by pArt of Life Photography | Aug 30, 2021 | Senior Photography |
Madison’s mom was the first to contact me for Rochester Adams High School Senior Portraits for her class of 2022 Senior, Madison. We talked over what type of senior portrait I couldn’t wait to meet Madison in person. For her session we decided on downtown Rochester. I loved hearing about her clothing choices and we worked out a plan to highlight each outfit in just the right spots!
Rochester Adams High School Senior Portraits
When I saw this outfit I knew just where to go… we stopped at the parking garage and then some spots with great brick for texture and just the right backdrops to showcase Madison’s style. The forecast was off for the evening of the session so the parking garage was perfect anyway while we decided to see if the weather was going to co-operate. The light drizzle did not let up so we embraced the need for the umbrella and took some portraits at the fire escape since it went so great with her outfit. We met up again the next day, this time with perfect weather.
After downtown we went to the river. Madison embraced the opportunity to make a splash. Much like I feel she will do with her life!
In the meadow a lone deer wandered behind her and before long he brought a herd of deer through. Wow! That’s not something that happens every day. Although it’s not completely unheard of around here.
Madison rocked every outfit and location we went to for her Rochester Adams High School Senior Portraits! Thanks Madison, it was so great getting to know you! Loved how your friend spotted you on main street and joined in for even more fun! Madison’s mom was thrilled with the session and shared how they both had so much fun. I love to hear that!
I’d love to customize a senior session just for you! pArt of Life Photography Senior Portrait Gallery
by pArt of Life Photography | Aug 16, 2021 | Senior Photography |
I knew we were in for a fun time when Olivia wanted to go to downtown for Detroit Stylish Senior Portraits. I have photographed Olivia before for a ballet photo session. Now she has moved on to the high school varsity dance team! She brings such grace and sweetness to everything she does. I hope she has a fantastic senior year. It’s going to be a fun one with the Stoney Creek Dance Team at football games this fall! After that the dance team with have competitions both local and in Florida. What an experience!
Detroit Stylish Senior Portraits
For the start of Olivia’s Detroit Stylish Senior Portraits Session we went to the Detroit Institute of Arts! The marble arches and steps were the perfect backdrops for both her red dress and her jeans and cute top.
On our walk over to the Fox Theatre we were admiring this fire station with awesome red wood doors. One of the firefighters said she could sit on the truck for a photo. How cool! Thanks Detroit Fire Engine 1!
We made a few stops around town then ended our evening at the rooftop of the Z Garage. We were treated to the sights of a ball game at Comerica Park and a gorgeous rainbow sherbert sky! Olivia had the perfect outfit. I loved the blues with the soft fading blue of the sky.
Ready for us to plan your senior portrait session together! Check out the pArt of Life Photograph Senior Gallery for inspiration and let’s talk! Stoney Creek High School Seniors and Adams High School Seniors don’t forget to get your yearbook photograph taken. Rochester High School Seniors I can still take and submit your senior yearbook photograph. Lake Orion Seniors, Oxford Seniors, Dakota Seniors and Troy High School Seniors I have sessions coming up with some of your friends and I’d love to talk to you too.
by pArt of Life Photography | Jul 27, 2021 | Senior Photography |
Senior Photoshoot Basics: The Before, During & After
Your senior year deserves to be celebrated and commemorated, and there are so many fun ways to do this – a photo session is one of the best!
If you’ve never scheduled a professional photo session before or simply want to know what to expect from a senior session, this guide covers the basics
This is what you need to know…
The Before
- Yearbook deadlines. If your school is creating a yearbook, find out when they need your digital photo file. This will help you plan ahead. Currently I’m not allowed to submit yearbook photos for Stoney Creek or Adams, as they are requiring you to go to Prestige. Rochester High School does not have that requirement.
- The location. The location of your senior session should fit in with your personality and the story you want to tell. Picture yourself doing what you love – where would that usually be? There are always lots of great location ideas to choose from. We’ll talk this over and customize a session just for you.
- Sooner rather than later. You may need to schedule it a few months early to avoid missing out.
- The outfit. You can decide on an outfit once you’ve chosen your location, or you can do both at the same time. Your outfit should also represent who you are and fit in with the location you’ve chosen. Just make sure your outfit isn’t too distracting or it will end up being the focus of your photos.
- Hair and makeup arrangements. Don’t leave your hair and makeup arrangements for too late either. Decide on your final look and whether or not you want to do your own hair and makeup. Having your hair done helps it hold up during your session so consider this treat! The way most people do their own make-up is usually just fine. If you’re looking for a great local hair salon, try Ruby & Clover Salon in Rochester. Love that place and Amanda does a great job. I bet they are all great!
The During
- Set aside 2 hours. The average senior photo session takes 1 to 2 hours, so take a few hours out of your day. This should include time to get ready.
