Senior Girl
Unlike some photographers, I offer my senior portrait sessions throughout the year. Parents often ask when the best time is to have them done, and my answer is always: whenever it's most convenient for you and your child. For some, this means the summer after their junior year and for others it means a few months before graduation.
I do recommend that you give yourself about two months before graduation so that you can send out announcements with the pictures we take. Senior portrait pictures are also ideal for graduation invitations. If you need the pictures for your school's yearbook, you'd of course want to take that into consideration, as well.
For my senior girl's portrait sessions, I often work with you to select the best outfits, accessories, props and locations to create a cohesive look. I shoot on location and have a nice array of pre-scouted locations to choose from. I'm also open to shooting at new places, so definitely share your suggestions.
In the end, this portrait session is all about documenting this major milestone: graduating from high school and opening a new chapter in your book of life. It's also about showcasing your personality and sense of style. We can do that through where we shoot, what you're wearing, the props incorporated and all the different poses and expressions I capture. These are all things we'll discuss and finalize leading up to your session.
My goal is to use poses, angles and lighting that makes you look your absolute best. After all, these pictures are probably going to hang on the wall -- and be forever immortalized via school yearbooks -- for a long time to come.
All my portrait sessions include unlimited outfit and location changes.
Senior Boy
Everything that I said about my senior girl's portrait session is also true about my senior boy's portrait sessions. Timing wise, I suggest thinking about what you need your senior pictures for and then giving yourself a window of approximately two months to get your prints and products.
Like my senior girl's sessions, my senior boy's portraits are all about documenting this grand achievement, and the fact that you're stepping into another phase of your life. These are pictures that you, your high school friends and family members will cherish for a long time to come.
Speaking man-to-man, I know that carving out a big chunk of your time to get all dressed up and have your picture taken doesn't exactly sound like fun. But even if these pictures aren't for yourself, they're for your parents, grandparents and friends. Senior portraits are a reflection of you at this time in your life and they're an important thing to have. As someone who bailed on his senior portraits about 20 minutes into the session years ago, I wish I would have embraced the experience more!
That spiel aside, my senior boys portraits are pretty laid back and casual. We can incorporate props and accessories that reflect who you are -- including sports gear, instruments, cars, pets and more. We'll also get some prop-free pictures of your mug.
Like my senior girl's session, you can change your outfit and location as often as you want. I advise two outfit changes, though: one that's slightly more dressed up and another that's informal.
Standard
1 hour Custom Session
10 Images
Choice of Folio Box or Book
10 Digital Social Media Images
$600
Deluxe
3 hour Custom Session
30 Images
Hair and Makeup
Layflat Book
Folio Box with 5x7 matted photos
Social Media Images
$1500
Senior Session Preparation:
You've got the outfit planned…now what? There are lots to consider when getting your pictures done. While everyone has their own method of preparation, I can definitely give you some insider tips for how to prepare and make sure your senior photo shoot is a smashing success.
PLAN AHEAD
Several months before your session -- two or three, give or take -- is the best time to start thinking about the big day. Start a Pinterest board, start dog-earing magazine pages and definitely start trying on various clothing to see what you feel best in. As the day gets closer, start narrowing down your inspiration boards and ideas. That includes outfits, hair and makeup for women, and even props.
CHOOSING PROPS
Speaking of props, those are a really important part of your photo session. We'll definitely get photographs of you without props, but we want to make sure we include pictures of you with meaningful items that represent who you are.
Prop Ideas
Musical Instruments
Sports Equipment
Your Car
A Pet
Beautiful Furniture
Vintage Accents
CHOOSING THE LOCATION
Selecting where you have your photos taken goes along with choosing props. I have a whole list of locations to choose from and we'll talk details once you book. Meanwhile, it's a good idea to get the gears turning. Think about what kind of a vibe you want for your pictures. Is it earthy? Urban? Academic?
Location Ideas
The Football Stadium
In The Woods
An Overgrown Field
With a Cityscape Backdrop
In An Urban Alley
Sample Schedule:
One Month Out: Choose Outfits
Two Weeks Out: Haircut and color
One week Out: Makeup and Hair Run
Day Before: Mani and Pedi
Day Of: Hair @ 1pm, Makeup @ 3pm, Photo Shoot @ 5pm
Frequently Asked Questions for Senior Sessions:
What happens if I get sick?
No worries. I've got your back! We can always reschedule your senior session if you’re feeling under the weather. Please reference our section in our contract where we go over the proper notifications for rescheduling a session due to illnesss.
How long does it take to get my photos back?
You'll have proofs within two weeks of your session. Once you place your order, you'll have everything on your doorstep within a month!
What kinds of products do you offer?
I provide all sorts of products. Your parents are probably interested in the gift prints, albums and gallery wraps. You may be more interested in graduation invites and wallet prints.
How many outfit changes and props can I have?
I place no restrictions on outfit changes or your number of props. Just keep in mind that the time you spend changing or setting up is part of your 2-hour session.
Can I order extra wallets?
You can order as many wallets as your heart desires. They come in sets of 8 and start at $20 per set.
How far in advance should I book my session?
I’m normally booked out a month-two months in advance. This time period is subject to change depending on the time of year. Fall and spring tend to be the busiest time for photographing seniors.
How long will my session last?
Your session time will be based upon the purchased package. I would suggest up to 2 hours or more depending on if you would like more outfit changes or locations. The more outfit changes and locations you have the more variety and looks you can have for your images.
What locations are used throughout the photo session?
Selecting locations is one of my favorite things to do for a photo session. A week prior to the session I will have you text me samples of your outfits so we can provide the perfect location match for your outfits!
Can other people be included in my photos?
Yes, you can definitely add in your BFF or your boyfriend. However, there’s an additional $50 add in fee for each additional person or animal added in with your photographs.
What if the weather is bad on the date of my session?
If the session needs to be rescheduled due to inclement weather, we will try for the first available session date. I will send you a notification within 12-24 hours of the session date if I see a reason to reschedule. Please note I do automatically reschedule sessions if there is a more than a 50% chance of rain.
Do you offer professional retouching?
I do offer professional retouching.
What is a senior rep?
A senior rep is a senior who represents Summertime Photography. If you are a senior rep, you will receive benefits and incentives for promoting our studio throughout your senior year. For more information, contact us via the Contact Me button below!