Scheduling your Session

I PHOTOGRAPH PORTRAIT SESSIONS THE WAY I LIKE TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED MYSELF:

Outdoors, in natural light, because I love images that are clean, bright, fresh and timeless. Images that look and feel like you! That’s why I try to begin all of my sessions 1-3 hours before the scheduled sunset –– during the magical “golden hour” –– when the light in the sky is the softest, and most flattering.

You can use a sunset calculator online to determine the scheduled sunset for the date and location you’d like to do your session. Then, just subtract two hours to figure out your approximate session start time. If you’re wearing one outfit, we’ll start your session about 90 minutes before sunset. If you are including indoor pictures, I will work with you on the time.

Choosing Your Location

The location of your portrait session is completely up to you! As you’ll see throughout this guide, most of my clients love showcasing the natural beauty of our home state. I love shooting in wide-open natural spaces because the light is beautiful, especially during golden hour. There are great options all around the state, so even if you've never seen me photograph in a specific place before, I’m always up for exploring a new spot together.

Think Outside The Box

WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING LOCATIONS, DON'T BE AFRAID TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

I encourage you to brainstorm unique places that you might have special access to that most people don’t. For example, maybe you (or someone you know) has access to an amazing location that would otherwise be off-limits, like a beautiful private estate, family ranch, exclusive country club or luxury resort. Spend a few minutes thinking about it and checking around with people in your personal and professional network. You’ll be surprised with what you come up with!

How Many Outfits

Changing outfits during a session always takes more time than my clients expect, so in order to maximize shooting time and give you the highest number of photos possible, I recommend the number of outfits (as follows) to keep stress low and the number of photos in your final gallery high:

1 hour shoot: 2 outfits.

2 hour shoot: 4 outfits.  

3 hour hoot: 6 outfits.

To maximize your time have a combination of quick changes and full outfits. Make sure the location you choose has places to change.

Props

IF YOU WANT YOUR PORTRAIT SESSION IMAGES TO LOOK AND FEEL A LITTLE MORE EDITORIAL, I RECOMMEND BRINGING A FEW SMALL, SIMPLE PROPS WITH YOU.

See the props guide for ideas on props. Props can bring personality to your pictures and give you things to interact with to help you feel more comfortable.

Styling Your Session

It might be a basketball, sports equipment, guitar or instrument....Maybe you have access to some larger props that have a real “wow” factor, like a boat, classic car, vintage bicycle or hot air balloon. This is the time to dream a little bit and decide what really feels like you! Props aren’t a must by any means, but some of my clients love them and go all out. Some pick one or two items to bring, and others stick with just their outfits –– and that’s great, too! The most important things you need to bring to your session are a great attitude and be ready to have fun. I'll take care of the rest.

Style Tips

TOPS & BOTTOMS

If you are doing multiple outfit changes, consider the look that you want for your pictures. Keep these ideas in mind as you pick out your outfits: A blazer, sport coat, jacket, or long sleeve shirt rolled up with pants has the most flattering effect for men. If that isn't you, that's ok. Having multiple outfit changes will allow you to have pictures that you love! I recommend one dressy, one casual, and one sport or hobby.

Style Tips

COLORS

For colors, the colors you choose make a difference in how your pictures feel. Darker colors are going to give a different vibe than neutral colors. Take a minute to look at pinterest or even get inspired by advertisement at your local store to find the look you want. When selecting your pieces, I recommend choosing a different “weight” for the pants. So for example, navy pants (darker) and a white shirt (lighter). Or gray pants (darker) with a soft powder blue shirt (lighter).

CHOOSING THE BEST FIT

When selecting an outfit for photos, the most important part isn’t the price. It’s the fit. If you are wearing a jacket, it’s important to have a jacket that fits snugly (but not too tight), and pants that are the correct length and don’t have too many breaks. Just like high heels make women look taller than they are, bunched up fabric stacked on top of a man’s shoes makes him look physically shorter than he really is. Also, make sure you can sit and squat in your pants and they are not too tight.

Style Tips

LAYERED LOOKS

The next time you walk by a store like J. Crew or Banana Republic, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera, so even when it’s hot outside, it’s worth an hour or two of discomfort for photos that will last you a lifetime. Adding extra layers will bring additional dimension and visual interest to your photos. If the temperature permits, you could even consider adding a jacket or coat with you. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!

It's All In the Details

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Long pants with closed-toed shoes is the most sophisticated and masculine look for a man. They draw attention away from your legs and feet, and place it where you want it: on your face! So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts and sandals at home. Dress pants, colored pants or nice dark- washed jeans work best. Brown leather dress shoes complement almost every look, whether you’re wearing slacks, colored pants or dark-washed jeans. If you have more than one outfit change, consider one nice pair of shoes and a second pair that is more casual.

Common Questions

• When should I have my senior pictures taken?

Most seniors book July-October. October books fast so if you want fall colors, you should book sooner than later. July-September are great options for sunny days.

• I have acne, can you fix this in my senior pictures?

Absolutely! Rest assured I can correct any blemishes in editing.

• Should I wear my glasses?

If glasses are part of who you are, absolutely wear them. If your lenses darken in the sun make sure you swap them out for clear lenses and if you have super reflexive glasses, swap them out for non-glare.

• What time of day do we shoot?

Typically 1.5-3 hours before sunset or at sunrise

• Can I bring a friend, pet or family member along on my session?

Absolutely, I love when parents, pets, siblings or best friends join! But make sure they come camera ready :) I may ask them to hop in a couple shots with you.

Final Note

I know I just gave you A LOT to think about! Don’t panic :) Just take it one step at a time. I provided a Portrait Session Checklist for you on the next page to help you stay organized and on top of things! But if you have any questions at any point, please know I’m here for you! If you love two locations but can’t make up your mind, no worries! I can help with that, too. If you need a recommendation of any kind, I’m on it! Remember, I’m just one email away :)

At the end of the day, though, the location you choose and the outfits you wear won’t matter nearly as much as the fun we have together and the memories you make. The style choices you make will definitely enhance your photos, but the most important accessory to bring with you is joyfulness –– which is the one that makes the biggest difference in your photos anyways. You don’t need to have prior experience in front of the camera. Just show up with a smile and I’ll take care of the rest :)

I’m so excited! See you soon!