Profile sheet Senior Photo candidates?

[klynam]

I've seen shot lists for bridal, engagement, and wedding photos.

But I'm looking for something for Senior photo candidates thats more of a pre-session profile sheet they would fill out. Likes, dislikes, favorites, ideas for photos, etc.

I've searched on here and the web - maybe I'm just missing it but I can't find anything like that...

Anybody?

[Scott McLoud]

Im not to sure what you mean.

[prplegophr]

klynam,

Strangely enough, I actually know what you mean.

Having said that, I don't use one. I have a mental profile sheet that I "fill out" on a note pad during the initial senior portrait session consult. This consult happens before I even agree to do the portrait session, and I refer back to the note pad often as I prep, brainstorm, and just before the shoot itself. All my seniors are on this notepad and I use it to keep track of ideas and even stylistic preferences.

I could talk about what my mental profile sheet has on it, but it seems as though you are looking for a pre-made one (presumably complete and ready to copy and use yourself). So I don't think a rambling stream-of-consiousness from me will help altogether much.

Let me know if I can otherwise be of assistance.

[Scott McLoud]

Strangely enough, I actually know what you mean.
Im glad somebody does lol though i suffer from brain fade sometimes - old age i guess :lol:

[klynam]

lol - hey plenty of brain fading here too...

prplegophr - rambling stream of consciousness is welcome - I'll start one here...

Senior Photography Profile

Name
Age (?)
High School

What bands/singers are you into right now?
What are your favorite songs?
What have been your favorite movies this year?

How many one-word terms can you think of to describe yourself? (such as: linebacker, friendly, religious, etc.)

What do you look forward to everyday after school?
What do you love to do on weekends?

What are your plans after High School?

[Alleh]

Looks like you got it.

[klynam]

Thinking some more...

What are your favorite colors?

What is your favorite book/author?

What are you favorite classes/subjects in school?

What is that one "thing" (my car, my instrument, my dog, etc.) that is most special to you and you hope to always remember about this time in your life? (or more than one thing)

other ideas???

[prplegophr]

Well, it looks like your profile sheet questions are somewhat more... broad than mine. I can see how you're using them to get an idea of the client's personality.

Here's that stream of consciousness:

Usually what I will do is conduct a consult at a neutral location and I will have some canned questions ready to go. Things like favorite activities, favorite hang-outs, even if there is a pet or (being teenagers) a vehicle they want to work in to the photos. Usually, that gets the ball rolling enough that I can get a bit of an idea of the client's personality and start taking about style and specific ideas. It will also lead into questions like "favorite play" or "best school subject" if that is where the ideas for the photo session are leading the conversation.

I also bring my portfolio with me and ask them to look through it, not as a pose book, but to point out styles that they like. This really is the best way I've found to figure out the style of photography that they desire. If I don't bring the portfolio, it tends to turn into a lot of "oh you know, I like trees..."

Anyway, the overall goal of the consult is to figure out locations and ideas that the client is most comfortable with... which usually means shooting at their usual hangouts doing the things they usually do. But it is also a chance to break the ice before pointing a large camera at the client. At the end, if the rapport just isn't there, I may refer the client to a different photographer who they may be more comfortable working with.

In any case, I have found that these face to face consults have worked best for figuring out personalities and ideas. Much better than over the phone. Forms may or may not work for you, but I have found that unless you sit a teenager down across from you and talk directly at them, it may be difficult to convince them to spend their own time filling out a form before hand.

Well, my two cents... hope it helps somewhat.

[Tommy]

Instead of having a client fill out what in essence is a personality survey, I engage in conversation with them during the initial consultation... a regular conversation like you just met a new friend (not even bringing up photography at this point). Granted, that can make the initial consultation go on and on (especially if my client and I share a lot of interests that we can chat about). Engaging in this conversation does far more in my opinion that a survey/questionnaire. Not only do I learn a lot about my clients personality, but they get more of a personal experience which is a big hit. I've had referrals for HS seniors because a senior I just worked with spouted off not only about how good her photos turned out, but also about how cool of a person I was...

Just my $0.02 about these questionnaires.. lol...

But anyway... to actually give you input to your original post, I think what you have started there is a good list. A couple things you could add could be if they play any sports, or what college they plan on going to...

[klynam]

Yes, I suppose it is somewhat of a personality profile - I'm just trying to find out about the senior.

I also agree about the 1to1 time, this is a precursor to that in my mind.

More thoughts...

What magazine(s) do you read?

What are your favorite radio stations?

What are your favorite TV channels/shows?

What are your favorite websites?

[FocalPrincess]

If nothing else, it gives you something of a guideline so that you're sure you don't forget anything. I think most of us have lists of things that we discuss, etc., right? ETA: I like the ideas that you've outlined here so far.

[klynam]

I'm thinking of putting this online for my senior prospects to complete and send me, rather than filling out a written questionaire.