If your family has never done a professional senior portrait session before, it is completely normal to wonder what the whole thing actually looks like from start to finish.

— Is it stressful?

— Is it fun?

— Will my teenager actually enjoy it? (Spoiler: yes, they will!)

I’m Laura, and one of the things I am most proud of is the clear, guided process I have built for every senior I work with. My mantra is “Feel Confident and Comfortable,” and that starts from the very first step. Here is exactly what the experience looks like when you book with Laura Esposito Photography.

The first step is simply choosing a date! Dates fill up quickly, especially for summer and fall sessions. I start booking in January for the following summer and fall, which means you will want to lock in your date during your child’s junior year. (Yes, that early!)

Once you decide you want to book, I will send you a digital contract and an invoice for your $50 retainer fee. Your electronic signature on the contract and payment of the retainer officially reserves your date. Easy and done! We will also schedule your pre-session consultation at this time, so the next step is already on the calendar.

This step is one of the most valuable parts of the whole experience, and it is included in your session fee!

We will meet two to three weeks before your session to plan all the details together. We will talk about:

• Location choices (parks, historic sites, downtown Canton, a college campus, or somewhere unique to your senior)

• Wardrobe and outfit changes

• Props, pets, or special items to include

• Your senior’s personality, interests, and vision for their portraits

Don't really have a vision? No worries! We will create one together. This conversation is where we decide how to best portray your senior before we ever pick up a camera. It also takes all the guesswork and stress out of session day. Nothing is left to chance!

Now for the fun part! Sessions are 2 to 3 hours long and take place at the location(s) we chose together. We meet at our agreed spot, do a quick review of our plan for the sequence of settings and outfits, and then we get to work.

I bring so much energy and excitement to every session because I genuinely love what I do. I know how to pose, guide, and encourage seniors to look and feel amazing, even the ones who insist they are “not photogenic.” (They always are!) I will have you laughing, relaxed, and wondering why you were ever nervous. Don’t be surprised if I break into a happy dance or two.

A few things to know about the session:

• Unlimited outfit changes are included, and I bring a portable changing tent for your convenience

• A parent is required to be present to help with outfits and detail checks

• Other helpers are welcome if they are there to support with props like pets or vehicles

• Behind the scenes photos and video from family members are totally welcome!

• If we have an outdoor session scheduled and rain is in the forecast, we will simply reschedule at no additional fee to you

Sessions can take place any time of day, though mornings and evenings offer the most gorgeous light.

About one week after your portrait session, we will get together for your Reveal Session. This is the moment you have been waiting for!

You will see your portraits for the very first time, and it is always such a special moment. Most galleries include 80 to 100+ edited portraits, and I guarantee at least 60 images. At your Reveal Session, you will:

• Choose your five gifted social media sharing files

• Explore product options including albums, wall art, graduation announcements, and digital files

• Work with me to design your products and create something truly meaningful

I love this part because it is where your portraits become more than just images on a screen. They become art that you will display in your home, give as gifts, and keep forever.

Your gallery remains available to you until December 31 after your senior graduates, and photographic prints can be ordered at any time directly from your gallery.

Senior year does not end when the photos are done. I love being a resource for the families I work with all the way through graduation. From designing your grad announcements to submitting your yearbook photo, I am here for all of it.

I am a sappy mom who has been through senior year myself, twice! I know how emotionally full and wonderfully crazy this season is. I hold the responsibility of being your photographer very seriously, and I genuinely care about every senior who walks in front of my camera. My goal is simple: I want your senior to feel amazing, and I want you to have portraits that take your breath away.