What a weird year it's been!


Some HS Senior and their parents might be wondering if they can or should even do senior pictures.

I say YES! It's a right of passage for the American High School Senior and so many other traditions have been postponed or outright cancelled, heck even the way you're attending school is completely different.

I just don't think you should have to give this up too. Here's why

  • Because it's a fun time that can be done relatively safely
  • My senior portraits aren't photographed in the confines of a studio. I do all of my sessions outdoors.
  • Not only are we outdoors but we can maintain a safe social distance as long as you have a family member (usually mom) who can adjust stray hairs and smooth out clothes. Things that I would normally do but in this time of staying socially distant it would be better to have a family member who actually lives with you do.
  • Finally, while I typically do not wear my mask outdoors I am happy to do so upon request if it makes you feel more comfortable for me to do so.


Getting ready for your senior portrait session

Two weeks before your session...

  • Now is the time to get your haircut however this is NOT the time to experiment with an entirely new style or color.
  • Now is a good time to decide on your make-up style for your session, you don't want to experiment with something new the day of.
  • Now is the time to shop for anything you think you might need for your session so that you are not feeling rushed on session day.


The week before your session....


  • You'll want to choose your outfits and make sure they are clean. You'll want to iron anything that is wrinkly (not good for camera). HOT TIP: choose your jewelry and accessories for your out fit and put them in a ziplock bag and hang them on the hanger with your outfit.
  • You'll want to really drink a lot of water the week before your session. Water is great for your skin and will help it look radiant and healthy.
  • Get your beauty rest. To look your best, try to not do too many late nights the week before your session.
  • Keep your lips moisturized with your favorite lip balm. Chapped lips are so difficult to photoshop and while I will gladly complimentary remove any zits or blemishes that may pop up, chapped lips may incur an additional photoshop fee.
  • Shave the night before your session to allow for any redness or shave bumps to go away.
  • Towards the end of this week is a good time to get your eyebrows groomed, again to ensure that any redness associated with this task is gone away by picture day.
  • You'll want to gather any props you want to include. If your prop is your car you'll want to make sure it's clean and shiny. If you're bringing a pet you'll want them to be groomed. If you're showing off your favorite covid-19 mask make sure it's been washed too.


The day of your session...

  • Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready. Make sure your hands and nails are clean. This will matter for enlarged pictures that will hang on the wall of your family's home!
  • BRING COMFY SHOES that you can easily slip on an off. I can not stress this enough. When working outdoors there is walking involved on iffy terrain. Your best heals or dress shoes are not what you want to be walking in.
  • Make sure you have a bite to eat before your session. I don't want you getting hangry, it will show in your photos. Also be sure to bring a bottle of water to drink.
  • I recommend anyone who is wearing make-up bring a make-up bag for touch ups, especially powder and lip color. HOT TIP: On warm days if you place your bag in a cooler with ice your make -up won't melt in the heat of the vehicle and will feel refreshing when you re-apply.
  • On warm days I recommend bringing a small towel that you can blot perspiration with.
  • On cooler days I recommend bring a small blanket that you can wrap around yourself between shots, blankets are much easier and faster to put on and toss off that jackets and coats.


What to wear for your senior session

  • I always tell senior to plan at least one outfit that your mom will love otherwise just wear what makes you comfortable. Some people do all casual outfits, some do a casual, a semi- casual and then a more formal outfit. It's really all about what you want.
  • I do encourage you to steer away from outfits with trendy words or logos as those will definitely not stand the test of time and they also tend to draw attention away from YOU. (school logos are fine though)
  • Think about the surroundings of the location we choose. If you are going to a park with a lot of greenery you might not want to choose clothing with a lot of green.


Finally if you come into your session with a positive attitude and the mind set that it's going to be fun, then it WILL be fun.