FAQ

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO DO A SENIOR PORTRAIT SHOOT?

Typically we start our sessions two hours before sunset. We also can do sunrise sessions, which enhances certain locations. For sunrise sessions we meet at the location 15 minutes before sunrise.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE SHOOT?

Hairbrush
Clothing and shoe options
Bag to keep your stuff in
Water
Touch up makeup/lip product
Props- hats, pretty flowers, jerseys, sports equipment, instrument, anything that helps define who you see yourself as at this time in life

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Back in my day, for senior photos you had a choice of a black drape, your cap and gown, or a feather boa. It was a look for sure, but didn't reflect anyone's individuality.

There is a lot of "what to wear for senior photos" advice on Pinterest that can be super helpful and inspiring, if you don't already have an idea of what to wear.

I recommend bringing several outfits. One that pleases mom and grandparents, like a simple sweater/jeans combo, or a button-down. Then bring other outfits and clothing, accessories that really reflect your style, personality, interests.

When shopping for a senior outfit, be sure to go with colors that complement the photo shoot location.Light colored, small print, neutrals often are most complimentary and classic. Black can be great too. Green can blend too much with spring/summer/park backdrops.

Pastel colors/neutrals don't reflect the color onto the skin and look great on the wall when your pictures became wall art. We recommend solid or mostly solid color outfits or small or classic (plaid) prints so they don't overwhelm the subject-you!

Most importantly, choose several outfits and try them all on before the your senior photo shoot. Make sure everything fits well, and you love the image you see in the mirror.

The rule of thumb is, if you don't love the outfit when you put it on for the first time, you will most likely not love your pictures in it. So be extra critical, take a mirror selfies in your outfits and discuss them with your best friend or your photographer.

Fabrics that provide great movement in photos are: tulle, satin, chiffon pleated fabric, sheer organza, and layered fabric. These fabrics photograph well and help us create the most stunning senior photos for our senior girls.

Footwear should also be carefully considered. In our outdoor locations, boots work well and are cute, even with dresses. Heels can be brought, just bring something else to move around in. If wearing sneakers or athletic shoes, consider bringing another shoe too, maybe a low boot or loafer. Keep sneakers on the plain side, bright colors will overwhelm the whole picture and take focus away from you. Flip flops are always cute and laid-back looking.

Some ideas for places to find outfits for senior photos that don't break the bank: Zara, H & M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Aritizia, Altar'd State, Amazon Fashion, Lulu's, ASOS.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR?

The clothes you wear for your senior photo shoot can make it or break it. I am happy to try to guide you on what looks best for senior photos and what doesn't really work. There are also a lot of pins on this on Pinterest. Things to avoid:

Wrinkled clothing
Branded clothing-labels that show
Neon colors will overpower everything
Stripes can be unflattering, best to avoid
Ill fitting clothes-too short or too long or too baggy will ultimately be unflattering
Old shoes- choose your footwear consciously and bring some other options. The feet will show in most full-length shots and the wrong shoes can be really distracting. Choose neutral sneakers, no bright colors or they will be the first thing you see in the photo.
Green can blend in to the background. especially in spring or in parks. Consider the location/backdrop
Shiny or heavy makeup
Jewelry should be kept to a minimum and not overpowering.
Watches and bracelets are best left at home.
Tan lines-requires extra cost retouching

Great makeup and hair are one of the key ingredients to beautiful senior portraits. Boys should have a recent cut. We highly recommend having your makeup professionally done. Can be done at a department store makeup counter for little/no cost, just tell them you want a natural look for professional outdoor photo shoot. Buy the lipstick and bring it to the shoot day.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A LOCATION FOR THE SHOOT?

We will chat on the phone and discuss what you are thinking for looks and locations. Parks, foothills, RiNo, LoDo, or Colfax are all great locations. Red Rocks, Denver Botanic Gardens, Hudson Garden, Chautauqua Park in Boulder, are all popular and beautiful locations. Accessible farms, your property, gritty places, all can be amazing backdrops for portraiture. After discussing your ideas and my knowledge of locations we will set the personalized plan for your shoot day.

WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT? IS IT REFUNDABLE?

The deposit is $250 and required to hold the date. If you need to reschedule, the deposit transfers to the new date as long as you do it 48 hours prior to our shoot. Deposits are not refundable for cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the shoot date. If you or I need to reschedule last minute (less than 48 hours) due to the weather or an impressive illness/excuse, the deposit can be applied to another date.

HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY THE BALANCE?

The balance will be due at the completion of the shoot day. Digital galleries can not be released until payment has been received.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE DIGITAL FILES?

Nope! You get all edited images, high-resolution jpegs, ready for downloading from your online gallery.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY PHOTOS?

Usually 1-2 weeks after your shoot you will have access to your edited images. From there, you select the ones you want retouched. (The number of retouched images is specified in your package.)

WHAT DOES EDITED VERSUS RETOUCHED MEAN?

When I "edit" I am weeding out the blinks, the caught-off gaurds, the too many duplicates and adjusting basic lighting. All images you receive have been basically edited. When I "retouch" I am clearing skin, brightening teeth, removing stray or flyaway hairs. Requests like "make me look 10 pounds lighter" are not editing or retouching, but custom adjustments and will be billed at the rate of $25 per image. Photoshop AI requests (change the background, setting, clothing color, etc) are also custom adjustments and also billed at the rate of $25 per image.

WHERE DO I CHANGE OUTFITS?

I have a pop-up changing tent so no one else is up in your business.

CAN I BRING MY DOG TO MY SESSION?

Yes please. Just bring someone to handle the pup when we he/she isn't in the photo.

DO YOU TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE DENVER AREA?

Love to. Travel outside of 50 mile radius of Greenwood Village will incur additional travel fee. Micro sessions have a 10 mile travel radius from my studio.

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?

You will get a link to an online gallery.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING PHOTOGRAPHY?

The true answer is since I was about 7. My Grandpa Norman took my sisters and I to the store and said "get whatever you want" as he had learned, apparently, that he was dying of cancer. My sister got a suntan Barbie. Which was cool and fun and all. I choose a camera-the Kodak Instamatic. I still have an album (glue pages, plastic covers) of those childhood "portraits", mostly of kittens hiding in my stuffed animal collection. I studied photography from high school on, culminating in opening my first business in 1999. I focused on weddings for about 12 years, moving into less time-consuming portraiture when I had my first kids- twins! I transitioned from all-film based work (yes, I had an actual darkroom!) in 2004 to digital photography.

HOW FAR OUT SHOULD I BOOK A SESSION?

Senior portrait sessions fill up fast. We suggest booking at least 2 months in advance, often sooner for the best days of the fall season. Spring and summer are popular times. Front Range fall color is usually best late September-mid October, depending on the year. Winter portraits are less common but also a great & unique idea for us here in Colorado.

HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION?

You can use the online booking tool and pay the deposit to secure your spot. You can also call (303)956-5375 to book.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE?

Situations arise, weather is variable, especially in Colorado. We will reschedule and migrate the deposit for weather or other unforeseen circumstances like illness. We will migrate the deposit for reschedules done prior to 48 hours of the shoot. Cancellations done in less than 7 days of the shoot can not be refunded unfortunately. Reschedule requests made less than 48 hours prior to the shoot forfeit the deposit as I reserve that time slot for you and the possibility of re-booking the time slot at that point are slim.

CAN I GET THE RAW / NON EDITED PHOTOS?

Not usually. We get you the edited images and the retouched images included in your package.

DO YOU SHOOT WEDDINGS?

I still do, yes! Contact me if interested.