Stress Free Senior Session Guide
PICK A TIME & DATE
You Time/Date will vary on my availability, but you also need to pick a time/date in which you have nothing immediately before or after the session. It will take time to get ready, drive to the location, etc. This also applies to after the session. When picking a time/date, keep in mind that you will need more time than your allotted slot. I only book sessions on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday so please keep this in mind.
CHOOSE YOUR LOCATIONS
I would suggest speaking to me. That is an easy way to narrow down what type of location you are looking for! Keep in mind that you can pick more than one type of location (farm, park, urban area, etc.) if multiple locations are included in your session! When you find a location that you like, check out the location’s website for hours of operations and if they charge a photography fee.
For example; The Dayton Art Institute in Dayton, Ohio charges a $75 fee to photograph in their museum plus a waiver for me and you to sign before taking any photographs there. If you are unsure about locations, ask me. Communication is KEY.
I have a licensed permit to shoot your session in any local Metro Park in the Dayton area. No need to worry about paying any fees for city or state parks.
FILL OUT MY ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE
Please complete the online questionnaire prior to our session. This gives me some clarity on what style shoot you want, a little about your senior and prop ideas etc...
OUTFITS/ACCESSORIES/PROPS
Wearing multiple outfits is a great way to express your individuality and exhibit your personality during your senior session. When picking outfits, don’t be afraid to dress it up! (Ladies) Long skirts and dresses will flatter the female body. And long pants and closed toe shoes are a great choice for the guys! Also, softer tones and neutral pallets usually compliment every skin tone. But, don’t be afraid to add in a bold accessory to make the outfit pop! I recommend to not wear all white or all black. Also, don't wear shirts with graphic words or logos. I've noticed from previous sessions if you wear mostly beige or white it's not very flattering and can make a photograph look muted, flat and dull.
BONUS: (Ladies) Bring a pair of flip flops to walk around in if you have heels! Save your feet a lot of pain! Discuss what props and outfits you plan to use and other aspects of the shoot. Typically, I will have suggestions on how to get the most out of your session. Communication is key. If you would like to try and include any props in the session, make sure to bring them with you. Fresh flowers, can be used in senior sessions and help individualize your portraits. Artificial flowers are ok too. I have shot sessions with both. However, make sure you talk to me about what you will be bringing, so I can plan accordingly.
BRING A FRIEND WITH YOU
I always recommend bring someone with you to your session! They can help you change, carry your things around, etc. It is also useful if that person can make you laugh. Pictures with genuine smiles and laughter are always better! I like to give you candid and poses portraits to choose from when selecting your final images from your gallery.
BRING SOME BASIC ESSENTIALS
If it has recently rained before your event, it might be a wise idea to bring towels to wipe off wet areas.
No one wants pictures with a wet spot or lint on their clothing. I have seen this happen and it's very hard for me to eliminate wet clothes when editing your photos and can be very time consuming. (Ladies)It is always good idea to bring your makeup with you, so you can do touchups in between shots. Secondly, makeup remover wipes are a must. Makeup Remover sounds counter-productive, but is actually necessary. Say you start to sweat during your shoot, and your make up or mascara runs. This scenario could also happen with rain, or numerous other events in which a section of your makeup needs to be touched up.
RELAX
In many cases, senior sessions are a persons first time in front of a camera for an hour alone. This can cause high anxiety which is completely normal! Sometimes, I still feel anxious on the other side of the camera! Fortunately, us photographers are used to this and are pros when getting you to laugh and relax. I will say corny off the wall things to get YOU to smile. Just relax, have fun and let me do the hard work.
The more comfortable you are, the better your pictures will be.
DON'T WORRY
The session might not go as you planned. You might forget something at home or it might start raining or the wind picks up.
I just want you to know that it will be okay!! Don’t STRESS OUT, don’t worry. It will work out and we will make the most of your session and any situation that presents itself. Sometimes, it may mean trying another day. But, in the end, you will get great images and it will be all worth it.
ARRIVE EARLY
Please arrive 15 minutes early. If your session is to start at 2pm, don’t drive up at 2pm. It will take you time to begin, and it will cut into your session time. I want to go over a few things prior to shooting so please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled session time.
LEAVE YOUR PHONE & CAMERA IN THE CAR
Phones and keys are very noticeable in most clothing pockets. In order to get the most out of your session, leave your phone and other items in the car. No exceptions.
TALK TO THE ME :)
If the standard model-type poses make you extremely uncomfortable, tell me. I'm happy to plan plenty of other poses that suit your personality. I enjoy talking to my clients, so I can get to know them and personalize their experience! So, don’t be afraid to open up! If you have any questions prior please reach out to me in advance. Let's make your Senior session fun, easy going yet memorable. See you soon!
Thanks, Heather