Preparing for your grad session.
To help you prepare for the most efficient session and to maximize on your time, I’ve put together a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help make everything go smoothly. However, most of these are suggestions, so don’t take these tips as hard rules!
preparation.
- Get enough sleep and practice self-care. It’s important to get plenty of rest the day before your session and that your adequately hydrated, so you feel refreshed for your photos. Also, please be sure to eat something. You do not want to start your session on an empty stomach.
- Give yourself enough time to get ready. Don't put off getting ready to the last minute. Prep as many things as you can the night before. Then, block off time the day of your session to do your makeup, hair and/or clothes as well as time for walking, driving, or taking public transportation to your campus.
- Get there early. You do not want to rush to your session due to unexpected traffic or lack of parking. Getting there early also helps me as I often times either have a strict schedule, or have another session directly before or after your session. This will give you some time to take it easy for a bit and relax right before your shoot.
clothing.
- Choose an outfit that best describes you! Formal clothing is usually the type of clothing for these grad sessions. Most women prefer to wear white, but you can wear any color or pattern you like
- Choose light colors and tones to contrast with your sash. Graduation sashes and robes are typically darker and more intense with color, so it helps to have a lighter base.
- Please iron/steam and hang your clothes and sash the day before to prevent wrinkles.
- Do not wait until the day of your session to remove the sash from the package, as there will likely be fold lines.
girls.
- Footwear: If you decide to wear heels, please bring flip-flops. We’ll be walking around campus, so it is nice to have especially when walking from one end of campus to the other end.
- Makeup: A few days before your session, I recommend testing your makeup in natural light by facing a window and applying it. The light bouncing off your makeup changes the way it looks in photos compared to real life. So even if you want a subtle makeup look, you need to exaggerate it – that way it shows up stronger in photos.
- Clothes: If you plan on wearing lightly colored clothing, your underwear needs to be lightly colored as well or it will be visible through your clothes. You don't necessarily need to wear a strapless bra (because the stole will cover it up), but it will definitely help!
boys.
- Hair: Haircuts should be done a week or a few days before your session. Some guys don't like the way they look right after a haircut, which is why I recommend doing this. Also, don't try anything new and stick to something you're familiar with.
- Facial hair: If you think your beard and/or mustache is a huge part of your personality, of course, you don't have to shave. But please, at least trim and groom up a bit.
props.
For my past sessions, most people don’t bring props (besides your sash). But for the few that do, here’s what they brought:
- Stoles and cords: Bring your basic one and other ones (if you have them – e.g., honors cords, club stoles).
- Graduation cap with tassel: You can throw it in the air for an action shot.
- Glitter/Confeti: ONLY biodegradable confetti allowed, no glitter.
- Champagne: If you’ve never popped champagne, I will give you specific instructions on how to pop the champagne. For group sessions, I recommend getting one bottle for everyone in the group so everyone has some fun spraying champagne.
other things to bring:
- Small towel or handkerchief: Because we'll be walking a lot, you will sweat. If you decide to hop into a fountain at the end of the session, the towel can also help to dry off your feet.
- Water: Be sure to keep yourself hydrated, especially if your campus is in a hotter area.
- Hand mirror: This is optional. A mirror helps out much more than using selfie mode on your phone.
- Your smile :)
Outfit Inspo
DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WEAR? I GOT YOU.I've put together a Pinterest board of senior outfit inspiration for anyone who needs to find the perfect fit.
*typically updated every year or two
FAQ:
WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME FRAME?
For senior photos & other portrait sessions, approximately 2-3 weeks.
For half-day to full-day shoots, the turnaround time can range from 4 to 8 weeks.
Are pets allowed?
Yes! Your fur babies are welcome with a $50fee
Will I be able to receive the raw images?
Unfortunately I do not give out raw files, and for many reasons. Post-processing your images after your session is one of the most important parts of the overall experience. It’s where all the magic happens, and it’s the reason why you choose the photographer and their style. Therefore I only provide the final edited images in your online gallery. You will receive the selected amount all edited.
packages
Silver
$350
Session location: Jones State forest 1488 or The woodlands waterway
45min
up to 10 digitals
cap and gown with one outfit
no parents
Gold
$480
Session location: 1hr session at buffalo bayou with city skyline, Herman park or studio (client pays studio fee)
up to 20 digital
two outfit change and cap&gown
parents can be involved (optional)