Elizabeth absolutely rocked her session. She brought a lace gown, a cotton top, some thigh high socks, and a confident attitude.
I think these black and white images are a perfect way to showcase Jia’s elegance and gracefulness.
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!
Miss Ainsley rocked an adorable caramel colored cotton dress for part of her senior portrait session, which we shot in a beautiful wooded area. The light was perfect for creating an earthy and moody look.
This is the third (of four) mini sessions with this family, celebrating a major milestone. Right before one of their kids leaves for their first year of college, the family dresses up in that school’s merch and we do some photos at their house. The oldest went to Oregon State, the second oldest is currently at Grand Canyon University, and Miss Ellie is currently enjoying her time at Montana state (these photos are old, as usual). Anyway…GO, BOBCATS!
I love how these fun, yet elegant headshots turned out! I knew that Ryn (they/them) was bringing multiple outfits, including some vibrant floral prints, so we needed a location that would provide a variety of backgrounds. I think Deepwood Museum & Gardens ended up being the perfect location!
Something about these photos remind me of old Hollywood pinups or the cover of a romance novel. Regardless, I will forever be obsessed with this color palette.
This is a throwback to a session I did a long time ago, in my old studio. Since it was one that got lost with my website crash a few years ago, I thought I’d re-blog it.
This was such a fun session, as I played with light, texture, movement, a piece of copper pipe and a prism. Michelle was such a good sport and was so patient with all of the hair flipping and tossing I had her do (repeatedly, lol).
Adela wore the cutest little lingerie set in a pretty shade of pink. We were fortunate enough to get some of that dreamy winter sunshine I love so much, and it just complimented her whole look. We shot this session at studio 22 in downtown Salem. They have great big windows that are perfect for dramatic light.
For the last decade or so, I’ve traveled for my birthday. I have chosen places like Hood River, Eugene, the Oregon Coast, Southern Oregon, and Vegas. I enjoy planning the trips and have always brought my husband along with me. Last year, though, I decided to take a solo road trip to Whidbey Island for my birthday, and it was absolutely amazing! I’ve taken lots of solo road trips and love traveling alone, but something about doing it for (and on) my birthday was really special. I’ve been obsessed wtih Practical Magic since it first came out, so getting to see the filming locations in person was simply awesome. My only camera with me on that trip was a cell phone, so I never blogged it. Maybe I will, if I can find the photos.
Anyway, I enjoyed the area so much that I decided to pick a similar/close location and Vashon Island seemed like a good choice. Fun fact: I looooove ferry boats, so any opportunity to ride one and I’m all over it. (Note: I used to just call them ferries, until I watched Grey’s Anatomy and now I will always call them ferry boats.)
I left Salem on March 8th (the day before my birthday). I made my usual stop in Kalama to visit “Forks” High School (i.e. Kalama High School, where they filmed Twilight), and then hit a few little shops downtown. Shortly before reaching the ferry terminal, I stopped to grab some lunch, which I ate in my car, while in line for the ferry boat. Even though the trip over to Vashon is short (15 minutes maybe?) I got off and enjoyed the trip from the upper deck (outside). I honestly don’t know why I love them so much, but something about ferry boats is just so…romantic or something!
Once I reached the island, I stopped for some groceries and then checked in to my airbnb. The beach front house was really cool, with an incredible view. I enjoyed coffee each morning, on the covered deck, overlooking the water and listening to the birds. During the day, I would explore the island, find yummy food (bakeries were kind of my thing this trip), and then enjoy the evenings with a book or Netflix.
Below is a collection of photos from my trip. All of these photos were shot with my phone or a point-and-shoot camera, as I really don’t like to take my camera gear on personal trips. Mostly just because I don’t like lugging it around with me (I don’t leave my gear in the car unattended).
Yes, I know I’m way behind on blogging. At this point, I don’t even know why I bother saying anything because it’s been this way for like a decade now. Anyway, Ainsley was one of my fabulous 2024 seniors. This portion of her session was done at a local park, which is one of my favorite little hidden gems. Not only does it look good year ‘round, but there is rarely anyone else there.
Kiernan was part of the best friend senior session I did a couple of years ago, where I photographed four seniors at the same time. We met up at a park in Indpendence, which was an ideal setting as it had a lot of variety (for backgrounds) with in a small area.
Anna wore the cutest 90s inspired outfit for this shoot. It had sort of a Catholic school nun meets Wednesday Adams.
Ashley & Taylor got married at the Clark County Courthouse in March of 2024, on an absolutely perfect day! I’ve known Ashley since she was in elementary school, when my dear friend, Karly, married Ashley’s dad. Over the years I’ve done their family portraits, as well as Ashley and her brother’s senior portraits.
Anyway, I was so excited when Karly contacted me about photographing Ashley’s courthouse elopement that I don’t think she even finished her question before I said, “OMG, Yes, of course!” Not only did I get to see Ashley and meet her new husband, but I got to meet their baby for the first time!
I had never been to the Clark County courthouse before, but I was pleasantly surprised at how cool the building looked! Everyone took turns passing the baby around, while Ashley and Taylor did some paperwork as they waited for the judge to call them in. Once in the courtroom the ceremony was quick and easy (as they always are, and I love it!). Afterwards we did some quick photos outside before they headed off to a family dinner to celebrate.
I really do love the “then vs. now” shots and Ainsley’s is no exception! She was a cute kiddo, but has certainly grown into a beautiful woman! We did Ainsley’s senior portraits in 3 parts, one of which you can see by CLICKING HERE. I’ll be sharing the rest of them soon. In the meantime, here are a few b&w shots from those sessions!
We did this session shortly after SheeAnna lost her grandmother. They were very close, so the loss hit her especially hard. The tattoo on her arm is a memorial tattoo, in her grandmother’s honor, so I decide to create special photo for her.
Vanessa was kind enough to model for one of my community college classes a few years ago. In exchange, I did some headshots for her, as she needed some updated ones.
Miss K is all about the accessories and textures! She had pearls, sequins, lace, chiffon, mesh, and felt. I love texture, so it made my job all that much more fun. I decided to keep things really simple with the furnishings and background, as to not compete with the beauty of K and all her fabulous textures!
