Senior FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions seniors and their parents ask me.
Booking + Location FAQs
I’m a soon-to-be senior (or the parent of a soon-to-be senior). When should I book my senior session?
You should start thinking about senior photos during the spring of junior year - so over a year before graduation! Most seniors and senior parents start contacting me around March/April.
The sooner you book, the better - especially if you want photos taken the summer before your senior year. Summer session spots tend to fill up fast. Early bookers also get first dibs on available dates!
What’s the best time of year to take senior portraits?
The short answer: late spring, summer, and early fall!
The long answer: it depends on what vibe you’re going for in your photos.
Do you want grassy prairie with lots of green? Anytime in summer works great. But if you want colorful wildflowers, then we have a narrower window to capture the peak blooms. And if you want warm-toned photos filled with browns, reds, and oranges, then we can wait for the fall colors to turn.
Indoor photos can happen any time of year, but I still recommend shooting them the summer before your senior year. That way, you have the photos to use throughout your final year of high school - and for #seniorsunday posts!
What’s the best time of day to schedule my session if I want outdoor pictures?
I always recommend taking photos in the late afternoon and early evening. This is that magical “golden hour” everyone talks about! The sunset makes for soft-yet-stunning light that’s super flattering.
Do you shoot in studio or on location? Where?
I do both in-studio and on-location senior photos. It all depends on the senior and what they want the vibe of their pictures to be.
My studio in downtown Cedar Rapids is a popular choice. The exposed brick walls create a warm, rustic background that still lets you (the senior) shine as the focal point of the photos!
“On location” means taking pictures outside my studio. It’s wide open!
- Going for an urban feel? We can shoot downtown near murals or interacting with the architecture of the city.
- Want to be one with nature? I know plenty of grassy fields, prairies, and trails that make for beautiful photos.
- Are athletics are a big part of your high school career? Let’s capture you in your element - in the basketball or volleyball gym; in a swimming pool; on the football field, softball field, track, or golf course; or at a dance studio.
- Is music or theatre your forte? We can take our shoot to the stage!
- Already know you’re going to a local college? Let’s take photos on campus to kickstart your future.
Seriously, the list is endless - which can be overwhelming. But that’s what I’m here for! After getting to know you, I’ll suggest locations based on your interests or desired aesthetic.
Do you charge a travel fee?
For shoot locations in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor (Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Solon, North Liberty, Tiffin, Iowa City, Coralville, etc.), I do not charge for travel.
For locations outside of the Corridor, there is a travel fee that is determined based on the distance.
Detail FAQs: Outfits, Hair + Makeup, and More
How many outfits will I need? How many locations will we shoot at?
That depends on which senior portait package you pick. I offer anywhere from 2 outfits, 1 location to 8 outfits, 4+ locations!
Check out my packages and pricing here for the full breakdown.
What the heck should I wear for my senior photos??
This is probably the most stressful part of senior photos for a lot of people.
An easy answer is “sports uniforms.” For non-sports photos, though, I recommend at least one dressy outfit and one more casual outfit.
My rule of thumb is if you feel good, you’ll look good! So pick something you feel confident in. If you don’t love it off camera, you won’t love it on camera.
Pinterest (or even past senior photos on my Instagram) is a great place to look for inspo. Just keep it true to you and your style.
I’m here to help, too! Part of being a photographer is being an outfit consultant. We can brainstorm together, or you can send me photos of outfits you’re considering.
Check out my senior photo tips + tricks for a lot more outfit advice.
What do I need to bring to my senior photo session?
The list will vary from senior to senior, but this is a good starting point!
- Your outfit changes
- One extra outfit + pair of shoes, just in case
- Extra hair/makeup products for touchups
- Props - think musical instruments, sports equipment, etc.
- Your parent(s), if you want to!
- Water - hydration is key, especially during summer shoots
- A snack, especially for longer shoots (just make sure it’s not something messy that could ruin your outfit if disaster struck)
Should I have my makeup and/or professionally done for my photos?
That’s up to you! If you’re comfortable doing your own hair and makeup, great. If you want help (or want to pamper yourself), great.
