Learn about my Senior Portrait Experience to document your final year!

Congratulations! You’ve made it to your senior year! It’s bittersweet for sure – filled with so many last firsts. You’ve done so much and yet have so much life ahead of you. Senior portraits are the perfect way to honor all of your growth and accomplishments before you head out on your next adventure!

When to Schedule

Honestly – get on my calendar while you’re still a junior! Truly – I think late summer before your senior year starts is the perfect time for your portrait session. Once school starts in the fall, life gets busy! Fall sports, extracurriculars, all the homework, shorter falls days, plus travel on the long weekends means there’s very limited time on your calendar and mine once we’re into the school year. Plus – you’re guaranteed warm weather!

If you’re hoping for green grass, flower fields, or blooming trees in your images, late spring is where it’s at. We generally need to wait until May when things start coming back to life, but it will be worth it! Keep in mind though, that even in May the evenings can be chilly. This is my busiest time of year, so if you know you want a springtime session, reach out immediately and I can reserve space on my schedule for you.

We all know that winter in Germany can be long and dark. Occasionally we get a sunny, snowy day, but those are rare. Unless you’re committed to a moodier vision, I’d avoid a winter session.

Where to Go

The setting for your images is such an important part of the art we’re creating. Not just visually, but because it reflects so much of who you are. Choose a place that’s special to you, that inspires you, or a place where you feel at home. A field full of flowers, a wide sandy beach, go to Paris, hike a mountain, walk onto the soccer field one last time – tell me (and your parents!) what would make you happy! I travel for my clients so everything’s an option. We’ll start with your vision and figure it out from there!

What to Wear

Probably even more important than where we shoot, is what you wear. You want to look like you – but the best version of you. I always suggest 3 outfits: something dressy, something casual, and something personalized.

Bring one outfit that feels like the most elevated version of yourself. Not because you need to dress “fancy,” but because this is such a significant moment in your life. We want at least one image that feels timeless and polished – something your parents will want to frame, something you could use for a graduation announcement or scholarship applications, and eventually, an image that can grow with you into college.

Bring something that feels like you. Along with your more elevated look, we’ll want to document you in something a little more relaxed and true to your everyday style. Think about the clothes you feel most confident and comfortable in – the outfit your friends would immediately recognize as you. Whether that’s jeans and a favorite top or a sweet feminine dress, make this outfit about who you are now.

Bring something that tells your story. Maybe it’s your soccer uniform, your favorite pair of shoes, a graduation cap, your first car, your favorite flowers, merch from your new school, or even your beloved pet who has seen and heard it all. Think about the people, places, passions, and little details that have been part of your high school years. These personal touches can make your senior portraits feel more meaningful and give you images that truly couldn’t belong to anyone else.

How to Prepare

What you do during the week prior to your session date is just as important as the day of your session. You don’t want to feel rushed as you head out the door! Here’s a checklist of things to plan for throughout the week as you approach your session date.

• Hair – A trim or a color touchup if necessary will help you look polished
• Nails – Make sure your nails are looking nice and neat. Remove old polish that’s peeling or refresh if they need it.
• Tan – I actually don’t suggest a spray tan, as it can leave streaks and uneven patches. If you do plan on getting a spray-tan prior to you session, plan for about 2 days prior to your session so the color can develop into a more natural glow.
• Sleep – Please get some sleep this week. You want to look fresh and rested in your images.
• Wardrobe – A few days prior to your session, get your wardrobe picture-ready. Make sure you have all the pieces you need and that they’re nicely steamed or ironed.

What to Expect

Before the Session

Once you decide to move forward, you’ll sign a contract and submit payment for your retainer. Once that’s done, I can hold space for you on my calendar. We’ll work closely together to choose the perfect location and coordinate a date and time. Generally sessions are held in the evenings, about 2 hours prior to sunset, but this depends on the location you’ve chosen. You’re welcome to connect with me for a styling appointment if you want help putting together some outfits. Some seniors do this in-person while other work with me virtually. I’m here to help as much as you’d like as part of my senior portrait experience.

Weather

As we approach your session date, I’ll be watching the weather forecast and will be in touch with your family if it looks like there’s a reason for concern. I’ll confirm your session again on the day of, taking into consideration any weather issues. If we are unable to shoot due to weather, we’ll work closely to choose an alternate date.

Session Day

On session day, don’t feel like you need to feel like a natural in front of the camera! I know it’s super vulnerable. I can easily guide you so your images look and feel natural. I’ve got you! We’ll generally be together for about an hour and a half – depending a bit on your location and your outfits/accessories.

Gallery Delivery

Once your session is complete, I’ll start editing your images. Turnaround time varies throughout the year, but you should have yours within 2 weeks of your session. You will receive a final invoice with your balance due. Once your final invoice is paid, you’ll receive a link to your final gallery of images which you’ll be able to share and download as you’d like. This gallery stays online for 2 weeks.

The Senior Portrait Experience | Stuttgart Senior Photographer

I would love to help you document just a little bit of the story of your senior year! If you would like more information about a session with me, I’d love to invite you to send a little note my way here.