Your senior photoshoot
hello
I just wanted to get in touch with a few tips about what to expect, what to wear, and to get excited about the unique and amazing experience your Senior Shoot will be!
Remember, this is for you. Well, and future you, too! It’s not for the Instagram post, it’s not for your parents, and it’s not for the little square in the yearbook. It’s an excellent opportunity to spend a day just looking after #1 and taking some time to reflect on what it feels like to be on the cusp of one of the most significant transitions of your life. You will look back on this time forever.
Feeling nervous? Rest easy knowing that this is my passion. I always do this and go to great lengths to make you smile. I also have a wealth of experience and tools to ensure you feel at ease and natural during our shoot.
this is about you
Every senior I work with brings their special sparkle to the shoot, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want you to get your whole shiny self to the session!
I’ll send you a questionnaire to start this friendship for real. I’m interested in knowing who you are, what matters to you, your plans after high school, what activities keep you busy, and how you spend your spare time.
The more comfortable we are around each other, the better your photos will be, and what better place to start than a real connection? Feel free to fire some questions of your own back at me, too. It’s only fair that you know who’s telling your story.
Finding the right spot
Okay, so let me clarify: Locations are not just pretty backdrops. They are a massive part of your session, and not only do they have a significant visual role to play, but they also greatly influence your mood and mindset. How you feel at home will vastly differ from how you might feel walking down a bustling city street or a wild craggy cliff.
Do not worry if nowhere comes to mind; I have so many places up my sleeve that you would look amazing in! But let’s try to settle on a location with lots of time to spare so that we have time to seek permission and permits if need be.
What to wear
Don't forget the props
It’s normal to want to shop for new fancy clothes to wear to a photo shoot, and that’s fine if you want to glam up.
But don't forget about all you have worked for. Let's photograph all of it, so don't forget your jersey, letterman jacket, cheer or band uniform.
If there is any traditional dress that you know one of your parents would cry to see you wear for your photos, maybe bring that too.
We will work with lots of options so we can tell your story in the most well-rounded way possible.
T I M E & S E A S O N
If you haven’t already decided on a date or a time, there are a couple of things to consider when booking your senior shoot: lighting, weather, season, and when your yearbook deadline is!
If we’re shooting outdoors, the best, most magical lighting for me is 1-2 hours after sunrise or 1-2 hours before sunset. If it’s cloudy, we can shoot anytime, and if we’re shooting indoors, then the timing depends on what kind of lights we’re working with and what direction the building is facing. Personally, I’m a bit partial to a cloudy day. The light diffuses through the clouds in a way that will make your skin look amazing. I don’t mind a bit of wind; there’s something about how it adds movement to photos that I’m a real sucker for. And a slight drizzle here and there never hurt anyone. I love taking photos, so almost any time works for me! The only thing is, I prefer to avoid the middle of the day for taking photos outside because we’ll likely end up with quite a few photos of you just squinting into the camera.
I highly recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you need to start printing photos for graduation invites or notices. This allows a comfortable amount of time for selections, edits, designs, printing, and delivery.
what to expect
During the photoshoot, do not worry if you don’t know what to do because I will direct you! We will dance, chat, walk, act, and laugh, and you will be so busy enjoying yourself that you’ll forget that you’re having your photo taken. It's going to be a blast!
I promise I will let you know when it’s appropriate to look at the camera. Until then, feel free to be as silly or serious as you want. Just know that there is no ‘right’ way to do things! If I tell you to walk towards the camera, do it as you usually would – and I know this bit is tricky, but try not to overthink it!
I want you to feel as authentic and comfortable as possible in front of my lens. I will take care of you; you only have to show up and have fun.