Frequently Asks Questions About Senior Portraits
I've tried to answer some of the most frequent questions here, but feel free to contact me with any other questions you may have. And while this directly refers to senior portraits, most of this is true of family portraits as well.
What’s the best time of year for my senior portraits?
This will depend a lot on personal preference AND to some extent your school district and their yearbook requirements. Some people like to get them done and out of the way early in their senior year because it is such a busy time. But for me, no time is a bad time. I have shot portraits in the snow, in the rain, in the heat of summer and even on New Year’s Eve. Look through my portfolio to see what appeals to you.
How far in advance should I schedule?
Again, this depends a lot on what you want and the time of year. Fall sessions fill up quickly, but any time of year you should try to schedule a month or two in advance. There are only 3 to 4 weeks in September/October when the fall colors are really great. So if that’s a priority, you should get in touch with me as soon as possible, especially if you need a weekend session.
Do you choose the locations or does the client?
This is usually a team effort. I am happy to do a portrait session just about anywhere, so be sure to let me know what you are thinking about. Many clients will ask for suggestions. I know a lot of great locations. We will discuss the type of look you want for your portraits and choose based on the best fit.
Do you have sessions on weekdays?
I do. These dates can be tricky for high school seniors because as the year moves on, sunset gets earlier and earlier. If the student has an after school activity, they will probably need to shower and change before coming to their session. So keep all of that in mind when looking at dates.
Do you ever do morning sessions?
Yes. These are not as popular as evening sessions, but right around sunrise is another great time of day to get beautiful lighting. Mornings are a great choice if we can’t find an evening that works or if the weather just isn’t cooperating. Imagine having your senior portraits over and done with early in the day!
Do I need to wear a suit, dress, or other dressy clothes?
Not at all. If a suit is something you never wear, there’s no need to get one for your senior portraits. I do have lots of suggestions for clothing, especially color and pattern, that can help make your portraits the best they can be. But for the most part I want you to wear clothes that make you feel good and reflect who you are. (Obviously parents sometimes have different thoughts about this. =)) After you book your session I will send you a PDF with my tips for clothing and grooming as you prepare for the big day.
Do we have to sign a Model Release?
Not at all. Once in a while I have a client who is not comfortable with me using their images publicly, and I absolutely respect that.
