When you should schedule a high school senior session | Bergen County NJ Photographer
LESS STRESS AND LESS PRESSURE IS KEY
This is a big year in an emotional roller coaster for your family whether it’s your first child going off to college, or your fourth child graduating before you become empty nesters, so I don’t want this to be an added stress. However my studio does get really busy during months of April - June with much needed outdoor sessions for everyone with all sorts of celebrations going on, so if you would like a spring session outside with beautiful flowers, or do it before prom and graduation, I would book this way ahead.
I will say a long school break or a weekend when they don’t have a heavy school work or an activity is best, if you can find a weekend like that! They have gone through a stressful year (or if you are booking in the fall/winter, they might be in the middle of it), so even summer before heading off to college is great too.
2 WHICH SHOULD I PICK - OUTSIDE OR STUDIO?
Since I have a studio, I offer a hybrid session where we start in the studio in downtown Ho-Ho-Kus and then go into an urban setting like downtown Ridgewood, or a nearby park for different photos. We can also do all studio or all outside, and it’s all up to you and your child. The upside of studio is we don’t have to sorry about the weather. Outside is surely beautiful on a nice day in a nice season, and your senior will feel a bit more relaxed. If we are photographing outside, your session will be scheduled so we can use the golden light towards sunset. Either way, I will focus on your senior’s personality and we will do what they feel comfortable. Most of the time, they feel very awkward at the beginning (which is very normal) and end with ‘it was actually a lot of fun!”.
TALK TO YOUR SENIOR AND AGREE ON CLOTHING (AND HAVE FUN SHOPPING : )
This is the same as family photos that everyone should be on board to create nice photos. It’s very important that you talk to your senior before scheduling a portrait session and make sure he/she is fully on board. It is also important that he/she is excited about it and can be there emotionally during the session for me to do my job.
Take your time and talk about what to wear. They might want to wear something that you don’t necessarily feel comfortable with. In that case, let him/her bring that, and add a few more choices that you like as a parent so you can both have the looks you like. If she is into hair and makeup, I can arrange a hair & makeup artist to make it a full experience too. Talk about where would work best for him/her - downtown, a sports field, by your home or studio - there are many options and we will find the best location that suits his/her personality.
NOW BOOKING CLASS OF 2023! Plan ahead and give me a heads up if you are intererested.