As spring senior pictures wrap up, we jump into prom season! Prom season is full of fun and color, with the stunning dresses, flowers, hair, and makeup, and, of course, taking pictures. But when it comes to prom photos, the question is always: Do you splurge on professional photos or have a parent or friend take them? And honestly… I am on Team Save Your Money!

Prom is already one of the pricier events of your senior year. Between tickets, dinner, your dress or tux, hair, nails, makeup, and shoes- everything adds up quickly! After investing in your look and prom itself, adding in the cost of professional photos can feel like overkill. Plus, you’ve already invested in your senior photos, which are meant to capture this season of life, rather than just one night.

Even without a professional setup, you can still show off your prom look and the memories you create with your date and friends! Documenting these once-in-a-lifetime moments means so much, regardless of who takes the pictures. That being said, just because you opt out of a photographer doesn’t mean that your photos have to look bad. Having someone who knows how to work their way around an iPhone camera is a great start for getting your dream pictures. Add in good lighting (hellooo golden hour!) and a clean background, and you can take “picture perfect” to a new level.

While prom is a special moment, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to get Instagram-worthy pictures. In my opinion, I would rather have my seniors invest that money into their dream senior session. This ensures that we have plenty of time to get the images we want, as well as multiple outfits and a session that is catered entirely to them. Even though it’s important, prom is just a moment; your senior session is all about you and what you want! So don’t stress about adding another thing to your prom day, just grab your phone and your favorite people, and you’re good to go!