Senior Photography~ Frequently Asked Questions
Can you believe your sweet little baby is all grown up?! Like…how in the WORLD did that happen?! WHEN in the world did that happen? I bet you remember cuddling your sweet toddler through rough nights or helping your middle schooler through friend drama, and now–ah-hem, it’s time to for SENIOR YEAR of HIGH SCHOOL. Oh man. Makes me want to squeeze the ba-jeebers out of my little ones. OK. Breathe deep. So, NOW it’s time to set up a Senior Photo Shoot. This isn’t just any photo shoot. This is a time to celebrate your senior. Celebrate what he or she has accomplished so far. Cheer on where he or she is headed in the future. This photo shoot should be EPIC. And it WILL BE…with KatieRie Photography.
When Should We Book our Session?
Senior Sessions typically take place during the summer before the Senior Year of High School. This allows enough time to meet deadlines as to when your photo needs to be submitted for the yearbook. Each school is different, so please be sure to check with your own high school so you can avoid rushing around, panicking to get everything in on time. Most schools have a deadline in the fall.
Since your session is usually during the summer, I love choosing locations with plenty of different colors, backgrounds and textures so your senior can be showcased (not overpowered) by the surroundings. Senior sessions are photographed about an hour or so before sunset (during my coveted Golden Hour), which gives stunning lighting for your portraits. I have a list of preferred locations where I know the lighting extremely well, so you will get GORGEOUS images in your gallery.
PRO TIP: Be sure to bring bug spray! Those mosquitos can be downright NASTY during this time of year!
What Should I Bring?
Around 3-4 outfits usually is the perfect amount of clothing variety for Senior Pictures. Bring something dressy, something casual, and something that really represents your son or daughter’s personality. It’s important to remember that you want to document who your son or daughter is at this point of time, so don’t fight it if he or she wants photos with his favorite tee! Embrace it. Also, sometimes seniors like to bring a jersey, trophies or instruments to show off their talents and accomplishments. This is a GREAT IDEA!
I also recommend bringing make-up and hairspray for touch ups. In between changes you can check to make sure you look exactly how you would like. Some people invest in getting their hair and make-up done–this is GREAT way to pamper yourself for your big day! Be sure to do a practice run-through though, so you know exactly what you will be getting the day of your session.
PRO TIP: Ladies~ be sure to take any chipping nail polish off of your nails. This might be a great time to get your nails done as well. You will be looking at these photos for the rest of your life!
What Happens During the Session? After?
Once your Senior Session is booked, (signed contract and paid retainer secures your date) we will discuss your vision for your session. This can be in person, via email, or on the phone. We can go over outfit choices or any other questions you might have leading up to your session. Once your session date arrives–this is the time to have FUN! Sometimes I tell mom to hang out by a picnic table or by the car. She can still see the session happening, but often the senior is a little nervous and won’t loosen up if mom is calling out “no, not THAT smile… look natural!” I promise I will get gorgeous, natural looks. It’s my job.:)
The session usually takes about an hour. After your session, I will go through and discard any images that didn’t make the cut (eyes closed, bugs, poor posture). After that, I soft proof, or lightly edit the images that did make the cut. These images will be MORE than your allotted images (depending on which package you choose). And voila! Your gallery is created. You then get a week to choose your final images that I will artistically and completely edit. I offer packages with digital images as well as packages with products and prints…it just depends what is best for YOU. I will help you through the entire process.
One thing for certain, is you will have absolutely STUNNING images for your Senior Portraits. As stated earlier, this is the time to celebrate your wonderful Senior. I can’t wait to work with you to create beautiful works of art!
KatieRie Photography surves the Charlotte, NC area AND the Milwaukee, WI area.
Do you think we are a good fit?! LET’S CHAT!