senior welcome guide
all the info you need
to have the best session ever
Senior year is a big year. IT’S YOUR YEAR. Thank you so much for choosing me to be your senior photographer! In addition to taking photos that you love, I also want you to have a memorable experience. Together, we will create a session that is specifically tailored to you. To provide you with the greatest experience possible, we will discuss every detail, from the location to your outfits, to the props or pets you want to incorporate in. This guide contains useful tips on how to be ready for your session as well as what to anticipate before, after and during the creative process. Please take a few minutes to browse through these pages filled with tips and tricks to make the whole process go as smoothly as possible. Let’s get started!
what to expect
Step 01
pre-session
Soon after your parent or legal guardian signs the contract, I'll give you a questionnaire to complete. This is a great opportunity for me to learn a little bit about you and for you to start considering locations and other details. We'll have a check-in a week or so before your session to go over all the specifics (time, place, attire, etc.) and make a game plan!
Step 02
session day
We'll meet up at the first location you've selected and begin shooting. The time we'll spend together will depend on which package you selected. This is the easy part for you. You just show up and I'll help guide you every step of the way. Nervous about being behind a camera? 99% of the Seniors I photograph tell me that. It's normal to be nervous about it, but I'll help ease those nerves and help you feel confident and comfortable!
-Always remember to bring everything you might need during the session, such as extra clothing and accessories, water, chapstick, touch-up makeup, wet wipes, and a brush.
Step 03
post-session
Within 72 hours of your session, you’ll receive an album of a few sneak peeks. Since your final gallery won't be available until 2-3 weeks following your session date, keep in mind your yearbook deadline. A link to your gallery will be sent to you through email which will be accessible online for 1 year. Each session includes your digital files as well as access to the a la carte menu through my store in case you decide to purchase any prints, wall art, canvases. or cards. The company I use is Mpix. They deliver the best quality products out of all the companies I have used in the past.
locations
ONE OF THE MOST FUN ASPECTS OF ORGANIZING ANY PHOTO SHOOT IS SELECTING THE LOCATION FOR YOUR SESSION. CONSIDER THE DISTANCE YOU'RE WILLING TO TRAVEL, THE NUMBER OF LOCATIONS YOUR SESSION PACKAGE ALLOWS TIME FOR, THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LOCATION TO YOU, AND THE VIBE YOU'RE GOING FOR. HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITE LOCATIONS IN CASE YOU NEED INSPIRATION ON WHERE TO GO. KEEP IN MIND THAT EVENING SESSIONS MUST BE DONE AT A LOCATION IN LINN.
Family land-LINN
DO YOU LOVE THE OPEN FIELD OR OUTDOORSY LOOK? THIS LOCATION HAS WOODS, FALLEN LOGS, A FIELD, AND IS EXTRA GREAT AT SUNSET TIME. THE SUN GOES DOWN RIGHT BEHIND THE BIG OPEN FIELD MAKING FOR THE PRETTIEST GOLDEN HOUR SHOTS (BUT STILL LOOKS GREAT FOR MORNING AND AFTERNOON SHOOTS AS WELL)
lee home-LINN
WOODED AREAS, TALL GRASS, A PRETTY POND WITH A DOCK THAT THE SUN SETS BEHIND-THIS LOCATION IS PERFECT FOR LOTS OF OUTDOOR VARIETY DURING YOUR SESSION. SUCH A GORGEOUS LOCATION, AND COMPLETELY SECLUDED DUE TO IT BEING PRIVATE PROPERTY!
my property-LINN
LOTS OF WOODED AREAS, THE PRETTIEST GRAVEL ROAD, AND GREENERY EVERYWHERE. THERE ARE LOTS OF PHOTO OPTIONS AT MY HOUSE! THE SUN SETS PERFECTLY BEHIND THE TREES AND GIVES SUCH. A PRETTY GLOW, WHICH MAKES EVENING SESSIONS HERE BEAUTIFUL! CATCH IT AT THE RIGHT TIME AND YOU CAN GET PHOTOS IN THE WILDFLOWER PATCH!
BEN BRANCH LAKE-LINN
THIS LOCATION HAS A LARGE, BEAUTIFUL LAKE, A WOODED AREA FILLED WITH CEDAR TREES, AND A ROCK WALL STRUCTURE THAT GIVES YOUR PHOTOS A TOTALLY UNIQUE FEEL. BONUS-IT HAS AN OPEN AREA RIGHT WHERE THE SUN SETS! THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE LOCATIONS OUT OF ALL OF THEM.
BONNOTS MILL
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A COMPLETE RUSTIC FEEL? OLD, RUN-DOWN BUILDINGS, FADED BRICK STRUCTURES, AND PLENTY OF VARIETY IN BACKDROPS? THERE'S NO BETTER LOCATION FOR THAT THAN THIS ONE. AS AN ADDED BONUS, THERE'S A PRETTY LITTLE RIVER ACCESS RIGHT DOWN THE ROAD.
BINDER LAKE-JEFF CITY
LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE THAT HAS WOODSY FEATURES, A BEAUTIFUL LAKE OF WATER, BRIDGES, AND OPEN FIELD ACCESS? THEN BINDER LAKE IS PERFECT!
