salem oregon senior portraits
Aidan is the third kid in this family that I’ve done senior portraits for. Yes, I realize he looks like a 30 yr old man, but I promise this is the face of a high school senior.
One thing I like about Aidan is that he keeps it simple. He wore school colors, chose a simple location, followed directions like a champ, and we were done in record time.
It may not be obvious, but these two are TWINS! Daniel (cowboy hat) and John (baseball hat) made up half of the mutli-senior session I did with two other guys (You can see ETHAN’S session HERE and you can see KIERNAN’S session HERE). It was chaos, but the best kind!
In case you missed my earlier blog post, featuring some of my favorite color images from Noah’s senior session, CLICK HERE to view it. Anyway, here are some of my favorite B&W images from his shoot, including a THEN vs. NOW comparison (first photo). I have older photos of Noah, but I loved his long hair era, so I chose one of those shots.
I thought it would be nice to have my senior portrait information in one convenient location. So, below are the answers to some of my most frequently asked questions! Please let me know if there’s something I didn’t cover!
Q: WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSION?
A: Ideally, you will schedule your senior portrait session 2-3 months in advance, to ensure I can get you on my calendar. The best time to shoot your senior portraits is July through September, as that gives me enough time to edit and deliver your photos before your yearbook deadline. It is also when the weather is most predictable. Having said that, I do shoot senior portraits all year, as some schools have later yearbook deadlines, and some seniors prefer to shoot at different times of the year. I offer early morning or evening sessions, on both weekdays and weekends, but my weekends fill up fast!
Q: WHERE WILL MY SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSION TAKE PLACE?
A: That will mostly be up to you! I offer sessions both in-studio and outdoors. We can shoot at a park, in the forest, at the beach, or in downtown Salem! If you book my top package, you can choose more than one location and we can shoot on 2 separate days, if needed!
Q: WHAT PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?
A: For senior portraits, I offer three different sessions: Mini, Classic, and Deluxe. MINI SESSIONS are ideal for those who aren’t very enthusiastic about having their photos taken and/or for those on a budget. These sessions, which are only available in Salem, typically take about 15-20 minutes and yield 10 final images, delivered in digital file format. CLASSIC SESSIONS takes 1-2 hours, allow for outfit changes, and yield 25 final images, delivered in digital file format. Classic sessions must be held at one location, but I’m available to travel, if needed (travel fees may apply). DELUXE SESSIONS last 2-3 hours, allow for outfit changes, and one location change. Deluxe sessions yield 55 final images, to be delivered in digital file format. If needed, you may break your deluxe session up into two shorter sessions, to be held on different days. PLEASE SEE PRICING PAGE FOR CURRENT PACKAGE PRICES!
Q: WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU SELL?
A: All of my senior portrait packages include all of the final images in digital file format. This allows you to order prints and products through the lab of your choice. Ordering products through me is optional, but I do offer professional grade prints, albums, and books in a variety of sizes.
Q: WHO MAY ATTEND MY SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSION WITH ME?
A: You are welcome to bring one or two people with you to your session. Any more than that and it gets a little chaotic and hard to get into a good groove with photos. It also tends to cut into our time, which means we won’t have the good light for as long. If you’d like to do a family photo during this time, we can arrange that, but we must work it out ahead of time.
Q: WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULE MY SESSION?
A: Sunny skies are ideal for senior portraits, so we will try to reschedule in the event that the weather does not cooperate. If we are on time constraints (yearbook deadline, sports timelines, etc.) and can’t reschedule, I can absolutely work with less-than-ideal weather (and have many times.). If you are sick or end up with a scheduling conflict, please let me know as soon as possible!
Q: DO YOU OFFERE HAIR AND MAKEUP FOR SENIOR PORTRAITS?
A: No, not at this time. I recommend booking privately with a professional hair stylist and/or makeup artist for your session. Most artists will not attend the session with you, but the work they do generally lasts long enough that you won’t need touchups anyway. I also recommend you do a trial run, as that last thing you want is to have to do a session with hair or makeup you don’t love.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSION?
A: If you’ve booked a mini session, you will wear the same outfit for all of your photos. However, you may bring layering pieces with you (jacket, cardigan, etc.). My recommendation is to choose an outfit you love and that feels like “you.” Don’t worry about whether or not it’ll look outdated in 20 years…that’s one of the best parts of senior portraits!
Both the classic and deluxe sessions include outfit changes. I would suggest one casual, and one outfit that is more formal. If you want to incorporate a special interest or sport you play, I’m happy to brainstorm ideas with you! Here are some things to keep in mind, when choosing your attire for senior portraits:
—> Make sure your clothing is ironed and free of lint, fur, and stains.
—> Consider your location! Try to avoid busy patterns with busy backgrounds and
consider the colors at the location when choosing your outfit(s).
—> Think about your shoes! Do they match your outfit? Are they appropriate for the
location? Is it okay if they get dirty? Do you have the right socks?
—> Do not wear neon colors, as those colors can cause terrible color reflections on skin.
—> You can always email or text me with questions about clothing, as well a send me photos
of outfits you’re considering. I’m always happy to provide feedback!
—> Make sure your undergarments are not visible through your clothing (unless that is
the look you’re going for). Also, keep in mind that if your bra strap shows, that is
not something I will edit out of the final images.
Q: WHEN SHOULD I DO MY PERSONAL GROOMING?
A: If you need a fresh haircut or need to get your hair colored for your session, make sure you plan that accordingly! Make sure there is no leftover hair dye on your skin. If you plan on shaving (face or body) for your session, make sure you give yourself enough time to do that before your session. Plucking should be done at least 24 hours in advance, to avoid redness. Spray tans and tanning beds are not recommended prior to senior portrait sessions, as they tend to look fairly orange (and sometimes splotchy) in photos. Don’t forget about your fingernails and toenails…make sure they are clean and cut. If you want painted nails, make sure it’s not chipped and that it matches your outfit(s).
Q: WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN TERMS OF EDITING?
A: Your photos will be professionally edited prior to delivery. In addition to basic editing, such as color correction and contrast, I will also remove skin blemishes, reduce under-eye bags, and whiten teeth if needed. Things not fixed in editing include, but are not limited to: wrinkled clothing, hair frizz, hair color, root touch up, skin color, tan lines, large stains on clothing, shoe scuffs, chipped nail polish, eyeglass glare (non-glare lenses are recommended), braces, etc. If there is anything you’re not sure about, just ask!
I shared most of Sam’s senior portraits a while back, but these black and white shots are some of my favorites. We were fortunate enough to have access to Salem’s historic Grand Theater, as Sam is an actor and was involved with a production there at the time.
Ashton wanted an excuse to wear her prom dress again, so this worked out perfectly! Happy Sweet 16, Ash!
I’ve been photographing this kid since he was FIVE! I can’t believe he’s done with high school (graduated in January) and living his adult life now. His mom is my dear friend and I’ve watched her help him overcome some major challenges throughout his life. It wasn’t easy, but they did it! Congrats, Royice (and Michiko)!
