what are
Senior portraits are a great way to celebrate and document all the hard work you’ve put into your education. Not only the achievement, but also a great document of your own personal growth before you move on to college or to a career or trade.
Personal and Creative
It’s best to make these more personal. Integrating things about you; Your personal style, the things that you are really into, close friends, sports, music & art, etc. Beyond that, they aren’t boring photos of you in front of a backdrop. These showcase you and your personality. Moreover, they can have dramatic lighting and be way more fun.
Part Time Capsule/Part Heirloom
These aren’t just photos of you staring at the camera. Yeah, we will capture that you’re young, but better yet, we capture who you are. These are going to be really unique and special pictures that your kids and grandkids will enjoy. Imagine having professional photographs of your grandfather in high school that really captured just how much of a goofball he was. That would be something really special. It would take you back in time and get more a glimpse of who he was.
Resumes, College Applications, Apprenticeships
Your senior photos have many uses outside of sitting on your dad and mom’s desk. Including them with your college applications and resumes can really make you stand out from the piles of other applicants. Its just a tiny thing that lets them get to know you that much more. Not all of them require or even ask for it, but including them will make a great impression.
For Mom and Dad
They love you and your uniqueness. Having some professional senior portraits done for them will not only make them incredibly happy, but they will get to show you off to everyone how awesome and amazing you are.
It’s a great time to get on my calendar.
Where should i take my
Hangouts
Do you have a place that you like to hangout at? Yes, even your friends basement. We won’t do all of your photos there but this is about your life. Whatever and Wherever it is. Let’s capture it.
Hobbies
Love playing baseball? Skateboarding? Snowboarding? Movies? Video games? Whatever you are into, let’s integrate it into your photos.
Outside
Do you love nature? Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, water skiing, fly fishing, camping. Whatever it is – let’s go do it. I know some pretty epic spots.
Studio
Would you rather do some super cool edgy studio portraits and have fun with lighting? Studio senior portraits don’t need to be bland and stuffy. We have so much control over everything.
Indoor
Similar to studio portraits, indoor portraits can’t be easier to control but there can also be some really intertesting indoor locations to photograph at as well. It really just comes down to you and your style.
When should i take my
The best time to take your Senior Portraits is when you have some. Depending on what you really love and the locations we come up with there may be some season that may be best. Like winter if you’re really into skiing or snowboarding. With a little planning, I can make almost anything work. It just comes down to when you can take them and the location(s)
Yearbook
The easiest first step is finding your schools cuttoff for having your photos in the yearbook. That is your hard cutoff date. Now you don’t want to wait till the last minute but knowing that date will give you a good start to finding a good time to take to schedule your senior portrait session.
Are you super busy?
If you have a bunch of activites going on and school and a job. It might be best to wait till summer. I photograph any day of the week so it is rather easy to work in a portrait session into your schedule.
What’s your favorite season?
Mine personally is the fall. I love the yellow aspen leaves and the cool air. This may also come down to what you are really into and when the best time to showcase that is. Can’t do photos at the pool in winter ya know?
What else do you want to use the photos for?
Your parents might want to send them out with Christmas or holiday cards. Do you want to include them with your graduation announcements? Keeping this in mind will help. In general the best time is early so you have your photos for all the things in your senior year.
How do I best
Outfits
Plan out your attire. Not only for something that is nice, but also that helps showcase you and your personality.
Props
Think of the things that help show off your hobbies and personality. Books, jerseys, baseball glove and bat, backbacking gear, snowboard, music instrument. Whatever it is that you’re into. Also think about anything that is sentimental to you like family heirlooms, or long time favorite shirt or stuffed animal.
Hair/Makeup
This is not the time to try something new. Stick with a style that is your usual one. Guys, don’t get a haircut the day of your session. I would say at least a week prior. Your hair needs to settle down for a few days.
Rest
Get some good rest the day prior. You will be more prepared for the shoot and some of the fun we will have. Also your skin and eyes will thank you for it.
Posing
Don’t worry about this. You can certainly look up some poses online if you want to try something specific, but this is my job. The way I work is more of a flow. Its situational and less rigid so you don’t feel posed, even though you are. I know how to get you there without it feeling like work. Seriously, don’t sweat it. I got chu.
Pets
I know how much pets mean to us and this is a great time to have them with you in photos.
QUICK TIPS FOR YOUR
do
Hair and Makeup done by a professional.
Wear clothes you love and make you feel good.
Pick locations that you have a connection to. Having a reason why you’re there makes them that much better and memorable.
Bring a friend or parent that can help you with outfits and your props. They will be in some photos too.
Print your photos. Get them out of the digital world and enjoy them everyday.
Keep things simple. We will work together to find ways to show of your personality and your interests, but there’s no need to go overboard or let it worry you.
Shave a few days prior and touch up the day of. It helps lessen the chance of razor burn.
Get good sleep the night prior to your session. Your skin and eyes will thank you for it.
Plan out your clothing prior and have it ironed or pressed. Wrinkles will get expensive to edit out.
Give yourself enough time prior to the session to have hair and makeup done… but not too much before your session that it falls flat.
don’t
Wear clothes that don’t make you feel awesome.
Go overboard with makeup or a hairstyle you don’t normally wear.
Bring a entire crew to your session. It makes it harder for you to be yourself and relax. Only bring the people who bring out the best in you and help you have fun.
Bring too many outfits expecting to take photos in all of them. It will eat up too much time. Focus on top 3 and bring other options you are okay with not photographing if we don’t have time. You never know what will work great.
Wear all white. You can tone that down with a jacket over a white shirt/blouse.
Wear all black. Unless a dramatic photograph is the goal. You can often look like a floating head. Break it up with other tones: greys, white, colors. Also wearing clothing with varying texture helps too.
Over accessorize. You can have items that show some style and personality but less is more.
Wear clothes that fit poorly. Baggy clothes can make you look heavier than you are. Overly tight clothes will bulge and create lots of distracting lines.
Cut your hair right before your session. Try to get a trim or cut a week prior for a more natural look. You need some time for your hair and scalp to relax.
Plan out your attire. Not only for something that is nice, but also that helps showcase you and your personality.
how to have fun in a
Picking a Photographer
Pick a photographer that you really like their work, but also that you get along with really well. Its cruicial. Also pick one that you feel they understand you and how you want your photos to be.
Hire a Pro
Hiring a professional photographer is going to help you know how to pose and how to get those unique moments. It’s not just about having a “pro” camera. You’ll not only have great lighting, but it will be fun too.
Be yourself
These portraits are all about you. I want to get the best photos of you and I care. I want you to look and feel great and will go great lengths to help you do that. I am here for you.
Let’s play music
I have a speaker to bring on your session so think about your favorite artists so we can have it playing as we’re having fun.
Communication
We will have your session all planned out so you will know what to expect. I am also always open to your ideas and concerns. I am only a phone call or email away. You are not bothing me. I am here for you.
What are the
lET'S CHAT ABOUT YOUR IDEAS, TIMELINE AND HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER.
It's a great idea to book an initial conversation so we can explore your needs and build a plan around your school's timeline. I invite you to reach out so we can get something in the calendar.
Thank you!
