How to Prepare for your Senior Photos

How to Prepare for your Senior Photos

Top 10 Tips on Prepping for your Senior Photos

senior photo collage

It’s your last year of High School and you want photos to help remember it by. How do you prepare from start to finish for your Senior Photo Session?

1. Choose the Right Photographer: The first step in preparing for your senior photo session is to find the right photographer. Research local photographers in Austin who specialize in senior portraits and have a style that resonates with you. Look at their portfolios, read reviews, and see which style matches yours best.

girl's high school senior photo session at commons ford ranch in austin, texas

2. Plan Your Outfits: What your wear can greatly impact the feel of your photos. Select outfits that reflect your personality and style. Consider bringing a variety of clothing options, including formal wear, casual attire, and something that represents your hobbies or interests. Don’t forget to coordinate with the location and the season for a cohesive look.

3. Choose your Locations: Austin has many great locations, from nature to urban settings. Discuss location options with your photographer, and think about the spots that resonate and have special meaning to you. Some locations may work better at certain times of day.

common ford ranch graffiti building senior photo

4. Grooming and Makeup: To look your best, plan ahead for grooming and makeup. Schedule a haircut or trim a few days before your session. If you’re not confident in your makeup skills, consider hiring a professional makeup artist to help you achieve a polished look that enhances your natural beauty.

senior photo session in Austin, Texas

5. Bring Props and Personal Items: Personalize your senior photo session by bringing props or personal items that represent your interests and achievements. This could be musical instruments, sports gear, or items from clubs and organizations you’re involved in. These props can add depth to your photos and tell a story about your high school experience. And if you have your cap & gown, you can wear those as well.

girl in cap and gown for senior photo session

6. Be Punctual: Arrive on time for your photo session to make the most of your scheduled time slot. Punctuality ensures that you have ample time for outfit changes and different locations if desired.

seaholm high school senior photo session

 

7. Relax and Be Yourself: On the day of your senior photo session, relax and be yourself. Trust your photographer’s guidance, and don’t be afraid to express your personality. Candid moments often make for some of the most memorable and authentic senior portraits.

high school senior photo session downtown austin, texas

 

8. Involve Your Loved Ones: Consider including family members or close friends in some of your photos to commemorate your journey together. This can add a sentimental touch to your senior portraits. This includes family pets. Just make sure to tell your photographer ahead of time who will be attending.

senior high school photo session

 

9. Have Fun: Most importantly, have fun during your senior photo session! It’s a celebration of your achievements and a chance to capture your unique personality. Embrace the experience, and your genuine happiness will shine through in your photos.

high school senior photos on university of texas campus

 

10. Enjoy your finished photos: A few weeks after your session you’ll receive your digital files and have the opportunity to purchase print products and share photos with your friends and family. Don’t forget to order graduation announcement cards!

Lucy South Congress Senior Portrait Session

 

Your Senior Photo Session is an opportunity to celebrate your High School journey against the backdrop of your hometown city.

With the right preparation, you can create lasting memories and beautiful portraits that will be cherished for years to come. Enjoy this exciting moment in your life and make it a day to remember!

 

how to prepare for high school senior photos

Ready to book your Senior Photo Session?

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The five skills I bring to every Branding Photo Session

The five skills I bring to every Branding Photo Session

Why should we work together on your branding photo session?

two hives honey branding photo session

You’re a business owner looking to level up your visual content. How do you know which photographer to choose for your branding photo session?

Here’s what I bring to the table:

Compelling Visual Storytelling: With a background in photojournalism, I specialize in visual storytelling. I’ll capture what’s special about your business through stunning imagery. I’ll work closely with you to understand your brand’s unique personality and values, ensuring that every photo aligns with your vision.

Professionalism: With over 10 years of experience, I bring a high level of professionalism to every shoot. You can trust that I’ll deliver on time and within budget, providing you with the polished photos you need to stand out. On one photo set, I was nicknamed the “Get ‘er Done Girl” by a cowboy as I kept everyone on time and well organized.

Local Expertise: Having been based in Austin for over 20 years gives me a deep understanding of the local culture and aesthetics. I know the best locations and lighting to showcase your brand in the most authentic way possible.

