Your senior year deserves to be celebrated and commemorated, and there are so many fun ways to do this – a photo session is one of them. If you’ve never scheduled a professional photo session before or simply want to know what to expect from a senior session, this guide covers the basics
This is what you need to know…
The Before
- Yearbook deadlines. If your school is creating a yearbook, find out when they need your digital photo file. This will help you plan ahead. You'll also need to know if your school has someone contracted to take your yearbook picture. For instance, in our area, the West Shore School District PREFERS that you use a certain place, but you are NOT REQUIRED TO!
- The location. The location of your senior session should fit in with your personality and the story you want to tell. Picture yourself doing what you love – where would that usually be? There are always lots of great location ideas to choose from. And don't worry, this isn't something that you have to decide on your own. If you're an AFH senior, we will help you plan with our LOCATION GUIDE and personalized ideas from your senior questionnaire.
- Sooner rather than later. Photographers get a lot of requests for senior photo sessions, so it’s best to schedule it a few months early to avoid missing out. There's a lot to consider when selecting a date. One of the biggest is weather. We've had days over 100 or feels like 100 lately and your pictures will show your miserable! Consider booking earlier in June or later in August or September.
- The outfit. You can decide on an outfit once you’ve chosen your location, or you can do both at the same time. Your outfit should also represent who you are and fit in with the location you’ve chosen. We usually give 3 suggestions:1-your mom's (or dad's) favorite outfit, something a little dressier and something more casual. We will also help you with outfits; colors, patterns and more ideas.
- Hair and makeup arrangements. Don’t leave your hair and makeup arrangements for too late either. Decide on your final look and whether or not you want to do your own hair and makeup.
The During
- Set aside 2 hours. The average senior photo session takes 1 to 2 hours, so take a few hours out of your day. This doesn't include time to get ready.
- Meeting up. On the day of your session, you will meet your photographer at your location at a specific time. There’s no need to be nervous. Your photographer is there to make sure you have a good time and get the photos you’ve envisioned.
- Prepare to change outfits. We will have the changing tent if you don't want to change in the car.
- Bring some company. If having a friend or family member with you will make you feel more comfortable, bring someone along. Just don’t bring too many people or they could end up being a distraction more than anything else.
The After
- The wait. It takes about 2 weeks for your photographer to complete your images, so you will need to be patient.
- The Reveal. About 2 weeks after your session, you'll come in to the studio in Lemoyne with your parents and you'll see all of your amazing images in a slideshow. You'll decide what products or digitals you'd like to purchase and pay that night.
- Pick up your order. Approximately 2 weeks after your reveal, we'll let you know that your products have arrived and are ready for pickup
Have you chosen your senior photographer yet? Get on our schedule. It'll be snowing before you know it!