DOWNTOWN-JEFF CITY
LOOKING FOR MORE OF A CITY LOOK? WHETHER IT'S RUSTIC BUILDINGS AND BRICK WALLS OR CITY VIEWS AND MODERN BACKGROUNDS.EXPLORING THIS AREA WILL GIVE YOU A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING.
NOREN RIVER ACCESS-JEFF CITY
STRUCTURES UNDER THE BRIDGE, ACCESS UP TO THE EDGE OF THE WATER, OPEN FIELDS, AND WOODED TRAILS. THERE ARE LOTS OF BACKDROP OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM AT THIS LOCATION.
RUNGE NATURE CENTER-JEFF CITY
TRAILS, WOODED AREAS, AND AN OPEN FIELD. PLUS, IF YOU HIT IT AT THE RIGHT TIME YOU CAN CATCH WILDFLOWERS IN YOUR PHOTOS!
A LOCATION THAT REPRESENTS YOU
WHEN THINKING OF A LOCATION, PICKING PLACES TOTALLY OUTSIDE THE BOX IS 100% ENCOURAGED. I LOVE UNIQUE SESSIONS THAT REALLY CAPTURE YOU. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING? WHERE DO YOU ENJOY GOING? LET'S GO THERE AND TAKE SOME AWESOME PICTURES TOGETHER. LOOK THROUGH THESE EXAMPLES FOR SOME INSPIRATION!
WHAT TO WEAR
PRIORITIZE COMFORT FIRST AND FOREMOST
Clothing that is too tight or restricting can make you feel uncomfortable and take away from the photos. You want to wear something that feels great on you that allows you to move around easily, because there are times when we will be laying down, sitting on the ground, walking, running and twirling.
C ONSIDER COLOR
You can never go wrong when choosing neutrals for your outfit. Start with these neutral colors: black, white, tan, or gray. Then you can add color to that! Warm and rich colors look fantastic in photographs and can go great with the colors of your hair and complexion. Consider bright or bold colors for one of your outfits to add variety though!
ACCESSORIZE!
Adding or removing accessories can completely alter the appearance of an outfit without changing your entire style! Consider hats, scarves, bracelets, statement necklaces, earrings, and for you boys; watches, chains, a nice pair of shoes, or a jacket can help give some variety. I can assist you in putting everything together, so bring more than you think you'll need!
NEED SOME INSPO? CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST BOARD WITH OUTFIT IDEAS FOR BOTH GUYS AND GIRLS!
THINGS YOU SHOULD WEAR
-Clothes that reflect a hobby or sport you love
-A strapless bra if you want to wear a strapless top or dress
-Shoes that fit the outfit you're wearing. (bonus points if you wash them first
-Layers (jackets, vests, scarves, flannel shirts)
-Clothes that are comfortable, because you need to be able to sit, squat, walk, stand, etc.
-Interesting textures (leather jackets, fur vests, sequins, etc)
-A unique outfit that stands out from your other outfits
-Neutrals
THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T WEAR
-Clothing that is wrinkled
-Bra straps that are visible
-Worn-out or dirty footwear
-Clothes with large logos or lettering
-Uncomfortable or too tight clothing
-Too many outfits of the same style or color
HAIR & MAKEUP
Your hair and makeup are an important component of a senior session as well! Things to think about include whether you will do your own hair and makeup or hire a professional. If you plan to have your hair and makeup done by a professional, make sure to schedule those appointments well in advance and pick a time that will allow for some flexibility if the appointment takes longer than expected.
If you prefer to do your own hair and makeup, I would recommend not trying anything you haven't done before. Senior pictures might not be the best time to experiment with heavy liner and red lips if you're more of a natural girl. Just make sure you feel like you:)
Don’t forget your nails too (both fingers and toes)! Your hands will be up near your face for some of the poses, so even if you aren't the type to go get a manicure, make sure you don't have leftover, chipped polish on them. French tips or polishless always looks super classy!
Boys- Try to avoid wearing a hat the day of your session so you don't arrive with hat hair. Also, when your mom begs you to shave your face or trim your hair before the pictures, make her (and your photographer) happy and do it :)))
PROPS
I love props! Particularly those that are an important part of who you are. They may greatly enhance a photograph and give it more of a story. You'll be looking at these pictures in ten or twenty years and remembering how you were then. You are welcome to bring sport equipment, jerseys, uniforms, trophies, medals, musical instruments, tap or ballet shoes, books, personalized signs, vehicles, pets, etc. Scroll through to look at some examples of things other seniors incorporated into their session.
Other items to consider bringing are
Touch up items (hairspray, lipstick, makeup etc.)
A comb or brush
A water bottle/handheld fan in the summer months
A towel or rag for warmer sessions to wipe your face (seems like a silly one, but it can be VERY handy when it's a scorcher out!
lastly, trust your photographer
Believe me, this is really important! I know that working with a photographer one-on-one may be something you have never done before. So it's only natural that you feel nervous and a little uneasy about the whole process, given that you have no idea what to expect, how to pose, or even what to do in front of the camera. But, while this is your first experience, this isn't my first rodeo. It's actually like my 600th rodeo :D In order to make sure every little detail is taken care of, I will guide and coach you each step of the way. You don't have to come prepared with poses or prompts. I've got it all under control. Just come ready to smile and have a good time!