Versatility: Whether you need headshots, product photography, event coverage, or lifestyle shots, I can handle it all. My versatility ensures that you have a comprehensive portfolio of images to use across various marketing channels.

Collaboration: I believe in a collaborative approach. Your input and ideas are essential to creating the perfect visual representation of your brand. We’re better together, so let’s bring your vision to life.

sunshine camps austin branding session

If you’re looking for an Austin Branding Photographer to collaborate with on a creative business photo shoot, drop me a line. 

Want more information on a Branding Photo Session?

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What are the six must-have shots in a Branding Photography Session?

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Using a framework to tell your business story

what are the six categories for a branding photo session

You’re a small business owner looking for a library of visual content to use on your website, social media pages and marketing newsletters.

How do you make sure you have enough variety to fit all these categories?

If we work together, I’ll use my Branding Framework to ensure your complete story is shown. Visuals and definitions are below. 

establishing shot example

  • ESTABLISHING SHOT: Images that set up the context for your business. Usually a wide angle that sets the scene.

environmental portrait example

  • ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAIT: Images that show the subject’s work and nearby surroundings – with more focus on the individual.detail shot example
  • DETAIL SHOT: Close-up shots that focus on tools or props.

close-up headshot example

  • CLOSE-UP HEADSHOT: What I call the “LinkedIn shot” – just a simple image of a person’s face and upper body

action shot example

  • ACTION SHOT: Images that show a person at work. Tends to be more candid than posed.

personality shot example

  • PERSONALITY SHOT: More creative and playful imagery that showcase a business owner’s character.

These are the six categories I like to include in every Standard and Premium Branding Photo Session.

When planning your Branding Photo Session, we’ll work together to create a shot list that includes all of these categories.

These images were taken for Tyrone A/C & Heating.

Intersted in a Branding photo session?

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Looking for fun Kid-Friendly ideas this Fall in Austin, Texas?

fall checklist for families in austin, texas

The temperature has started to drop and the festivals are on the rise. If you’re looking for suggestions for fun things to do with kids in or around Austin this Fall…

 

Print out my checklist of favorites above and have a great time this season. And if you need help with the fifth item on the list, contact me below.

Links to events:

Have you own Fun Family-Friendly Fall activities to suggest for this September, October or November, please let me know…

 

Otherwise – hope for chilly temperatures, bundle up in your light sweaters (this is Texas after all) and go have some fun!

 

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Looking for unique Date Night ideas in Austin, Texas?

couples date night ceramics in Austin, Texas

Going out for dinner, drinks or a movie are classic date night stand-bys. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, check out some of the fun suggestions below:

 

  • Broad Club House Studios – Ceramics Workshop Date Night – A fun, easy, one-off clay lesson. Each duo will be given a bottle of wine (or sparkling water), a charcuterie board, pre-centered clay, and a quick little wheel throwing demo! You’ll create 1-2 terra cotta pots that we will then fire and return to you along with a cute little succulent to plant in it 🙂
  • Laguna Gloria at NightAdmission is free!  Self-guided lantern tours and Happy Hour specials available all night
  • Cheese tasting Class at Antonelli’s – check their calendar for the most up to date events
  • Adult Skating Nights at Playland Skate – Tuesday and Saturday evenings
  • Make Sparks (literally) Fly at Pioneer Farms – Forge hot metal in their historic smithy
  • Drinking & Dragons at Vigilante Bar – Every Wednesday and Thursday Vigilante hosts a ticketed tabletop RPG featuring our resident 
  • Intro Aerial Class or Beginner Handstands at Sky Candy – Run away and pretend you’re in the Circus for a night
  • Sunset Cruise on Lady Bird Lake – (or a Bat watching tour if it’s the right season) with Capitol Cruises
  • DIY a craft at Upstairs Circus – plus they have a Bar
  • Glass blowing at Ghost Pepper Glass – Get a taste of glass blowing as you make a piece with 1-on-1 instruction
  • Escape the Box – the only immersive outdoor Escape Room in Austin – explore the city and have fun solving puzzles!

    Have fun on your next night out without the kids!

     

    Want to book a photo session this Fall?

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