It feels like a lifetime ago—and also just a blink—since I dropped my baby boy off at his first day of kindergarten. Now that he's started his senior year, I’m left wondering where the years went. Watching him transform from a child who needed my constant help to a young man ready to take on the world is a beautiful, heart-wrenching mix of pride and nostalgia.

Watching my child prepare for college has turned their senior year into a bittersweet mix of logistical planning and letting go. It’s a season of 'lasts' that has me preparing for my own new beginning, too.

To every parent standing at the starting line of senior year: take a deep breath.

This isn't just their milestone; it’s yours. It is the beautiful, bittersweet harvest of every ounce of love and patience you’ve sowed over the last eighteen years. If you feel a little unsteady—caught between grieving the childhood that’s ending and cheering for the future that’s beginning—know that you aren’t alone.

As we focus on getting them ready for their next chapter, we need to hold space for ourselves, too. Our roles are shifting, but the bond isn't breaking. We are moving toward a new kind of friendship and the incredible reward of watching them fly on their own. 

Amidst the chaos of senior year we must forge through all the decision-making it entails and requires of us.  Trying to get just a few minutes of your kiddo's time can be nothing short of challenging (this I know).  So with all its challenges, when is the perfect time to start planning and preparing?  As a parent, I know our hearts need to be ready and as a photographer I know it's better to start earlier than later.  I've been on the both sides and I would say start with having a heart-to-heart with your senior.  A conversation over a meal or during a car ride can help get the ball rolling.  Here are some great questions to ask:

1.  Are there any sports or hobbies you would like photographed?

2.  Any special locations that you enjoy or have great memories of?  

3.  What outfits can you see yourself wearing for senior photos?

4.  Outdoor photos, studio photos, or a mixture of both?

5.  Any special season or seasons of the year that you prefer?

Take NOTES!

As a parent, I think this is a great time to share your wishes and hopes for Senior photos as well.  A couple things I like parents to keep in mind is that Senior photos are just as much for them as they are for you.  These images will capture a huge milestone in their life and it's super important to keep an open dialogue.  

Keep in mind most schools want anywhere from 1-3 senior portraits for yearbook submitted by Fall of Senior Year.  That means if your son or daughter graduates in 2026 you should have some photos already taken before Fall of 2025.  This may seem obvious but it's a great reminder as there's limited time to get particular seasonal portraits before yearbook submission.  

• Pre-Session: A scheduled phone call to discuss the session vibes and location, followed by a logistics check-in one week prior.  About a week before your session, we’ll have a check-in to go over all the details (time, location, clothes, etc), send me outfit and prop pictures and map out our plan of attack!
• The Shoot: Remember...you do you. We’ll meet at the location you’ve chosen and start shooting.  Remember to bring everything you think you’ll need for the session, including your outfit changes and accessories, water, chapstick, make-up for touch-ups, oil-absorbing towelettes, a brush/comb, and a parent or guardian.  Duration of shoot depending on which session you chose.
• The Wait: Sit back and relax! Unless you ask me not to, I’ll post a sneak peek on social media a few days after your session.  Your final gallery will be ready 2-4 weeks from your session date, so pay attention to your yearbook deadline.  
• The Polish: Shortly after your session, you’ll get an email with a link to view the lightly edited proofs in your online gallery, from which you will select your favorites.  Once favorites are selected I move into the final edit phase.

• Iron/ Steam all outfits if possible to be sure they're wrinkle free and try everything on to ensure good fit.  
• Map out how long it will take you to arrive to your first location, parking availability at/near your location to ensure you're on time.
• Pack snacks and water for day of shooting and try and get at least 8-hours of sleep.
• Manicured hands and feet as both can be prominent in portraits.  
• Make sure all accessories, props, make up, and appropriate under garments are packed.  
• Pro Tip: Bring props that help tell your story, like instruments, baby photo, jerseys, or pets.

• The "Three-Look" Rule: one casual look (jeans/top), one dressy look (dress/suit), and one unique look (sports uniform, hobby-related, or prom dress).  Aim for 3-5 outfits, depending on session duration.  These are your photos that represent your style; be comfortable in what you are wearing.  We will discuss this during our pre-session conversation.  
• Add Dimension: Dress in layers (jackets, scarves) and textures (lace, leather, knits) which photograph better than flat fabrics and offer more posing variety.
• Warm and rich tones photograph beautifully and bright and bold colors will make your photos pop.
• If you want to shoot some photos in a school sports uniform make sure you figure out who to contact to acquire the uniform from.  
• Helpful suggestion–include at least one outfit that will make your parent/guardian happy, especially if you've already been arguing about it.  As mentioned before, these photos are for both the senior and the parents.  That's all I'm going to say about that.  
• Pro Tip: Ironed clothes are the best clothes unless wrinkly is your thing. 

• If you are planning to cut or trim your hair plan for at least one week prior to session.  
• Stay away from peels, masks, or face treatments at least 2 weeks prior to session.  Doing test run on how your skin reacts months prior before session is a safe route to take. 
• Bring chapstick and/or any makeup for touch-ups during session.
• If you tend to have shiny skin bring some face powder to use throughout session.  
• Remove hair binders from wrists before leaving your house.
• Remove cell phones and keys from pockets.  It's helpful to bring a little bag to carry with you during your session.  
• Lint roll attire if needed.

My goal is to capture authenticy and of course that perfect yearbook portrait.  I like to mix traditional posing with a documentary twist.  A nice mixture of capturing movement and the perfect pose that compliments who you are.  I want to capture an honest reflection of who you are in this moment, not a polished version that doesn’t feel true.  

I hand edit every photo so each session is unique and handled with care.  Please keep in mind it's a 2-4 week turnaround once you've selected your favorites. Once your favorites are selected I will hand edit out anything that isn't permanent such as acne, bruises, scratches, etc.  Your permanent features like moles, scars, freckles, etc. will only be edited out by request.  I look forward to working with you!