Senior Portraits Frequently Asked Questions
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What Do I Wear?
My first rule: Wear what makes you feel good. Second rule: I recommend solid colors, not prints or stripes. If you do wear a print, it should be a small print. (large prints, stripes, and designs tend to take away from your face and can put the focus on your clothes. The focus should be on your face.
Colors that make you feel good and look good against your skin or brings out the color of your eyes are great choices.
You can have up to 3 clothing choices. If in doubt, bring an assortment and I'll help you decide. You can also bring your cap and gown as an extra look and it won't count as one of your choices.
I recommend girls bring/wear a pair of blue jeans or capris so you can sit on the ground, on some rocks, or on tree stumps. Another great look is to bring a dress, sundress, or your prom dress.
Girls, be sure to check your nails. Your hands will show in the portraits. Either remove your nail polish or have your nails freshly painted.
Keep jewelry to a minimum--again, the focus should be on your face, not on your accessories.
Bring a pair of flat shoes or slippers for walking around the location. You can wear heels in the pictures, but it's easier to walk around n flats.
Since senior portraits are a once-in-a-lifetime event, and because I do a lot of close-up shots, I strongly recommend a professional makeup artist. Even if you don't wear makeup at all, having your makeup professionally done will even out your skin tones, conceal blemishes, and helps keep the shine off your face so you'll look great in your pics. A professional artist will also know how to bring out your eyes so they'll look amazing in your portraits. And don't worry if you break out just before your session! Makeup and a little editing will make blemishes disappear. A professional makeup artist knows how to apply makeup for camera. It's not just a matter of applying it more heavily, she also knows how to use non-reflective products as well as products that won't turn strange colors in the pictures. I have a professional makeup artist available who does a great job with seniors. She'll make you look very natural, not over-the-top. She'll do age-appropriate makeup and she knows how to apply makeup for portraits. She's very reasonably priced and well worth it. Let me know if you're interested in having a makeup artist for your session.
Guys--make sure to freshly shave or if you want the 5 o'clock shadow look, make sure it's grown to the length you want. I do a lot of close-ups, so you want to look your best. Make sure your hair is also at the length you want it.
Location?
The most popular locations I use are the 1) beach, 2) the forest. The easiest way to decide is to take a look at some of the images on my site and see what appeals to you. If you have pics of something you'd like to try or a pose you think is cool, let me know and we can probably re-create it. You can choose one location for you session; if you'd like to shoot at more than one location, there is an addition $100 location fee.
What About Pricing and Payment?
Your Sitting Fee includes up to a 2-hour session and consultation about creating the perfect session for you; help in choosing your clothing; an online proof gallery and 2-8x10 prints. The session fee also includes minor editing to remove blemishes and any other touch-ups which may be necessary.
Session fee is due the day of your session. I accept cash, checks, and credit cards. After your session, I'll put up a private, online proof gallery for you. You have the option of ordering prints, digital images, or a combination of both. I do have packages available or you can order items individually. You can also build your own package based on your needs. Please e-mail me for details and specific prices. Once you make your selections on what you'd like to order, I'll send you an e-mail invoice. When I receive your payment, I'll finalize your order and send it for printing.
Can Mom or Dad come?
Absolutely! Moms and dads are especially welcome to the session and I appreciate having them there to help keep an extra eye on your hair, clothing, etc.
How Soon Will I Get My Pictures?
After your session I normally have your private, online proof gallery ready within 5-7 days. I'll send you an e-mail as soon as it's ready. Then it's your turn to review the images and decide which ones you want to purchase. Once you let me know, then I'll do a final edit on those and fill your order (prints or digital images). I normally require 2-3 weeks dto get your order finalized. If you need an image quicker, let me know and I can put a rush on that image while you decide on the rest of your order.