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Tips for Senior Photo Session:

1.  Plan to Bring 2-3 Outfits

Arrange to bring several outfits to your photo session in a variety of colors, not just your favorite hue. Remember to bring accessories for all outfits, from footwear to jewelry and hair accents. Since several full-body shots are also taken, check shoes to be sure they are clean and that both socks match – that full-body shot could end up being your favorite pose.  We may not go through all the clothing you bring, but it's better to have several selections ready.  

2. Keep your clothing visually simple.

Don’t bring outfits with words or designs, stripes or pictures, except possibly your school logo. You want your face, eyes and expression to command attention, not the words on your shirt.  Make sure to wear Tank tops in case you need to do a quick shirt change near the car. 

3. Give consideration to color.

Solid colors are recommended for most or all outfits.
Darker shades tend to make people look slimmer. Try not to wear flesh-tone or neutral colors such as white, beige, tan, pale peach or pink, or gray, as these can dominate the picture and make you look washed out.  Spring and summer colors of sky blue, pale green, watermelon and dark peach to complement the outdoor setting are fine. For fall, consider wearing red, gold, deep orange, emerald green, black, and dark green.

4. Use clothing to accentuate your best features.

Girls may want to forego short sleeves or spaghetti straps if their arms are heavy, since these styles will only accentuate that feature.
Turtleneck tops look best on people with long necks. Round and square faces look good in a square-neck top, while thin faces or pointed chins are attractive with rounded-neck tops.

5. Go easy on the jewelry.

Avoid wearing attention-grabbing jewelry.  The photos should accentuate your face, eyes and personality, not draw unwarranted attention to your jewelry.
Also, jewelry can date a photograph very quickly. Classic jewelry pieces are best.

6. Apply makeup normally.

It’s tempting to get very “glam” when having pictures taken, but this could very well make you look like a stranger in your senior portrait.  Apply your makeup as you normally look on a day-to-day basis.  Avoid glitter or sparkly anything (powder, eye shadow, blush) – it tends to reflect the flash and leaves white spots.
Also avoid too much lip gloss. It can also leave white spots from the flash or make you look like you’re drooling.

7. Bring powder.

If you have it, bring along some translucent powder. While in real life, a bit of shine to the face gives you that “dewy glow,” it unfortunately can look like “too much glow” in photos.

8. Go with practiced hair styles.

Getting senior portraits done is not the time to leave your hair uncombed for that “natural” look. Also, avoid experimental hairstyles.   In general, friends and family prefer to remember you as you looked most of your senior year, not just during the period when you had your pictures taken.  Get a haircut at least a week in advance to give your hair a chance to adjust and look natural.

9. Guys need a fresh shave.

A fresh shave for guys is recommended, and mustaches or beards should be neatly trimmed.

10. Don’t worry about blemishes.

Don’t worry about a blemish or bruise. Digital retouching and some smoothing will be done if necessary.

11. Don’t worry about braces.

Your braces are a part of the high-school “you” and shouldn’t be avoided or hidden.  So just Smile!

12. Stay away from tans.

Don’t overdo the tanned look. For one thing, it looks unnatural. For another, your pictures could reveal peeling skin or a cherry-red nose.

13. Help your glasses avoid glare.

For those who wear glasses: Either buy or borrow a pair of suitable frames without lenses to prevent glare and reflections from the glass.

14. Make sure your hands are presentable.

Like shoes, hands can show up in some of your favorite poses, so be sure to take the time to make them presentable – guys should trim their nails, and girls might need to touch up their manicure.

15. Practice your facial expressions.

Before you go to the photo shoot, practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror at home. You can try various smiles, serious but relaxed looks, and animated expressions for action shots (with sports gear, for example).

16. Work on your poses.

I will arrange your standing and sitting positions for a variety of shots, however, you can try out different stances and positions at home, in front of a mirror, or by asking for feedback from a friend or family member.   The overall goal is to appear natural and upbeat.   I want you to get the most from your session and you know how you look best.  J

17. Personalize your photos with props.

This is your time to show what your favorite things are in High School.  Feel free to bring letter jackets, musical instruments, cheer/band uniforms, or anything else that is significant to you.  You are completing a journey.  When you look back 10, 20, 30 years from now, you’ll want to remember all the things that made this journey special. 

Can’t wait to spend time with you during our session!  If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know. 

 

Fall Session Ideas -

I didn't create these photos, just sharing the ideas with my clients!

 

Spring Session Ideas -

 

We've Scheduled our Fall Session! What should we wear?

It’s my FAVORITE time of the year again!  It’s time for boots, scarves, shorter evenings, with gorgeous golden sunsets, and dark nights with a bright,  scary full moon.    I’m always so glad to see the summer months come to an end.  I’m always looking forward to the holidays and more family together time!

