fee. These decisions at Andrea DeLong Photography are made as a team so you are never being asked for payment for a fee you did not approve prior to the shoot day.

• Layflat Heirloom Albums: $350-$750 (pricing varies for size, cover, paper and amount of pages and images)

• Expect transparency when it comes to pricing. It is an investment and you should be clear on what fees or additional cost may come up and what is covered and what is expected to be shared and what fees the client pays solo.

Pricing varies widely by photographer; ask for a detailed package list and what each tier includes. Remember: the final images and printed heirlooms are what last.

Choosing the best KC senior photographer - We think it is us here at Andrea DeLong Photography, but if you are shopping here is what to look for.

• Portfolio fit: Does their work feel like the look you want? Look for consistency in lighting and posing.

• Reviews and experience: Check testimonials, especially from senior clients.

• Communication: Do they respond clearly and helpfully to your questions about pricing and prep?

• Comfort level: Your teen should feel comfortable with the photographer’s style and direction.

• Transparency: Know what the session is going to cost, how much digital files are and what is included prior to booking so you don't end up with stick shock.

Final tips to stand out without overspending

• Pick one standout look: Spend on one editorial outfit and a MUA session rather than multiple high‑end changes. This is a stylized look that may be out of your normal everyday outfit. Make sure your outfits fit your vision and align with your mood board.

• Borrow or rent: Not every outfit or looks needs to be purchased brand new. There are multiple sites that offer rentals. Also, ask around if a friend or family member has what you need. We have lots of looks, clothes and accessories in our style closet that are open to you so don't be afraid to ask your photographer what they have.

• Dress to fit location: No heals in a field, or outfits that look out of place in your location.

• Bring props: This is so key when shooting editorial. They are lifestyle driven. Your concept board we create at our studio should walk you through what to have for each look. These items help in multiple way but mostly it will give you natural things to do so you are interacting in your environment versus posing.

• Prioritize images you’ll use: Spend the most time crafting the looks that set you apart from your peers. Spend time on those sections of concept board more as they are the true reflection of your personality.

• Share a mood board: Clear direction helps the photographer execute your vision efficiently. For us at Andrea DeLong Photography

Ready to book or have questions?

If you’re searching for a KC senior photographer or want to find the best senior photographer in Kansas City to create editorial senior portraits, I’d love to help. Book a consultation, and we’ll build a concept mood board, discuss pricing, brainstorm, and design a session that helps your senior stand out with confidence.