HELLO!
Thank you choosing Kara Garrity Photography for your senior photo session! I'm looking forward to working with you to create just the right look for your senior photos. This session is all about YOU, your style, your personality, your interests. If you have specific ideas about where to hold your session, or what you want to incorporate, let me know! If not, I'm happy to help. Not sure what to expect? I've put together some notes on how our session will go, including how to plan/what to bring. If you have any questions at all, please reach out and ask, I am reachable by text and email anytime!
Kara
781.789.5296
karagarrityphotography@gmail.com
PLANNING YOUR SESSION...
WHEN
Senior sessions are typically held the summer or fall before your senior year. Most schools have yearbook submission deadlines mid-fall, (local schools are usually the first week in November). In order to allow for editing and gallery delivery, I schedule sessions through the first week in October. This leaves plenty of time for summer sessions (think lush greens, beach scenes, fresh flowers), and fall options too (rustic barns, fall foliage, warm fields), whatever works for you! Let's discuss your vision and find the right timing for YOUR session.
PLANNING YOUR SESSION...
WHERE
Whether you prefer a sandy beach, rustic barn doors, tranquil paths, or a more urban scene, there are many beautiful spots on the South Shore to take your senior photos. We do want pretty backdrops, but the focus will be on YOU. Think about what you're wearing and what kind of background will complement that.
Not sure where to go? I have a few favorite locations and am happy to make suggestions. Let's discuss!
WHAT TO WEAR
First and foremost - match your personality. Don't wear anything you don't feel comfortable in! It's great to go shopping or your senior session outfits, but be sure check in your closet first for things that you already own. A pair of jeans that fit just right, or a favorite tee are great things to mix in for your shoot.
Neutral colors are great choices and work well with most natural backgrounds. Think black, white, cream, or muted colors like peach, plum, soft greens and blues. Solids photograph well, but if you have a favorite patterned piece that's fine! The focus will be on you rather than your outfit.
Sill not sure what to wear? We'll have time for up to three outfits during our session. A great rule of thumb is to bring three different levels of dressy. (This could be three completely different outfits, or just three tops to go with one pair pants/jeans). Think casual, semi-casual, and dressy. You can also change up an outfit with accessories. Boys can throw on a tie or a sport coat, girls may want to add a scarf, jacket or hat. That being said, this is only a guideline. If you're naturally more of a casual or dressy person, stick with that look! Your photos will reflect how comfortable you are in what you're wearing.
Feel free to bring any accessories that reflect your interests and passions:
- Sports equipment (hockey stick, baseball glove, soccer ball, etc.)
- Letterman jacket or sports jersey
- College t-shirt
- Musical instrument
Some locations have public bathrooms where you can swap outfits, but some of my clients find it's easier to change in their car. Keep your clothes on hangers to avoid wrinkles, and when it doubt, bring extra options! Just because you bring it, doesn't mean you have to wear it. We love options!
WHAT TO BRING
Besides extra outfits, there are a few things you should bring with you to make sure our session goes smoothly:
- Comb or Brush
- Hairspray for flyaway hairs
- Hair elastics and/or clips to tame hair if it gets windy
- Extra makeup for touchups
- Bottle of water
THINGS TO REMEMBER
- Take cell phones out of pockets
- No hair ties on wrists
- Checks for straps showing or gaps in clothing
DURING THE SHOOT
Our session will be casual and fun. We'll walk around our location, stopping at different points for photos, and use a variety of standing, sitting, and leaning looks depending on where we are. I will suggest poses but I want you to be yourself. If you're comfortable, your photos will show it!
Feel free to MOVE while I'm shooting. Shift your weight. Move your hands. Fix your hair. Switch from smiling to serious. I may ask you to fake a laugh, lean a certain way, or look at mom or dad. Don't worry, even if it feels weird, I promise it will look great in your images!
If you bring a family member or friend with you to your session, I'd love to grab a photo of you together at the end of our shoot. It makes a great memento.
If you have any ideas on the shoot that you'd like to try - just ask! Candid photos show off your personality and make your gallery uniquely YOURS.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
After our session I will cull through your images, then pick the best to edit and include in your private online gallery. This process takes about two weeks. In the meantime I love to send my clients a sneak peek or two of my favorites...
Once your gallery is ready, you will be able to view your images, mark your favorites, and begin the process of choosing your yearbook photo. Your session fee includes a limited number of digital images, however you can purchase additional digitals and prints separately. Your online gallery will remain available for you to view anytime!
FAQ
When should I schedule my senior session?
Senior sessions are typically held the summer or fall before your senior year. Most schools have yearbook submission deadlines mid-fall, (local school are usually the first week in November). Choose summer for sessions in shorts, tees and dresses, or fall to focus on jeans and sweaters. It's up to you!
Is there a deadline to book my session?
I do not have a deadline, but I do have a maximum number of seniors I can fit in a season, and am usually fully booked by the beginning of September. The earlier you book, the more likely you will be to get the date you want!
Where will my photo session be held?
Senior sessions are typically on location on the South Shore. I have a few favorite spots that will offer us a variety of backgrounds and beautiful light but am open to suggestions if you have somewhere in mind. There are so many beautiful local spots to choose from, we'll find one that's perfect for your session.
What does the senior portrait fee include?
Your session fee includes your on-location portrait session, a digital gallery of professionally edited images, choice of five digitals to download, and a print release. Additional digital images and prints are available for purchase separately.
Can I book a session even if my high school requires me to use their photographer?
Yes! Many of my seniors book a session with me even though they cannot use the photos for their yearbook. If you're looking for some fun photos that showcase your personality and celebrate your senior year, let's talk!
Do I need to bring a parent or guardian with me?
Bringing a parent/guardian/friend to your session is ideal, but not mandatory. Having someone familiar there with you can help make you feel more comfortable, and it may help to have a little assistance with wardrobe or hair, but if you don't have someone to bring along that's ok!
