Senior Photo Session Tips and Tricks: Capture Your Best Moments

Hey Seniors!

Are you ready to capture the essence of your senior year with an unforgettable photo session? Your senior photos should reflect the real you, and I’m here to help you shine. Here are some tips and tricks to make your senior photo session a success.

Plan Ahead for Your Senior Photo Session

Choosing the right outfits is key. Pick clothes that you love and feel good in. Consider a variety of styles – casual, formal, and something that shows off your hobbies/personality. We can chat ahead of time about your ideas and favorite locations for the shoot. Planning ahead ensures everything goes smoothly and truly reflects your personality.

Be Yourself in Your Senior Pictures

Your senior photos should capture who you really are. Wear what makes you comfortable and confident. Bring items that highlight your hobbies or interests – like a musical instrument, sports gear, family dog (really anything that is special to you). Authenticity is key to great photos.

Hair and Makeup Tips for Senior Portraits

Keep your look natural. Opt for makeup that enhances your features without being overdone. Stick with a hairstyle you know and love. This isn’t the time to try something completely new – you want to feel like the best version of yourself.

**If you’re planning to get a haircut, have it done 3-5 days before the session. This allows your hair to settle and look its best.

Choosing the Perfect Location for Senior Photos

Pick locations that mean something to you. Whether it’s your favorite park, a beautiful beach, or an urban setting you love, these spots will make your senior photos even more special. Visit these places ahead of time to get a feel for them and think about the shots you’d like to capture.

Relax and Have Fun During Your Senior Photo Shoot

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous, but remember, this session is all about celebrating you. Take deep breaths, relax, and enjoy the moment. We’ll chat and have fun so you feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera.

Posing Tips for Senior Photos

Try different poses and expressions. Move around, be playful, and don’t be afraid to show different sides of your personality. Think of happy moments, or bring a friend or family member who brings out the best in you – genuine smiles are the best!

Best Time for Senior Photo Sessions

The best lighting for photos is usually during the golden hour – just after sunrise or right before sunset. This soft, warm light makes everything look magical. Keep an eye on the weather too, and let’s have a backup plan just in case; we know all too well about how unpredictable this PNW weather can be.

What to Bring to Your Senior Photo Session

Pack a bag with a few essentials: a hairbrush, touch-up makeup, water, snacks, and any props you want to include. Bring comfy shoes for walking between locations and a jacket if it might get chilly.

Feel free to bring 2-3 outfits that reflect different styles – casual, formal, and something that showcases your hobbies or interests. A little variety can go a long way!

Final Touches for Your Senior Photo Session

Double-check your outfits to make sure they’re wrinkle-free and clean.

Arrive a little early to settle in and so you can start the session relaxed and ready to go.

Trust the Process for Stunning Senior Photos

Trust my expertise and creativity. Through my many years of doing this, I have many tips and tricks for capturing your “best side”.

But most importantly, enjoy your session! This is your time to shine and celebrate this milestone in your life.

Ready to Book Your Session?

If this gets you excited about capturing unforgettable senior photos, then let’s get started! Contact me today to schedule your session and let’s make some magic happen.

Family Photography is Important: Here’s Why

Something I have learned over my many years as a family photographer is that photography is so much more than just snapping a quick photo. It is about creating and capturing the memories, love, laughter, and everything else that makes a family unique.

While every family has their own story, we all share the same desire to preserve our memories.

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Preserving Memories: 

In this fast-paced digital age, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We often forget how quickly time passes, and before we know it, our once newborn babies are starting school, the teenagers are now graduating high school, our parents are getting older and cherished moments become distant memories. Family photography serves as a tangible reminder of those fleeting moments, freezing time and allowing us to revisit them whenever we want.

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Passing Down Your Legacy: 

Photographs hold a special quality that transcends time and generations. They can carry enduring meaning and memories, making them cherished and timeless treasures. They connect us to our roots, helping us understand our family's history and our place within it. As a family photographer, I've witnessed the joy on a grandparent's face as they flip through a photo album with their grandchildren, sharing stories and passing down treasured memories. Family photography allows us to build a bridge between the past, present, and future, ensuring that our legacy lives on.

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Celebrating Relationships: 

Family photography goes beyond capturing smiles and poses; it's about documenting the love and connections that unite us. Whether photographing a family, a new baby, or a soon-to-be high school graduate, I always strive to capture genuine moments that will move and inspire others. Each family has its own unique dynamics, traditions, and quirks that make them special. These images tell the story of our bonds and remind us of the incredible love within our families.