That being said, it’s time for me to throw out some ideas for clothing for the Fall Sessions!  Once the sessions are scheduled, that’s the most asked question by my clients…..  What should we wear?  

I will tell you loud and clear… so listen up folks!  Gone are the days of All black shirts or all white shirts….  Stop it!   It is sooo done!  J  

You have a big family group getting together for a photo.   Discuss with the family and pick out maybe 3-5 colors that are visually appealing, and have everyone build their wardrobe around those colors.   Here are examples to give you some ideas!

Check out this color pallet.  Orange, brown, cream, and throw in a bit of purple too.  Notice how each article of clothing for each person compliments another outfit in the group?   A bit casual with the jeans, but also a bit dressy with the nice jewelry and cute kids clothes.  Oh this screams FALL!  Love it!

 

 

How about this one!  Oh my gosh!! How much do you love the green??!!   What an awesome pop of color.  The color pallet contains creams, browns and that amazing green!   Wouldn’t you love to wear this in your fall photos? 

 

 

 

 

This one is a bit more muted but the feeling is still very warm.  Color Pallet contains blues, creams and browns.   But notice how Mom’s outfit tosses in that awesome orange scarf?  Oy!  That’s beautiful!  And why shouldn’t mom stand out a little?  J

 

 

Oh and believe me, I still love the black!  Everyone looks good in black!   This color pallet has black, grey, white and again, that awesome pop of crimson color. 

Here’s a few more tips for planning your family fall session…

Use clothing to accentuate your best features.

 

Women may want to forego short sleeves or spaghetti straps if their arms are heavy, since these styles will only accentuate that feature.
Turtleneck tops look best on people with long necks. Round and square faces look good in a square-neck top, while thin faces or pointed chins are attractive with rounded-neck tops.

Apply makeup normally.

It’s tempting to get very “glam” when having pictures taken, but this could very well make you look like a stranger.    Apply your makeup as you normally look on a day-to-day basis.  Avoid glitter or sparkly anything (powder, eye shadow, blush) – it tends to reflect the flash and leaves white spots.
Also avoid too much lip gloss. It can also leave white spots from the flash or make you look like you’re drooling.

Keep your clothing visually simple.  

Don’t have too many colors but also don’t have everyone in the same exact color.  Keep it simple, but with a splash of color.  Try to stay away from very busy small plaids as they look like ants crawling around on the photos. 

I hope I’ve given you some things to think about while preparing for your session.  Choose a 3-5 colors and have everyone pick out their clothing selections based on those choices.  It’s much easier and less stress when everyone has more choices, and can pick their clothing to feel cute, comfortable and fun!  Isn’t that what the photo session is really all about?  Having fun?

*** I did not photograph these outfits.  Just did some research and put them all in one place for my clients benefit!  J ***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m just starting out… I can’t possibly charge so much for my sessions! What should I do?

I got a question posted from a follower photographer named Jill.  It was a great question and I do get asked it often.  I'm going to unleash the best advice I've ever been given on this subject.  Are you ready????  Ok... Photogs... Here we go....


How can I possibly charge so much for a photo session????

I know the feeling… your  head is saying “but I’m still learning, my photos aren’t as good as some other’s out there, and I don’t want my customers to have an expectation of quality that I just can’t meet! “   Oh yea, just admit it!  You think it.  Heck I still have moments when I think it!

Well, I’d love to share some advice that I wish I had taken when I was starting out and unsure of my skills, much less pricing….

SET YOUR PRICE WHEN YOU SET UP YOUR BUSINESS !  That’s it!  Don’t start cheap.  You train your customers to only pay what they’ve always paid.   If you’re like me, it’s very hard to go up on those returning customers that have been with you forever!    Let me say that again so put your ear to the computer screen and hear me!   J   YOU train your customers to only pay what they’ve always paid!

But that doesn’t satisfy that nagging voice in your head that is filling you with self doubt about your skill level. 

So here’s the best part….This will help you be able to swallow that $200+ price you’re asking clients to pay….   If you are a newbie and portfolio building, set your pricing and then offer a “Portfolio Building Discount”.    Teach customers from the beginning your pricing is with the market standards, but while you are still building your portfolio and reputation, you are offering a deep discount!  

That’s it!  The very best advice I’ve ever been given about pricing.  Wish I had heard it years ago!   I started out cheap, got some awesome clients and returning clients.  But guess what, those returning clients became my friends!  That’s one of the core elements of my business.  I become a friend, not just a photographer.  How the heck do you go up on pricing on your friend????  Someone who has stuck by you since you were just starting out!   The answer – YOU CAN’T FOLKS! 

Believe me there will be a day when you ARE that good!  If you live, eat and breathe photography.  If you strive every day to discover your artistic style, YOU will value your work and KNOW that it’s as good  or better than most of what’s out there!

 And wouldn’t it be nice not to worry about pricing when that day comes???

