High school seniors have evolved over the years and so has the process in which we photograph them for their high school yearbooks. Gone are the days of simply archiving the milestone. These portrait sessions have become more about capturing who they’ve become as young adults. I love these sessions. One on one (in most cases) allowing their true self to emerge before me and the lens. No parents prodding “sit up straight!” or “give us a real smile!” and that’s the short list. Please take no offense, this is by no means every parent but I tend to get more out of a senior if the parents, siblings and friends stay home. This also does not mean that at the end of a session if say a girlfriend, twin, triplet or family pet wants in on a photo or two that I won’t accommodate them, I surely will, I simply will not make it the focus of the session.

The time of day that is optimal for these and other outdoor portraits, for me, is mid morning and late afternoon/early evening. The light is best at this time of day whether it’s sunny or cloudy.  On the other hand, if it happens to be an overcast day (hooray! seriously) mid day works great. You see, it’s all about the light and how it will fall on the subject.  Not that I can’t capture some amazing images at high noon on a sunny day it’s just that the restrictions can be far greater.  Note that in the event of strong winds or rain I will require you to reschedule but there will be no fee attached when I feel the need to call off a shoot.

Clothing selection is always a tuffy, for most. “What should I wear?” , “Can I change outfits?”, “My mom wants me to wear THIS!” It’s all good, relax. I suggest that you bring along everything you can think of that you love. Especially those outfits or shirts that everyone always compliments you on when you wear them…that’s always a good indicator of what will be great. Change if you like but know that depending on where we shoot a lovely dressing room may not always be available so be comfortable in knowing that you may changing behind a building, a tree or even in your car.

Hair…wow, where to start?  Having been a hairdresser for nearly 26 years (ouch!) I do know a thing or two about this one too. 1-flat irons and wind do not go together. 2-if a need is for your session to be straight and curly, 2 sessions are required so book accordingly. 3-have your hair cut a good 2-3 weeks prior to the session. Tan lines on necks and napes will require additional editing time and generally show up quite prominently after a haircut. 4- I bring along hair products just in case for those pesky flyaways! If you have hair that is colored please have it retouched the week of the shoot in that retouching on my end will cost you more than the salon.

Speaking of tan-lines…Sun burned skin does not photograph well at all and I will require you to reschedule your session which comes with a fee.  Removing tan lines in post work is both time consuming and costly. I recommend that you watch your sun exposure as much as 1 week prior to your session to avoid additional costs and fees.

Hands, Feet & Face…this is easy…If you would like your hands to appear in some of your images such as holding a football, playing an instrument or just placing them on a knee or folded arms, invest in a manicure. French polish or clear for the ladies and buffed for the gentlemen.  Feet, same as the Hands. Face, simple retouching is always included. For severe acne or other scaring I will provide 1 proof of a before and after at no additional charge. Braces I will not remove.  For the ladies, please bring along your lip gloss, your powder and your own hairbrush.

I am currently offering 25% off of my session fee to any 2010 high school senior that books and shoots in July of 2009. For a gallery of images please go to the website tab at the top then click on “milestones” or you can also select “slide shows” above or even  join my “Rock the Senior” on Facebook!