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Creating Keepsakes: 

In the age of smartphones and selfies, it's easy to overlook the value of professional family photography. However, investing in a skilled photographer brings a unique artistic vision to your family portraits. A professional understands how to capture the best lighting, angles, and compositions, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary works of art. These images become cherished heirlooms, decorating your walls, and adding a touch of warmth and personality to your home.

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Boosts Confidence:

 A photography session can work wonders in boosting confidence and self-esteem. As your trusted photographer, I understand the power of capturing authentic moments and the transformative effect they can have on individuals and families. The experience of seeing yourselves in stunning photographs, radiating joy and love, can instill a sense of pride and confidence. It serves as a reminder of the unique qualities that make your family special, and the bond you share.

I strive to create a safe and enjoyable environment where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. Together, we can create images that showcase your true selves and leave you feeling empowered and confident in your own skin.

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Conclusion: 

Family photography is not just about capturing smiles; it's about preserving memories, passing down your legacy, celebrating relationships, creating keepsakes, and gaining confidence in yourself. It can reconnect us with our past, strengthen our bonds, and create lasting memories we can cherish forever. So, let's embrace the magic of family photography and continue on a journey to capture the love, laughter, and moments that make your family truly special.

As your photographer, I am humbled and grateful to be able to pursue this passion and share it with others. I look forward to all of the images and experiences that lie ahead. 

If you're looking to capture your unique story and create memories that will last a lifetime, I would be honored to work alongside you. Let's collaborate and create something that reflects your personality and style. Reach out to me today to schedule your photography session, and let's bring your vision to life.

Capturing The Chaos: Tips On How to Have A Great Family Photo Session

Are you feeling apprehensive about your upcoming family photo session? You are not alone! Even the most experienced family photographer can tell you that having your kids "misbehave" during a lifestyle family session is a common fear. But don't worry, there are some tips and tricks that you can use to help ensure that your family session will go off without a hitch. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to overcome the fear of your kids "misbehaving" during your family photo session.

First things first, I want you to take all expectations for that "perfect family photo session" in your head and throw it out the window. Yes, we will get the "hang on the wall" shot, but it is not my #1 priority. My idea of a successful session is capturing you just as you are; with no facades.

All in all, its about taking in the moment and letting your kids be kids.

Talk to your kids about expectations

In my opinion, a big reason kiddos don't enjoy family photo day is that they weren't well-prepared for what was going to happen. Here are some tips to help that should help you prepares your kiddos for photos:

1. Make it sound like a fun adventure. Let them know you're going to have a family day, dress up a little, and let them know that a friend is going to take your photos.

2. Don't bribe them to be good. That will only set them up to think it's not a fun thing and they aren't going to like it.

3. Please do not "prep" them on how to smile! Our goal is for them to be themselves and get those authentic smiles. "Say cheese" will never come out of my mouth unless they are not falling for all my other crazy antics.

4. Naps & Snacks! Need I say more? A tired/hangry toddler does not equal a good time; can I get an amen! 😂 . Have them nap as close as possible to leaving the house, or if they are non-nappers, keep your day very chill & relaxed so they're not exhausted by the time your session comes around. Don't forget to pack non-messy snacks that they LOVE! Goldfish, fruit snacks, mini marshmallows, cheerios or puffs.

Choose a photographer you trust

As a nanny of almost 15 years, and photographer of 8 years, I can confidently say i'm kind of a kid whisperer (insert shoulder brush here. 😂). I have a Mary Poppins bag of tricks for all personalities; moody teens, busy toddlers who love the word "no", and serious babies who never smile.

Don't fret, we will definitely get the "grandparent shot". You know the one I'm talking about! Everyone looking and smiling; something the grandparents can hang on the wall.

Take a deep breath, trust me to do what I do best and you will walk away saying “wow. that was so much fun”.

Relax and enjoy the moment

The more you relax and roll with the punches, the better your session will be. I promise. I know that it feels scary to let go and trust me, but I can almost guarantee that every image on my IG feed was a genuine personality shining through.

The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your kiddos will be.

We are not in a rush!

When you book a full session with me, you will receive up to 1 hour of shooting time. We won't necessarily need to use all that time, but it is there for a reason. This gives us time to play, explore, shoot, and of course the snack breaks. We won't rush the session with poses and forcing kids to stand still; I want this to be fun and relaxed.

That’s it! I hope these tips helped ease some of those worries a little bit and helped to create that magical family session you’ve been dreaming of. If you still need to get your session on that calendar, I would love to connect with you and start planning a fun, relaxed session to capture your beautiful family.