Is your child entering their senior year of high school? Congratulations! This is an incredibly exciting time filled with a whirlwind of emotions—from the stress of looming deadlines and big decisions to the elation and pride of seeing your child achieve their goals. There will be tears of joy and sadness as you navigate this time of transition together. Senior year is a unique mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and excitement for the future. No one is ever fully prepared for all of the emotions that come with it, so give yourself some grace, be patient, and find joy in this shared experience. And remember, you don’t have to go through it alone.
As your senior portrait photographer, I’m here to support you every step of the way. With experience working with over 300 seniors and having gone through this process twice as a parent, I understand the layers of emotions and responsibilities that come with this important year. My goal is to be an ally and a trusted professional on your team, making senior year as positive and memorable as possible. Let’s break down the senior portrait process, moving it from the "to do" column to the "enjoyable experience" column.
1. Schedule Your Session
Once you have decided that we are the right match, we will schedule your senior’s portrait session. When selecting a date, consider factors like your preferred season, vacations, summer camps, and extracurricular activities. To secure your session date, two things are required: electronically signing the contract I’ll send you and paying a non-refundable $50 booking fee. This ensures your session price and timing are locked in.
2. Pre-Session Consultation
A few weeks before your session, we will hold a consultation to plan all of the details—location(s), props, wardrobe, and more. This step is crucial to ensure that your session is productive and tailored to your senior’s personality. We’ll use the Senior Guide available on my website as our blueprint for this consultation.
3. Receive the Session Fee Invoice
About a week before your session, you will receive an invoice for the remaining session fee. You can pay this online or by cash or check at the session.
4. Final Confirmation
In the days leading up to the session, we will confirm all of the details, including our meeting location and address any concerns about the weather. Ohio weather can be unpredictable, but if I determine that it iss not favorable for our session, we will reschedule to the soonest available date that works for both of us. If we need to reschedule due to weather, there is no reschedule fee. However, if you reschedule within three weeks of the session for another reason, a $50 reschedule fee will apply.
5. Session Time!
On the day of your session, make sure to use the session checklist from page 14 of the Senior Guide on my website to ensure you have packed everything you need. Then, take a deep breath and get ready to savor this experience. There is no reason to be nervous—just trust me, and we will create some magic together. Once we meet at our designated spot, I will review your outfits and suggest the best locations and lighting for each look. We will continuously check in to make sure you are happy with the photos, and I will make any adjustments based on your feedback. It’s okay to get a little emotional—this is a big moment, and we’re here to capture it all.
6. The Reveal Session
At the end of the portrait session, we will schedule your reveal session, which will take place the following week at my home studio in Louisville. Your edited portraits will be presented in a slideshow, and we will go through them together to select your favorites. You will choose five social media files—low-resolution images perfect for sharing online. We will also discuss portrait products and plan how you would like to use your images moving forward.
7. Continued Support
Our journey doesn’t end with the reveal session—I’m here for ongoing support. As graduation approaches, I’ll help you design announcements, yard signs, albums, and wall art. Some seniors even opt for a spring session to capture photos in their cap and gown, prom attire, or college apparel. Whatever your portrait needs, I am here to assist.
Use this link for more information including frequently asked questions and pricing.
Senior Portrait Session Details
I am truly excited for you as you embark on this meaningful journey with your senior. You have invested so much love, effort, and hope into your child, and now it’s time to celebrate those moments together. Let’s make the senior portrait experience a way to document and cherish this special time in your lives. My hope is that, through this process, you will share laughs, maybe shed a few tears, but most importantly, create lasting memories. These portraits will not only be a highlight of your senior’s year but will also become cherished keepsakes that grow in value as the years go by.
Love and Smiles!
Laura