- Meeting up. On the day of your session, you will meet me at your location at a specific time. There’s no need to be nervous. I’m there to make sure you have a good time and get the photos you’ve envisioned.
- Prepare to change outfits. Some seniors prefer to bring along an extra outfit to change into during their shoot. This is because one outfit might look better in a certain location than another. We’ll make a basic game plan ahead of time.
- Bring some company. If having a friend or family member with you will make you feel more comfortable, bring someone along. Just don’t bring too many people or they could end up being a distraction more than anything else.
The After
- Sign a model release. Consider signing a model release form if you would like to see sneak peek on social media.
- The wait. It takes several weeks for your photographer to complete your images, so you will need to be patient. I will hurry though, as I’m excited to share them with you!
- Share and enjoy. Once you receive your photos, you can share the social media versions of your selections.
This is a basic idea of what you can expect from your senior photo session. Don’t be shy. Just ask me questions if you have any.
Check out the pArt of Life Photography Senior Gallery for more session samples and ideas. I’d love to create a senior portrait session just for you!
by pArt of Life Photography | Jun 14, 2021 | Senior Photography |
A Guide to Senior Portraits for Parents
For most parents, senior portraits are a distant memory. Senior Portrait sessions have changed a lot over the last two decades, incorporating more creativity and individuality than ever before. This Guide to Senior Portraits for Parents is here to help you through the process. You senior will appreciate the smooth process that we can create together.
Seniors have a lot more options available to them, ranging from traditional sessions in a studio to trendy urban shoots. This is the perfect opportunity for them to showcase their unique talents, passions, and personality, while also creating a lasting memory.
However, with all the available options, portrait sessions can quickly become overwhelming for both parents and seniors.
Here are a few quick tips to help you prepare for your child’s upcoming senior session.
Make a Note of the Yearbook Deadline
Knowing the yearbook deadline encourages you to schedule a senior session instead of putting it off until the last minute. Depending on your requirements, a senior photo session will start with a yearbook portrait followed by creative shots that are unique to your child. In most instances, it takes at least 2 weeks to receive the final images, so plan accordingly.
Keep Your Senior’s Schedule in Mind
As a parent of a senior, you already know how frantic their schedules can be. Before you go ahead and schedule a session, sit down with your senior to discuss a good time. They should be just as involved in the planning as you are. Even the specific time of day matters when scheduling a senior session. Ideally, you want to take photos just after sunrise and just before sunset, as this is when the lighting’s the best. However, the right photographer can make any time of the day work. Midday should be a last resort though as the lighting is far too harsh.
Compromise with Your Child
You may have a specific idea about the photos you would like to see, but this is about your child and what makes them feel confident and comfortable. Most senior sessions allow for several outfit changes, so use this as an opportunity to find a happy balance between what you want and what your senior wants. Be patient and hear them out before you brush off their ideas. Their portraits should represent who they are and what they love.
Encourage Sharing
Prior to a senior session, get your child to open up about their passions, hopes, and dreams. This information will help guide the shoot and ensure the most authentic photos. Knowing what your senior wants these photos to represent will also guide their outfit and location choices.
Don’t forget to include your senior in the search for a photographer – a photographer’s style needs to fit in with the images you hope to create.
Creative Ways to Display Senior Portraits in Your Home
Senior portraits can be displayed just about anywhere, but there are certain spots in a home where they really stand out.
To help you think outside the box, we have put together a few ideas you can use once you receive your child’s senior portrait prints.
Use Your Favorite Spots
Which spots in your home do you love spending time in? This could be anywhere from a dressing area, to the living or laundry room. Add one of the prints to a frame, so that you always have a special reminder of this important milestone.
Over the Fireplace
Have a fireplace in your home? This is the perfect place to hang a senior portrait, whether it is framed or printed on canvas. If you have more than one child, you can create a small photo wall above your fireplace, so that everyone gets a spot.
Change Up Your Bookshelf
Yes, your bookshelf is designed to house books, but this doesn’t mean you only need to use it for reading material. Get creative by combining your favorite books with one or two framed senior portraits and other knick knacks.
Move Away from Frames
If your décor has more of an artistic feel, you can always place small canvas prints on easels. These look great on side tables in either the bedroom or living room. Plus, they make for instant conversation starters about your senior.
Spruce Up Your Foyer
It’s always nice to be met with beautiful family photos and portraits when you enter a home. Change up the frame sizes and colors to create movement and to add a creative touch to your foyer.
Incorporate Them into Their Grad Party
Planning to host a grad party at home for your senior? Why not use some of their creative shots as décor? This is a party to celebrate them, after all, so make them the center of attention in every way possible. If you want to take it one step further, you can even use these professional photos to create Christmas decorations.
Whatever you do, make sure that you print your child’s senior photos. You are hiring a professional photographer for the occasion, so make it count.
We offer many fine art products, and more photos will be added soon. I’m excited to share my new canvas company with beautiful canvas and museum backing.
