If you are reading this you have probably booked your senior portrait session with me.  I get a ton of messages asking pretty much the same questions so I decided to make up this little note about it so to help you prepare for your session with me. I hope you find it helpful and remember there are always exceptions to the rules. I want you to be happy with your session and for it to reflect who you are as a person and show your personality, and I also want you to feel like a supermodel when you see your photos!  So here goes…

1. A senior session with me usually takes about 2 hours.  We can do multiple locations, or use my land.  I live on 50 acres south of Colchester.  I will be more than happy to come to your school and take your sports photos on the ball diamond or football field or in the gym.  I also would love to come to your hometown and use that as a backdrop for our session. Another option is your home, land or farm if you have a spot that you think would work well.  I do not charge extra for on location shoots unless they are 1 hour away, then there is a $50 fee for travel.  2 hours away there is a $100 travel fee etc…

2. You should choose at least 4 or 5 different outfits.  Try to have a variety.  Don’t choose 4 black and grey shirts etc…  Girls—try to have at least one dress.  My style leans towards vintage field session, so you want to try to pick clothing that suits that scenario.  It’s going to seem strange or out of place if you are in a little black dress and heels in my field.  If you choose to have a city style of clothing then we should arrange for an appropriate backdrop. Guys—try to choose at least one dressier outfit. Your momma’s will love you for it. I love the country attire the best, but you don’t want to wear 5 plaid shirts with the same jeans and boots for every photo.  Not all your outfits have to be high maintenance at all. Simple jeans and white tee’s are very flattering for casual outdoor photos.

3. Props!  I have some but you are welcome to bring anything you want! Class ring, pets, car, truck, Prom dress, sports equipment, guns, bows, dirt bikes, motorcycles, 4 wheelers, vintage old car/truck, book, or musical instrument…whatever reflects your personality. Talk to me about it ahead of time so we can come up with some cool ideas.  I also have access to water sources we can use for your photos.

4. Hair & Make- Up-- If you can afford to have your hair and make-up done, do it.  Nicole Stevenson at Revive is my girl…she does fabulous work and it’s only $30-40…it’s well worth it to have flawless make-up and hair and no stress getting it.   If you are doing your make-up yourself, pay close attention to your eye make-up application. Take your time and make it neat, the close up face shots will show everything.  If you don’t wear a lot of make-up, at least consider some mascara and lip gloss.

5. Nails-- Make sure fingernails and toes look nice; they will both probably show in the photos. I would avoid harsh colored polish that won’t match all your outfits. 

6. Try not to get a spray tan within 48 hours of your session.  I would not get your face waxed within 48 hours either. Blemishes--- no worries! I will fix you up.

7. Feel free to Pinterest or save your favorite ideas to show me.

8. Please feel free to bring a parent or a close friend to be your assistant and help change outfits …but please don’t bring a group of watchers. I want you to feel comfortable and not feel like there are 20 eyes on your every move & I don’t love to have a group of people standing behind me while I work.

9. Don’t forget your accessories! Have fun with them. I think they make photos more interesting.

10. Cost--$200 and you will get an online gallery  with print release form. You may download the high resolution images and print them where ever you choose. I like mpix.com, smugmug.com and canvaspeople.com.

11. Your gallery will have approx. 50 images on it…maybe more depending on how well the session goes and how many outfits you choose etc…

12.  I shoot in the evenings only – between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.  Please arrive on time or 10 minutes early so we can look over your outfits and decide what you will wear for certain locations.

If you think of anything I forgot to include in this note, please feel free to message me.  Thank you & I look forward to working with you. You can contact me via Facebook, my email carmenfoxall@gmail.com or at (309)776-4149 or (309)333-7222.

 

Carmen Foxall

What I See Photography