 

KEEP CALM AND SHUTTER ON!  PHOTOG FRIENDS

Baking with the Babe

Do you ever cook with your kids? Believe it or not, it's one of the things I do with my kids where I have a lot of patience! Tossing in the ingredients and letting them go to town stirring, mixing, pouring.... Even simple recipes become an awesome experience and memory. I make a photo album every year and these will surely make the cut for being in the album! Such a simple thing, but years from now, I know Jack will appreciate these pics. :)

Of course, when it's time to clean up... They are gone!  Quick as a flash!  LOL 

 Can you relate? 

Happy Baking and Shooting!  

Crazy Love Memorable Wedding Moments

I've been thinking back quite a bit on the weddings I've done over the last couple of years.  There have been some amazing moments that I've been able to capture on their special day.  I wanted to share some that I remember... You know, the ones that stick in my head from the day, when I'm driving home late at night with achy feet and a mind swimming with the emotions of the day...... 
 I wanted to do these in a count down, but there's just simply no way to rank these!  They are each as special as the next.  I was so honored to be a part of these events. 


So I'll hush and jump right in...


Getting Ready ~ the most anxious time.  Everyone is nervous, everyone is happy, everyone is waiting to see the day unfold.


It's so important to capture every detail before the guests arrive.  It's sort've a moment of quiet. A moment to capture the little things that the bride has planned and paid for... 

This wedding in the Spring had gorgeous colors!  The lighting was just perfect.  I LOVE the dance floor area here.  It's just straight out of a magazine!

This wedding was very Vintage - pearls, lace table cloths, homemade pies and swimming!  What more could you ask for?

Before things get going, it's also a good time to sneak away with the rings and get those photos.  I love the challenge of the ring photos!  Any real pro photographer will tell you, it's a challenge to get that pin sharp ring photo.

  Here's a couple that I love.

A Fall Wedding - Couldn't resist the HUGE leaves falling at that time of year.

And Of course, it's so perfect to get the quietness of where the wedding will take place.  I love this time to catch my breath and think about what will be taking place in this very spot in just a couple of hours. 

 

If you can get the Bride and Groom to throw off the shackels of old traditions, I highly recommend "THE REVEAL" - It's so wonderful the warm moments that can be captured when they see each other for the first time..  Here are just a couple of examples. 

Gives me goosebumps EVERY time!

And again here....

And once again here.... EEEKKK!!! How can you NOT LOVE THIS????

 

I always enjoy getting to know the wedding party throughout the weekend.  I'm so blessed to have amazing experiences with all of these families.  They take me in and treat me like family for the weekend.    It's so great!

FlowerGirls are just amazing aren't they?  Especially when they look like angels... These 2, I couldn't get off my mind....

 

And in this photo - it's stuck with me for so long...  It has a very artistic feel to me.  Just a bridesmaid and the flower girls waiting.... waiting for their next set of instructions.  But I just love the tone of this photo...

 

And then comes the ceremony - the BIG Moment - what everyone has been waiting for... So many great shots to get through out.  I always love the prayers...

 

I love the shots from up high! 

And the smiles and jokes during the ceremony....  :)

 

It's great to capture families coming together.  Be it a unity candle or pouring of the sands... It's so special.   Especially in this vintage country wedding....  (luv)

And always!  THE KISS!   - No matter the rest of the ceremony - get this picture!!! 

And after the ceremony - I always try to get the officiant signing the marriage license.  I know it's a small detail, but it will be important to the bride and groom later.   Did you know in other parts of the U.S., it's a huge deal to get a photo fo the signing of the marriage license?

Love catching this moment.  She's giving him "The Look.."  Oh yea, us wives all have "The Look".  But what was wonderful was as this night progressed, things got crazy and The Hubby took control and made things happen. He was taking care of his wife!  It's was a warm fuzzy moment for me.  I knew this couple would do well.   (now they are expecting their first baby.)

Don't forget the Wedding Party!  Love doing fun photos. 

 

For a somber moment.  I've had too many weddings where I've photographed very special people only to learn a few months later, these special people had passed away.   Never, put off photos!!!  You never know if you'll get another opportunity...

This Grandpa hadn't seen his Granddaughter in many years. 

He passed away within 6 months of this photo.  

Cutting the Cake - Always give instruction, but let them go at it however they want!   So cute!!!

And this seems like a normal cake cutting - CHECK OUT LITTLE WILLIAM - THE RING BEARER..  (bottom of the photos)  In this Series of photos, I literally could NOT believe his expressions. 

 How perfect and what a wonderful memory! 

Garter and Bouquet Toss - this one always sticks in my head as memorable...   The girls scramble and fight, the guys.... well - Not so much....  I really thought it was going to hit the floor!  NO ONE wanted to touch it!  LOL

SPARKLERS!  NUFF SAID! 

MAGICAL SPARKLERS - PERFECT  :) 

And finally, always pull out some props.    I love this one...