So we can shoot almost anyplace.. wow.. that really helps to narrow it down doesn’t it! The best way to think about this situation is to break it down into easy to “digest” pieces.

In Studio

In studio you have a more controlled atmosphere with strictly controlled studio lighting to ensure the most flattering light possible. We utilize state of the art large softboxes that provide the most flattering light and even can provide a bit of light from behind to provide wonderful seperation from the background.. we even use a hairlight to provide a flattering “kiss of light” to your hair to really show you in the “best light possible”. Pun fully intended.

This control does have a downside, and that is a bit less flexibility with backgrounds. We provide a number of high quality muslin backdrops to help match clothing and you are certain to create fabulous images. This option works well if weather is a concern, mobility is an issue or your schedule does not permit natural daylight.

On Location

The other option is to do a location shoot where we come to either your home, or a favorite outdoor locale to provide your session. This is a great option when you have a spot that has meaning to the family. This may be a favorite park, your home, your garden or some other location that has meaning. We even have the ability to travel a bit to provide vacation sessions at your lake cabin! This is where you go to spend your leisure time.. wouldn’t it be great to capture those memories for a nice wall portrait at home?

If you choose to do an inside location it is best to ensure you have adequate room for seating/posing to ensure the best possible experience/result. We are happy to discuss the possibilities and are able to either come provide a free “scouting meeting” to look and offer suggestions, or if you send us a photo of some of your thoughts we can help as well. The important part is that the location mean something to you. We can help “figure out the rest” to provide the best image possible.

Outdoor

The most wonderful light source ever created is the sun. It may be flooding into a room through a window, or blasting down on a clear blue day. The challenge is that the sun can be quite harsh and typically we will shoot in “open shade”. This simply means we will find a location with a pleasant backdrop and in shade, but near to open sun so that reflected light is used to create wonderful fill of any shadows. This light is the best in the early morning and about an hour before dusk.. it isn’t mandatory by any means, but this time is called the Golden Hour for a reason. You just cannot beat the wonderful warm and soft light during this time of day. We utilize a range of reflectors to help ensure no unflattering shadows ruin your photo, and also utilize a multitude of portable lighting to help ensure the best possible result as required.

Outdoor locations are very popular because they are able to often “tell a story” which help provide the memories you are trying to capture. The best way to do this is to be very flexible so that we can work with the weather rather than fight it.. we would rather reschedule your session for a great day rather than make a poor day work. If scheduling is a problem many families will attempt an outdoor location, but will use the studio as a backup plan if weather does not cooperate.

Outdoor locations can provide many options for your session. This can allow a range of choices from standard poses to a bit more creative situations where we use portable lighting to overpower the sun and “bend it to our will”. This capablity can often provide interesting results!

Take the time to pick the location that works for you and your situation. You cannot pick the wrong place, because the true goal is to capture a great image with those that you love. The final most important piece of information… When in doubt CALL US. We truly want to help you surpass your expectation.

Ron

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1. Location Location Location!  This should be something high on your list.  This is probably one of the more important things to choose and you really should not rely completely on your photographer.  Their input can be helpful, but you should always be on the lookout for places that tell a story about WHO you are.  Your photographer knows what works and can provide wonderful locations, but it may not be telling your story and that is very important on these sessions.   Make sure to select at least one Outdoor location for storytelling, and also do a portion of your session in the studio to ensure you get those amazing shots.
2. Clothing..  Of course you will want to bring your favorite outfit, and something special for “theme shots” that you will discuss with your photographer. Try to always remember the story you are telling and think about what is worn every day to school.  Do you have some sort of style that is “you”?  Wear it!   Do you have something that you have worn that people were surprised to see you in?  DONT wear it!  Yes some of your shots are/can be about Glamour, but really you need to always remember that this is telling the world how you want to be remembered.
3. Props..  The trends of today are to use minimal props.  We tend to take more of the high fashion photography that is about dramatic poses and framing the subject without distractions.  This doesn’t mean that you should not bring props.  As we said before this is about telling YOUR story and if you have something that helps with this, it should be in some of your photographs.  Think about things that you love, things that define the activities that you enjoy and utilize them.
4. Hair..  This is saying who you are, not who you want to be.  That is a difficult distinction at times, and for those that are KNOWN for changing hairstyles it is not important.  Most people have a basic style and your Senior session is NOT the time to make a big change.  Do not go get that style everyone talks about, Do NOT try that “cute new color”.  Stick with who you are and display it.  A fresh trim is great to get, but avoid major changes or risks.  This is your personalities time to be the focus..  not your hair.
5. Makeup..  There tends to be a desire to go heavy with the makeup to create a dramatic effect.  If this is something you do ROUTINELY.. then break out that paintbrush and go to work.  For most it is not the norm and will be a surprise (not usually a good one) to everyone.  Take a step back when you are planning your makeup for the day..  analyze your clothing choice and think about what you would NORMALLY do before you head to school.  You may want to spend  a bit of extra time to make sure it is perfect, but don’t add more because you feel it is needed.   Your photographer can enhance any makeup you have, but it is very difficult to remove it.  If you would love to see a Glamour shot..  just ask and it is FUN/EASY to have done…   and you dont need heavy makeup to start.

This is only a few of the things to think about when planning your session.  Remember it is YOUR time and you should be heavily involved in the planning and execution of it.  Have fun with it and know that you will not be doing this ever again.  You only have ONE SENIOR SESSION!!

Ron