Senior Guide
So...you're booking a session with me...YEA!! I can't wait to meet you! Inside this guide you will find some tips and tricks to help along the way. Read over it while you wait for our video call. Read over it again a few times before your session to refresh your mind! So keep it handy!
This is your go to guide to help answer ANY QUESTIONS that may come up in the process. And always know that I am just a DM, TXT, or phone call away!
Welcome
I am SO excited you're here! Senior year is so exciting and maybe a little scary too! This guide will help you as you plan and prepare for your session, and will allow you to know exactly what to expect during your senior photography experience with me! I'm so EXCITED to get to know you, help you plan, and make the day of as fun and painless as possible. (more emphasis on the fun!) As always, feel free to reach out at any time if you have any questions along the way!
A Quick Intro...
I am Married
John and I met when we were in our mid 20's, although neither one of us knew what the future would hold at the time! My best friend and I used to say, "whoever marries that guy would be one lucky girl!" God has such a sense of humor because now, John is my best friend and I AM one lucky lady!
I am a Mom
John and I have one super kiddo! The Lord blessed us with an amazing little guy after 3 years of trying, a miscarriage, and many fertility treatments. He is a gift of the Lord...and you can't tell me differently. He brings such joy and energy to our house!
Coffee is Life
If I could hook up an IV with coffee in it...I just might! No, not really. But if you want to get to know me, just ask me over for coffee. I'm always up for a cup. I think coffee has healing powers for the heart! Many GREAT conversations happen over coffee!
My Why...
I love photographing seniors because it gives me the opportunity to serve and love the people who are right on the brink of something new, exciting, and even a little bit scary. It’s such a joyful and EXCITING time in your life, but I totally understand how overwhelming the entire process can be! I'm here for you! Its my job to help you feel beautiful and confident in front of the camera. You don't need to have "model" experience or even like to have your picture taken! I know how to pose and prompt to get those beautiful natural smiles! So pressure is off you. You just come and enjoy! This season of you life is such a blessing to not only you, but to your parents. You've worked hard, they've worked hard, not its time to celebrate! Your Senior session is just the beginning of your next step! I'm here to help and encourage you through the process!
What's Included
In all our packages:
- A pre-session consultation. I want to be sure we are all on the same page. I can help with advice for outfits, props, locations, etc...
- A print credit to put towards Collections, Albums, and Fine Art prints
- An hour or more of session time
- An optional ordering appointment, once your gallery is finished. We can sit down and think through together how you want to use your pictures!
- Delivery of proofs in an easy to use online gallery, complete with printing options to make ordering prints easy!
- Money saving collections to pull together the artwork that display your pictures without extra costs.
- My time, talent, and professionalism throughout the process, including time of mulling over our session again and making the images shine!
- Open and honest communication through the whole process, including a personal hype-girl for your whole senior year! Not just your session!
Deluxe Senior Session
This session pulls no stops! This is the BEST VALUE session. Two FULL SESSIONS [typically one in the Spring/Summer (2 hr/2 locations) and one (1 hr) in the Fall] at the 3 locations of your choice. You are able to have unlimited outfit changes within that time. Play a sport? Bring the equipment. Play an instrument...I want to hear you play!
You'll get an Online proof Gallery after your session to select your favorites for your album and prints!
We'll also include the family and take some updated Family Portraits as well!
Also included is 35 Hand Edited Pictures of your choice delivered on a USB drive w/print release.
Also, you'll receive a 20% discount on all prints and products order.
$1800
Standard Senior Session
This is our MOST POPULAR session. Session lasts up to 2 hours at the locations of your choice, up to 2 locations.
You are able to have unlimited outfit changes within that time. Play a sport? Bring the equipment. Play an instrument...I want to hear you play!
You'll get an Online proof Gallery after your session to select your favorites for your album and prints!
Also included is 20 Hand Edited Pictures of your choice delivered on a USB drive w/print release.
Also, you'll receive a 20% discount on all prints and products order.
$1500
Simple Senior Session
This is my simplest session. It lasts about 1 hour at the location of your choice (no worries, I'll help you chose one if you don't have one in mind).
You'll get an Online proof Gallery after your session to select your favorites for your album and prints! You can have up to 3 outfit changes during this time.
Also included are 10 Hand Edited Pictures of your choice delivered on a USB drive w/print release.
$800
** A $200 deposit is required along with a signed contract to book a session
**Ask about our easy-pay payment plans. I never want cost to be an obstacle in booking a session with me. I can break any session and collection package into a payment plan to help with budgeting.
**Average investment is about $1800 for session fees, prints, and wall art!
What to Expect
If you're like every other senior, you're probably a little nervous thinking about being in front of the camera... I mean, you're not used to having a big black box pointed at you, am I right?! Even I get nervous when I'm having photos done!!
It's COMPLETELY normal to feel a little silly when being posed, but I want to encourage you to just relax and have a good time. You don't need to have "model" experience or even like to have your picture taken! I know how to pose and prompt to get those beautiful natural smiles! So pressure is off you! Some prompts I give you both might seem a little silly at first, but TRUST ME, they create some legit magic.
All you have to do is show up and be yourself... easy, right?! I'll take care of the rest and we're going to have a lot of FUN!
