It’s that time of year again—when new seniors are entering their final year, the fall season is next in line, and everyone is thinking about photos.

There are so many questions I get asked every year from moms and seniors who are trying to plan ahead to have the best possible senior photo experience, so I’ve compiled some of my most frequently asked questions and answers! 

When Should I Start the Booking Process? 

There’s several factors to consider when thinking about the booking and photoshoot timeline. Where I always start is thinking about how you want to use the photos.

Are you wanting them for your yearbook, to print them out for a senior graduation night, or are you wanting to send announcements? 

If you simply want them for yourself to hang in your home and to post on social media for everyone’s favorite #seniorsunday posts, then you have your choice of dates!

Typically yearbook due dates are in the winter, so double check with your school if you are planning on using them for a senior page.

If you want them for spring graduation announcements, I recommend booking a session date before April 30th. This makes room for potential rescheduling due to spring showers while giving you enough time to get the gallery, choose your favorites, and mail them out.

If you are wanting to include graduation cap and gowns or sport uniforms, you’ll need to reach out to the school and coaches to find out delivery dates or when they can and can’t use their uniforms.

Also consider the seasons you want since they are all different temperatures and schedules. 

• Summer is great for the beach and tans, but can be hot and crowded.
• Fall has the leaves but can be busy with the start of school and sports.
• Winter has beautiful, clear light but can be cold and needs specific locations that look alive.
• Spring has bright colors and flowers, but is cutting it close with graduation deadlines.

There are pros and cons to all seasons so it really comes down to your uses for the photos, the locations and outfits you want, and what works with your schedule!

(NOTE: “Booking” simply means that you have secured a spot on my calendar. “Scheduling” means picking the specific date for your shoot. It is always better to book early, so you get priority scheduling for whatever season you want!) 

What is the Booking Process? 

The booking process starts after you inquire. Once you inquire about a service and you pick your package, I send my contract, receive 50% of your payment (the other 50% will be due 7 days before your session) and then you are able to schedule a date on my calendar. 

My calendar is typically released three months at a time, but you can book in advance to have access to the link to schedule as the date you want becomes available! 

It’s always a good idea to get “booked” early because I have opened up the spring schedule in January before and the entire month of April booked within the first week. The earlier you book, the better chance you have of getting your ideal date. 

(NOTE: My most popular months are April, September, and Late October. If you want those, plan ahead to guarantee!)

Do You Have Availability on the Weekend?

Unfortunately, I do not. I have to leave weekends open for my family and for wedding dates but I photograph senior sessions during the week and have plenty of dates to choose from! 

Make sure to plan ahead to work around practice, work, and school schedules. If you’re concerned about taking off work or missing something, let me know and I’ll help find the best option!

What If I Don’t Have My Cap and Gown During the Season I Want? 

If you really love the fall season and want your main session then but don’t have your cap and gown yet, you will have the option to book a mini-session for just the cap and gown once you have it. These mini-sessions are often scheduled at the end of another senior session for a discounted rate, so the scheduling will be less available. Keep that in mind! 

What Time is the Best Lighting? 

It will change as the sun sets earlier or later. I will start my sessions at the earliest 3 hours before sunset and always end the session around 30 minutes before official sunset time. I adjust the session’s start time based on how long of a session you booked. This gives enough time for some soft sun and several minutes of golden hour, regardless of clouds!

What are the Locations You Shoot At? 

The locations I serve are New Bern, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Washington, Raleigh, and everything in-between. Some of these locations do have a travel fee, but once you inquire, I will provide several options to you to make sure you get what you want! 

Can I Bring People To My Session? 

You can bring whoever you want! I do recommend keeping the entourage small though, so you stay comfortable, and we can make the most of our time together. The photos are about YOU after all!

I always love when mom, dad, sister, and/brother jump in for a few photos. Your friends can come for a few as well as whoever else is important to you. 

If you are inquiring about having two or multiple people for the entire session, there will be an additional fee to add on a second session to the existing one (since we will need more time to cover everyone). But this is a great way to save a little on sibling seniors!!

What is Included in the Pre-Session 1:1 Planning Call? 

I love my pre-session planning meetings! It is so fun for me to talk through your ideas and really get a sense of what you like and are looking for in your photos. My planning meetings start with a questionnaire sent before the call that is full of questions that I use to get to know you, what you’re thinking, and your style. 

Once you’ve filled that out, you’ll get a link to schedule a one-on-one call where we will pick locations, talk overall style, plan outfits, build your style board, and collect inspiration. 

After the call, I’ll send along the style board with everything we worked on with directions on where we will start your session. 

Can We Order Prints From You? 

While you are able to print wherever you like, I always recommend working with me or my verified printers to get the very best out of your photo investment. (Stay away from Walgreens’ teal and orange printers!)

I offer everything from senior albums, starting at $250 for 5 spreads with options to add on, to print photography and even graduation announcements. 

My graduation announcements can either be from a template or fully custom. The minimum order is 25 announcements, and you can even print the addresses directly on the envelopes, so all you have to do is seal the envelope and add the stamp, and you’re done! 

I’m always here for questions about printing to make sure you receive the utmost quality. If you find that you have more questions and need someone to answer them, reach out with anything you need. I’m always happy to help and can’t wait to work with you! 🙂