Making the Case for a Non-Yearbook-Photo Senior Session
While different school districts handle yearbook photos differently, I know here in our district of Ridgefield, CT, yearbook portraits are done by a specific, big-box portrait provider. And I also know that, as a result, everyone’s photos have a similar backdrop and posing. While you can make the case for these homogeneous photos in a yearbook “setting”, if your kid is on the precipice of such a big transition – their senior year of high school, leaving the nest, making big plans for their young adulthood – doesn’t it make sense to honor that with a photo session that’s designed to showcase your unique child and their personality?
I think so, and I don’t think I’m alone. For that reason, and as the mom of a high schooler myself, my senior sessions are different.
Bringing in their Talents and Passions
Is your son or daughter a dancer? Do they play lacrosse? Love country music? Whatever special passions they have will be considered. We’ll work those into the session, and not in a forceful way, I promise.
Customized Locations
Perhaps your kiddo loves the beach and, if that’s the case, we’ll choose a nearby beach like Sherwood Island in Westport for their photo shoot location. Maybe playing a sport, or multiple sports, was a huge part of your senior’s high school career and, in that case, I love the idea of shooting the session at Tiger Hollow or the childhood field where their love of the sport was born.
Props, But Make it Classy
While props can be overdone if you push it, I actually do think certain props have a place in senior sessions. A recent dancer client of mine brought her ballet shoes to her senior session, and she held them and slung them over her shoulder for a few of her portraits. Another senior loves country music, and brought herself some cowboy boots as an accessory. And any client of mine who is already committed to attending a specific university is encouraged to bring some college merch along - an Ithaca College sweatshirt and Miami University banner were supporting characters at two recent senior sessions here in Ridgefield!
All-Inclusive Pricing
Pricing is another differential, as my senior session pricing is all-inclusive. This means that you'll get what is promised for the prices you see on my website. The price you see isn't a "sitting fee" that sounds appealing, while you get whiplash later when you see the images...and the high ticket price of accessing a small amount of them. The latter happens all too often. People are roped in by a low initial fee, and then feel obligated to buy pricey packages with images that look like everyone else’s. I don’t want that for you, especially with photos as important as your kiddo’s senior portraits.
A Confidence Boosting Experience
Lastly, I want to emphasize that the experience of a senior session with me is…dare I say it, fun. I’ve been told again and again that I’m an excellent hype-woman and it’s something that comes naturally. My senior session girls and guys never cease to amaze me with their kindness, confidence, and poise. The world is literally their oyster, and they are so impressive. I think my senior session clients can feel this. Never underestimate the confidence boost of a portrait session for your kiddo. I often here “that’s me?!” when I show them the back of my camera and will see these photos proudly shared on social. We are all our own worst critics, and I speak from personal experience when I say that it’s even worse in the teenage years. It’s a gift to give them portraits of themselves that show them how others can see them: confident, beautiful, poised, and with the world waiting for them. It’s such a special way to help launch your teen into the world.
If you’re interested in a senior session, summer’s booking fast, and fall is always busier than any other season. Please reach out to schedule a chat about packages and so I can learn all about your senior!