This should look like them
A senior session is a strange assignment, because two people usually want two different things from it. The senior wants images that feel like them — a little more personality, a little more edge, something they'd actually post. The parent wants something timeless for announcements, for the relatives, and for the wall at graduation.
Both are reasonable. Both are achievable in one session. They just need a few minutes of planning first so we come away with each.
Bring what matters to them
The difference between a senior portrait and a nice photograph of a teenager is usually an object. A sport, a uniform, an instrument, ROTC or 4-H gear, medals, a career-tech project, artwork, a gaming setup, a horse, the truck they saved up for two years to buy.
You don't have to. But a year from now, the frames that hold up are almost always the ones with something of theirs in them.
How the posing actually works
I show a few ideas. They tell me what feels right and what feels absurd. I talk them through it from behind the camera, and I show them the back of the camera as we go so they can see for themselves that this is going fine.
I never physically move anyone. Every adjustment is spoken.
Most seniors are stiff for about four minutes and then forget to be. That's normal and I'm patient about it.
Outfits
Roughly one look for a Short session, one or two for a Standard, two to four for an Extended — which also gives us room for a second nearby setting when it makes sense.
Wear things that reflect who they are. Accessories are welcome: a hat, a scarf, sunglasses, a jersey. Clean shoes, no giant logos unless the logo is the point.
I have a pop-up changing tent I can bring for multiple looks. Just tell me ahead of time.
Which session fits
Short — one look, one location, the frames you actually need for announcements.
Standard — a second look and room for the personality shots, not just the portrait.
Extended — multiple locations in one evening. A typical run is about 40 minutes at the farm and creek at Carriage Hill, 30 in the Oregon District, and 20 at the Art Institute. They're close enough together to make that realistic. Two to four outfits, three completely different backdrops, one senior year documented properly.
High-School Seniors
Which session fits what you need?
The names describe length. What matters is what you want to end up with. Different categories need different things, so the guidance below is written per session type rather than as one rule.
Short Session
$150
About 15 minutes · 10+ edited images
A focused update rather than a lot of variety.
One look, one location, the frames you actually need for announcements.
- About 15 minutes of photography
- 10+ high-resolution, professionally edited images
- Private ShootProof gallery, available for 30 days
- Optional gallery app for iPhone and Android
- Personal printing and sharing rights
Standard Session
$275
About 40 minutes · 30+ edited images
Most people. Room to move around, change backgrounds, and photograph different groupings.
A second look and room for the personality shots, not just the portrait.
- About 40 minutes of photography
- 30+ high-resolution, professionally edited images
- Private ShootProof gallery, available for 30 days
- Optional gallery app for iPhone and Android
- Personal printing and sharing rights
Extended Session
$475
About 90 minutes · 50+ edited images
Fuller storytelling — multiple looks, more combinations, and enough images for wall groupings and albums.
Multiple locations in one evening. A typical run is about 40 minutes at the farm and creek at Carriage Hill, 30 in the Oregon District, and 20 at the Art Institute — they're close enough together to make that realistic. Two to four outfits, three completely different backdrops, one senior year documented properly.
- About 90 minutes of photography
- Up to 2–3 nearby locations when practical
- 50+ high-resolution, professionally edited images
- Private ShootProof gallery, available for 30 days
- Optional gallery app for iPhone and Android
- Personal printing and sharing rights
Session pricing includes the photography session, professionally edited digital files, and personal printing and social-sharing rights. Travel fees may apply to approved locations outside the standard service area and are always discussed before booking.
What clients say
“I'm a makeup artist who has had the pleasure of working with Julie and she's so professional and kind. I love a photographer that can coach you and give you encouragement through the shots. She's awesome!”
Questions about senior sessions
Can we bring things that actually matter to them?
Please do. A sport, an instrument, a uniform, ROTC or 4-H gear, medals, art, a gaming setup, the truck they saved up for, a horse, a career-tech project. A senior session should look like this particular person's last year of high school, not like a template with their face in it.
My senior is awkward in front of a camera. Now what?
Most of them are, at first. I show a few ideas, they tell me what feels right and what feels ridiculous, and I talk them through it from behind the camera. I'll show them the back of the camera along the way so they can see it's going fine. I never physically move anyone into a pose.
How many outfits can they bring?
Roughly one for a Short session, one or two for a Full, and two to four for an Extended, which also gives us room for a second nearby setting when it's practical.
Where do they change?
I have a pop-up changing tent I can bring for sessions with multiple looks. Say so ahead of time and I'll have it with me.
The senior and I want different things. Who wins?
Both of you, usually. Seniors tend to want images that feel like them — a bit more personality, a bit more attitude. Parents usually want something timeless for announcements and for the relatives. Those aren't in conflict; they just need a few minutes of planning so we get both while we're out there.
What should they wear?
Whatever reflects them, in clean shoes. Accessories are welcome — a hat, a scarf, sunglasses, a jersey. Avoid big logos unless the logo is the point.