Whichever route you go, my advice is the same: keep it natural. You still want to look like you in these photos, so while you can spruce up your everyday hair and makeup a smidge, but there’s no need to go full prom glam.
Do you provide any props?
I have no shortage of chairs, sofas, and stools available for in-studio shoots. (I shop for prop furniture the way other people shop for clothes!).
For on-location photos - especially sports-related photos - I ask that you bring the props. You don’t have to go out and buy anything - it’s stuff you already have! Think cleats, jerseys, helmets, balls, and pom-poms - any equipment your sport requires. I’ve even had weightlifting gurus bring in their weights.
Cars can be props, too. I’ve had plenty of seniors take photos with vehicles that are their pride and joy.
Remember, props aren’t a requirement! The point of this photoshoot is to highlight YOU.
Can parents come along to the photo session?
Yes, absolutely!
I always encourage parents to be a part of the senior photo process, from our initial questionnaire to the shoot itself. It’s an emotional time for parents, and I wouldn’t want them to miss any part of this milestone.
I also always encourage parents hop in for one quick photo during the session. Parents - especially moms - are never in the pictures themselves, and I want to be sure you have at least one snapshot to commemorate this special moment. These sometimes turn out to be my (and my clients’!) favorite shots.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes! I’ve taken a fair share of senior photos for both guys and girls featuring cats, dogs, horses, and even lizards.
There’s no extra charge for including your pets. I just ask that you please let me know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
Can I bring a friend to be in some of my photos?
If you choose package #1, yes, you have the option to bring a friend! You can also add it a la carte to any other package for an additional fee.
Bringing a friend makes the day even more fun, but it also gives you a chance to capture another major part of your high school journey: the bonds you made over the last 4+ years. Plus, how often do you get to dress up and have a professional photoshoot with your best friend?!
Please note that package #1 doesn’t include print or digital images for your friend. They will need to purchase any images from your shoot that they want to keep.
Miscellaneous FAQs
What happens if there’s bad weather on the day of our session?
We all know how fast Iowa weather can change, so I like to wait until a few hours before the shoot before we make a call. I’ll stay in contact with you and your parents throughout the day. If we do have to cancel, I’ll reschedule your shoot ASAP!
I’m a senior parent, and my senior doesn’t love being photographed. Should I be worried?
Whether your senior has been looking forward to this for months or is only doing it because you want them to, my goal is to make the experience fun for them - or at the very least, stress-free.
I’ve had plenty of practice helping seniors relax and find their confidence in front of the camera over the last 20 years. I also do everything I can to make the session laid-back and inviting. For example, I’ll have their favorite music playing during the shoot.
Do you do a consultation before the shoot?
Instead of a capital “C” Consultation, where we hash everything out at once and I overload you with information, I prefer to chat with you (seniors + their parents!) multiple times throughout the process.
There will be a questionnaire, plus phone calls or Zoom meetings to discuss outfits, locations, and logistics. But I’m also here to be a resource and give advice whenever you need it! Don’t be afraid to text or email me questions at any point during the process.
Do you do college senior portraits, too?
Yes! I love taking college senior photos - just you, me, and your cap and gown snapping pictures around campus. If you’re interested, shoot me a message!
How long will it take to get the photos back?
After the photo session, I’ll take two weeks to edit the photos and send you proofs. I give you two weeks to review and choose your favorites. Then I’ll take two weeks to put the finishing touches on the images you pick and send you the final files!
During my peak senior photo season (June - September), it may take a little longer than two weeks. If that happens, I will let you know. You’ll never be left wondering where your photos are.
After the session, will I get the rights to the edited images? Where can I use them?
If you purchased digital images, then you have the rights to use them as you wish. Parents, post them on Facebook for your friends and family to enjoy, hand them out to grandparents, or frame them and hang them as wall art. Seniors, you can post away on Instagram for #seniorsunday!
What is the best way to contact you?
I am easy to get ahold of! I respond to text, phone, or email - but the fastest way to reach me will always be text. (Seriously, don’t be afraid to text me!)
Phone: 319-366-8689
Learn more about Senior Photography