When Is the Best Time to Book My Senior Photo Session?
There is no one answer to when you should book your senior photo session – there are several variables to take into consideration.
Availability
To ensure you find a time that works for you, start by looking at your availability. You never realize just how little time you have until you try and work a photoshoot into a busy senior year. Before you know it, it’s a month before you graduate, and you don’t have a date for your session yet.
For example, many extra-curricular activities take place in the fall, leaving very little time for a senior photo session. If you are more involved in sports such as softball, spring is a difficult season to plan around.
The main goal is to not be stressed before or on the day of your senior session – it will show in your photos. On the day of your shoot, you want to be relaxed and enjoy every second.
The Theme
Most likely you already have some idea of the types of photos you want to take to commemorate your senior year. Outfits play an integral role in the overall style of your shoot. If you want to wear a beautiful boho outfit for your senior session, shooting in winter isn’t quite going to work. Get a clear idea of the style you would prefer before you choose a date for your photo session.
The Location and Season
Your location will also fit in with the theme of your shoot. However, not all locations and settings look good at certain times of the year. Want an urban shoot? This works at almost any time of the year. Prefer to take photos at a local park? Every season has its features, like spring and summer for lush green and flowers and fall or course has gorgeous colors and textures. Winter photo session and a blanket of snow bring great focus to your senior.
Senior Portraits in the City! Taking on the big city in style!
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Winter Senior Portrait Sessions are beautiful and fun!
There really is no right or wrong time to schedule your shoot, you just need to plan for it. The minute you have an idea of what your senior schedule will look like, start selecting a few dates – you won’t be sorry. I look forward to talking to you. I strive to take the stress out of session planning, starting with this Guide to Senior Portraits for Parents, then with some conversations and session planning to creating a great experience for you and your senior!
by pArt of Life Photography | Apr 29, 2021 | Senior Photography |
Your Senior Portraits Can ‘Pop’ With a Prop
Senior Picture Props Help You Stand Out
Throughout their time in high school, Seniors can try out a variety of different sports, hobbies, and clubs. As they try these different extracurriculars out, they find a few that they love. Oftentimes, this hobby becomes a huge part of who they are and what they are known for. A unique way to commemorate your passions is to incorporate them in your senior portraits! Your Senior Portraits Can ‘Pop’ With a Prop. Which one(s) will you bring along?
Props
The great thing about using props in your senior photos is that it allows you to capture what you love.
We have listed photography prop ideas for classic senior portrait photography as well as some original photography prop ideas so you can capture a unique senior portrait.
Sports Equipment
Are you a sports lover and play on your school’s team or just love playing a certain sport? Bring your sports equipment to the portrait. If you love baseball you could bring your glove and bat. If you are a cheerleader, you can bring your pom-poms. Play multiple sports? Bring a variety of equipment to create a sporty look for your senior portraits.
Sport Jersey
If you aren’t wanting to use your sports equipment, wearing your sports jersey can be a simple prop to use in your senior photos.
Instruments
Did you play in your school’s marching band, orchestra, or just love playing an instrument? Then incorporate it in your photos! Posing with your musical instrument will reflect your experiences and showcase your talents. If you have a particular marching band uniform or orchestra attire, you can even wear them in your photos to add something extra special. Plus, it will be fun to reflect on the uniforms you had to wear in high school!
Incorporate Your Car
Getting your first car is a huge part of your high school experience. By posing with your cars, you are creating memories for years to come and will be able to look back and remember the car you drove while you were in high school. You can incorporate your car into your photos by leaning against your car, sit in the driver’s seat, or sit on the hood.
Books
If you love to read or have a favorite book you can incorporate them into your portraits! You can even pose with your senior yearbook.
Four-legged Friends
Even your pets can be in your senior portraits! Your pets are a huge part of you and are a great way to add something unique to your pictures.
Painting
If you love to paint, you can bring a paint pallet or pictures you have created to incorporate into your senior photos.
Balloons
If you don’t have a specific senior passion or hobby, but still want to incorporate a prop, then balloons will surely make your photos POP! Balloons are a fun way to add color. Whether you pose with them or have them in the background, they are a great way to add something special to your photos.
Do you have many passions but aren’t sure which one to pick? Incorporate them all! Don’t be shy when it comes to adding your creative spin to your portraits and combine your props.
Your Photos Are Ready to Pop!
Now that you have a few prop ideas, you are ready for your passions to shine in your senior photos! A picture is worth a thousand words, and when you add props, you share your passion in images. Your senior photos should reflect your high school experience and capture your excitement for the next life stage. Allow me to tastefully incorporate your props and make your senior portraits pop!
Senior portraits are a big way to celebrate your senior year!
Come experience a fun-filled senior session with pArt of Life Photography!
Need Inspiration?
Check out our Senior Portrait Gallery