TIPS & TRICKS FOR SUCCESS
BE ON TIME: We typically plan your start time based on sunset time. If you are late, it cuts into the sunlight we have available! No one wants dark photos, so arriving on time will ensure we have gorgeous light to work with for your whole shoot! :)
BRINGING THE DOG: I adore ALL the cute pups, so naturally, I LOVE it when you bring them along! The best way to include them is to have someone else bring your dog during the last 15 minutes of your session, or choose a session location that is less than 5 minutes away from your home. Contact me so we can work out the details!
CLEAN THE RING: If you bring your class ring, make sure it is clean! I'd love to grab a few up close shots of just your ring while you change outfits! Cleaning it will ensure it's nice and sparkly for photos!
EMPTY YOUR POCKETS: Especially for guys, make sure you don't have anything in your pockets! I am more than happy to store phones and keys in my bag, or ladies, you can bring along a little purse to keep everything in.
RELAX! You don’t have to be a pro at this! I’m going to help you along the way and it’s going to be a blast! I don't expect anything from you. Enjoy this time and make a date out of it! Plan something fun or go to dinner afterwards and celebrate!!
GET YOUR NAILS DONE: Make sure your nails are freshly painted, or spoil yourself with a trip to the salon! Chipped nails will be noticeable in your photos. Neutral colors and pastels photograph beautifully and will match any outfit!
BRING COMFY SHOES: If you're wearing heels, bring a pair of flip flops or comfortable shoes to walk from spot to spot. Your feet will thank me later! Don't forget MOM! Usually mom walks with us...mom will want comfy shoes too! (And a quick word about mom...or whomever you chose to bring with you...I recruit them as my helper for the day. Be ready to capture some behind the scenes, hold a reflector, and/or carry it from spot to spot. Don't worry, its not heavy or burdensome)
MAKE UP: Natural is best. (How you usually do it!) Bring some lipstick/gloss and powder to touch up as we go.
TAN LINES: Be aware that smart watches, tank tops, and certain outfits may cause awkward tan lines. Try evening out that tan by laying out or using concealer day of session to blend those tan lines in a bit.
What are some good locations around the area?
I've got you covered. If there isn't a location you are just DYING to shoot at, I've got a few favorites that have produced some A-MAZING pictures!
Check out some of my favorites below! (or ask about others!)
Downtown Canton
If you are looking for Urban, you'll find it in Canton. There are so many textures, colors, and options downtown! There are hidden gems in the Art district to explore. Everything from funky doors, to murals, to brick roads.
Lock 4
Looking for a more park-like setting. Lock 4 in Canal Fulton is it!! There is stone walls, waterfalls, bridges, paths, tall grass, barn doors, etc...this place has it ALL!
Canal Fulton
If you are looking for a more small town feel...Canal Fulton is for you. Brick streets, bridges, stairs and more! There are so many beautiful spots right in downtown Canal Fulton.
Canton Garden Center
This is a Senior Portrait Favorite! The Garden center does a great job Spring, Summer, and Fall at keeping the area beautiful with flowers and plants. A gazebo, benches, small creek and waterfalls, brick paths, and open space as well.
CHOOSING OUTFITS
HOW MANY OUTFITS? The number of outfits is up to you...I recommend three! One outfit that you are totally comfortable in. The one that says, "This is me!" Think casual. Another one that is dressier, maybe even a formal for girls or a suit/jacket and tie for guys. And the third, the outfit that you just "rock it" in. You know that one that makes you feel like a million bucks! Also, a little tip: Let mom pick out one outfit! Trust me!
CHOOSING COLORS: When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting lighter tones and more muted shades. Avoid ultra-bright, bold colors, and heavy patterns. Doing this will help bring all the attention to your face and let the eye focus on you and how beautiful you are. Soft pinks, muted blues, and light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white all work wonderfully. (check out these Pinterest Boards)
DRESS IT UP: Have you ever wanted to rock a sequin dress, or a long flowy maxi dress? Maybe you've dreamed of wearing a floral crown, or wearing a tulle skirt. THIS is your chance! Ladies, especially for your dressy outfit, I typically recommend a long, flowy A line dress that cinches at the waist. This is typically most flattering on most body types! For the guys, opt for a suit or nice pants and a suit jacket with a button down for your fancy outfit.
FLATTER YOUR FEATURES: Ladies, keep in mind which features you want to flatter and which features you want to hide when picking outfits! For example, if you want to hide your arms, choose a top with sleeves and skip the spaghetti straps. If you want to minimize your bust, choose a dress with a higher neckline and skip the strapless dress. If you opt for a low cut dress, it will minimize the amount of angles I can shoot!
SKIP THE SPRAY TAN: Even though it seems counter intuitive, I highly recommend skipping a spray tan altogether, even if it's a few days out from your session. Spray tans tend to photograph more orange than they appear and will make you appear more orange than tan!
Did I Miss Anything
Still Have Questions...
If you still have questions. Or simply just want to talk some more about an aspect of your session. Or maybe after browsing through here, you're ready to book! There are no silly questions, only those left unasked! Please don't hesitate to reach out. I am just a call, txt, or DM away! You can also click the button below and fill out the contact form on my website and I'll get back to you ASAP!