Senior Session Guide
First of all … thank you for choosing me as your photographer! I am excited to be working with you and am looking forward to your upcoming session.
I have put together this information based on frequent client questions. If you have any additional questions, please reach out before your session to help ensure your shoot is as stress-free as possible.
I want you to relax, and know that you’re in good hands.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I wear to my session?
Solid colors and low-wrinkle fabrics (denim, cotton, nylon, polyester, etc.) photograph well. Keep it simple- avoid busy patterns, t-shirts, or faddish clothing for a more polished look.
See below style guide for suggestions. Outfits can truly make or break a portrait. Please send me photos or links of outfits you are considering! We can work together to ensure it’s all pulled together before the shoot. I also have a client closet with dresses, shirts, and jewelry to peruse and borrow if desired.
Seniors
Showcase your favorite colors, high school gear, and hobbies to show off your personality. Avoid t-shirts with logos or stripes.
All items are from J. Crew and J. Crew Factory
Accessories Add Character
Solid-color blouses or dresses photograph nicely. Be sure to wear undergarments that do not require adjustment or reveal shoulder straps.
Consider bringing:
- Jewelry- earrings, necklace, bracelet, broach
-Scarf
-Hat
-Kimono
-Hair accessories
Solid-color shirts and slacks and crisp button-down shirts always look sharp. If you are looking for a more formal look, consider a full suit with a pocket square. Please shave or trim your beard before the session.
Consider bringing:
-Tie/s
-Suspenders
-Jacket
-Hat
-Belt
-Elegant watch
This is where you can add a pop of color or interest. Sparkly jewelry or fun accessories that showcase your interests are great to mix things up.
Consider including:
- Graduation cap and gown
- School jersey or jacket
- Sports equipment I (i.e. football, soccer ball)
- Ballet or dance uniform
- Hobby items: book, sewing, woodworking, painting, drawing, etc.
-Musical instrument
-Special item: such as photo of loved one who has passed
(Please let me know in advance if you would like to incorporate these items)
Studio
In-studio sessions are typically more formal than outdoor sessions, but we can certainly adjust to your needs. Rich colors for blouses or dresses or a white button-down shirt and tie for headshots create a great professional impression.
Outdoor
We adjust style based on temperature and season for outdoor sessions. Flowy dresses and simple sweaters or casual button-down shirts work well outdoors. Remember to wear weather-appropriate shoes.
How will I be posed?
My job is to help make you look fabulous. If you prefer, you can show up with no preparation and I’ll provide all the direction about posing naturally.
Before I start the session, we’ll discuss poses for any specific image needs, including commercial or website use or school photos before your session.
Or … if you’re like me and like to come to sessions with looks you’d like to replicate, feel free to bring some images you love. Consider whether you need a close-cropped headshot, or whether you prefer a full upper-body image. Are there photos of yourself or others that you love for which you’d like to replicate the pose, angle, or lighting? Feel free to bring any of these images to the shoot for reference.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions are held in the heart of beautiful downtown Fairfax.
The building has a waiting area and restrooms.
A parent must accompany any minors during sessions. Due to space constraints and COVID-19 protocol, only one person may accompany the client.
What happens during the session?
Each session lasts between 20 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the selected package. We’ll use a few backgrounds and lighting combinations, and I will direct you and help adjust your hair and clothing throughout the shoot.
When and how will I receive my images?
You’ll receive a watermarked, lightly-edited gallery via e-mail within 14 days to select which final images (per your package specifications) will be fully edited and retouched. Your final images will be provided for download within 14 days of your selection of final images.
Do you have other questions?
Reach out to me!