What’s included in my high school senior session fee?

• A 90 minute session

• Up to three outfit changes and a variety of backgrounds and poses

• Approximately 20 professionally edited, tastefully retouched, high-resolution digital images

• A print release allowing you to print the images at a photo lab of your choice

 

What kind of outfits should I wear?

Your outfits should be a reflection of your personality and unique style. Being comfortable in your clothes lends itself to natural looking poses. I try to match the venue with your outfit choices and the vision you have for your portrait, so it’s helpful to know in advance what kind of outfits you are planning to wear. For example, if you want to wear a mini skirt and stiletto heels, using a rural farm setting would clearly be a bad choice for the venue. As a general rule, avoid wearing plain white tops and neon colors.

 

How are outfit changes handled? How many outfits can I bring?

I provide a pop-up changing room for outfit changes. As long as your outfit changes are quick you can generally do up to three changes. You’ll be in charge of toting your outfits around as we are rarely close enough to the car to retrieve them. So plan on packing a tote bag, or bring along a friend, parent or sibling who’s willing to be your valet for a few hours.

 

What kind of locations do you use?

I'm happy to travel to a location of your choosing (max 25 mile radius of Denver) or I have several favorites I can recommend. Choices include manicured landscape (rocks, water features, grassy areas with large trees), classic urban, urban funk, farm, prairie, vintage mansion, parks with flowers and greenery. To view samples of some favorite locations visit my locations album.  I’m willing to conduct the shoot in the botanic gardens and other similarly restricted venues but you’ll be responsible for obtaining and paying for the photography permit.

 

Sessions are generally scheduled for late afternoon/early evening when the light is at its best. Colorado’s weather can be temperamental, however, so your flexibility is appreciated when the weather turns foul.  

 

Grooming Tips

Guys should shave before their session….and don’t forget to brush those teeth. If your skin is particularly oily, bring along a small towel to blot your face with. If your skin is dry, please moisturize as dry, flaky skin is hard to correct.

Ladies, eye makeup is really important for making your eyes standout. It doesn’t need to be Lady Gaga heavy, but some shadow, liner and mascara go a long way in giving your eyes definition. If your skin is particularly oily, please use facial powder or some matte foundation. Please do not wear facial glitter.

 

Will you retouch my photos?

All images are professionally edited and tastefully retouched. I remove blemishes, correct skin tones, whiten teeth, brighten eyes and generally strive to let your natural beauty shine through. I don’t remove braces. Let me know if you prefer more or less retouching.

 

How many images will I get? Are they digital?

The exact number of images you will receive varies, but most sessions produce around 20 final images. I provide you with high-resolution digital images, not printed proofs. Clients download the images from my website. The digital images are yours to keep – forever.

 

How long does it take to get my images?

Typically the final images are available within two weeks of your session.

 

Do I have to buy prints from you?

No. I provide all clients with a print release allowing you to print the digital images at a photo lab of your choice. The resolution size is suitable for prints up to size 5x7. If you want high-quality, large-format prints, you may order prints from me. I use a professional print lab that provides exquisite color rendition, unique paper choices and beautiful finishes. Prices are on my website and are very reasonable. Prints are shipped directly to you and generally arrive 7-10 days from when I receive your order and payment.

 

If you need a few full resolution sized images to print novelty items, invites/announcements or canvas prints and such, just let me know. I’m happy to provide a small number of full resolution images free of charge. The reason I don’t provide all the images in full resolution is because the files are extremely large and very time consuming to upload. Plus they would overwhelm some people’s computer storage space when extracted from the zip file.

 

Can I include my pet?

I’m happy to include the family pet in a few shots as long as Fido is well behaved and will sit and stay on command. Please bring along a friend to tend to Fido during the shoot.

 

Can I bring props?

Yes! But let’s discuss your ideas before the shoot.

 

Comfy shoes.

Some venues are quite expansive and can involve a great deal of walking. I’m notorious for wandering all over to get a variety of backgrounds in your shots. If your shoes are uncomfortable I suggest you bring a pair of flip flops to slip into as we wander from spot to spot.

 

Payment.

Payment in full is required at the time of the session. I accept cash, Venmo, Zelle or check, payable to Colleen McArdell.