Go Get em'Class of 2023!!
Your senior year is starting soon! So many changes...so many exciting things to come! Your senior photos will be the first step in this final leg of your high school career. Thank you for considering me.
This is your official blog on why, how and what to expect for your senior photos with Photos by Joyce. Any and all info that you need you will find here along with some of my previous seniors for inspiration. If you don't see it here, just drop me a message and I will be sure to get you the answer you need. Here are the top 5 questions I get.
1. How does it work?
It's pretty simple. Call, text, message or email for an available time slot. Sessions run 1-2 hours depending on how many locations we utilize. Extended sessions are also available upon request. Payment is due in full at your session. Images are delivered within two weeks of your session date.
2. What Can I Expect at the Session?
I try to customize each session to each kid. Not everyone has the same interests or activities. Not everyone wants a country type setting or to be on the football field. I find out what makes them happy. Is their car their favorite thing in the world at the moment? Let's get it in a few photos! Have they been in dance sine they were a little girl? Absolutely bring a few costumes with them! I am up for just about any idea that you can come up with. I like to do a little bit of "everything" at each session. A little of the "look at me and smile" and a little of the dramatic/artsy ones too. Some looking directly at the camera with no smile and some with a far off dreamy look as well. I want you to have a ton of images and options when you receive your gallery from me. I want to capture details and the personality of each senior as well.
3. Why is Wardrobe and Styling so Important? (What to wear?)
These photos are such a unique opportunity to showcase your personality! Make sure to have a "Wow" factor with each outfit change. (guidelines on what to wear later on) If you put no effort or thought into what you wear it will show in your photos. Do you play a sport? Bring your jersey. Do you normally dress funky? Then certainly do it for your photos! If your a girl and show up with not a curl in your hair, fly always everywhere and no make up...it will look just like you rolled out of bed. I want you to be natural to a point, but putting some effort in will definitely have an outstanding outcome.
4. Where Do I Shoot?
I do almost all of my senior work outdoors. I have many locations to choose from. (all are in Greensburg area). I try to match up kids and outfits with locations. Some come to me with family property or get permission from school sporting fields for photos. I am up for anything. I have places for the girls who want water shots to the guys to who want urban/architectural shots. I like to continuously find new and amazing locations. I am open to any suggestions that you may have. A lot of the locations I have aren't what you would "typically" find photo worthy, but they will be awesome..I promise! Sure, we can go to Twin Lakes, but why? Everyone else goes there too...from every other local school. It's pretty enough, but don't you want something different? Something not every other kid has? If so, you are the senior for me to work with!
**There are some locations that require a paid permit to shoot. I have permits at a few locations...any other locations will be your responsibility. I have permits for Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and West Overton. Twin Lakes, Pitt at Greensburg etc. require permits and would be at your discretion.
5. How much does it all Cost?
I have a few basic options to choose from.
The first is one local location for $175.
The 2nd is two local locations for $225.
The 3rd is the extended package: two local locations (1 hour each), a third local location (1/2 hour) for $275.
(I do work on pricing with you for twins!)
All packages include your images taken that day, edits and a print release. All packages also include 30% off any professional grade prints and canvas ordered through me.
*Ligonier, Linn Run and Pittsburgh all require travel fees
Sounds easy right? Well, that's because it is! So, why should you choose me? I am a mom of three already graduated kids. (GS class of 2016, Class of 2013 and Class of 2020) I know what I needed and wanted when I got their photos taken. I understand that this is the first step in your "Lasts" of senior year. These are the first photos where your baby will look grown up. I understand how important these are to you and your family. Your kids have such great accomplishments. Weather those are academics, on the field or just being an overall great human being. I share the same joys and prides with my own children. I know it's emotional (don't feel bad, I've had numerous moms cry at their sessions!). I know it's important. I know , I know...I know. (sniff sniff)
Got a kid that doesn't like their photo being taken? Got a kid that doesn't think Senior Photos are important? That's okay. Explain to them like I did to my son...These photos are for mom anyways. They are to help document this important life changing step your both about to take. Explain that if they don't want them it's fine..they are getting them anyways to make mom happy. I will make the appointment as painless as possible for those naysayers I promise. ;)
So, now what should you wear? Here are some helpful hints I have found along my senior photographing journey. (I have close to 100 seniors under my belt that I have worked with)
1. Bring lots of selections. Most girls change 1-2 times at each location. And most girls do two or three locations. Guys usually (not limited to of course) 1 at each location. Sometimes just a change of shirt and jewelry can make a completely different outfit! Bring some casual and some dressy. A little of everything gives you tons of options later on for selecting your favorite poses.
2. Stay away from shirts with big logos and writing on it. It takes away from the person being photographed.
3. Plain colors or subtle patterns work best.
4. Accessorize! Bring hats, jewelry and shoes! Scarves on the girls always look good too.
5. Layering is always a good thing. Guys with vests and girls with sweaters. A good old fashioned jean jacket can make or break an outfit as well.
6. Be creative! Bring your old comfy blue jeans AND a formal dress with heals. They will both be rocked I promise!
7. If doing water shots, long flowy dresses or skirts work well. Also a towel or blanket and extra undergarments for water shots. (you will thank me later for those extra undies! lol)
8. For girls...I cannot stress enough the power of hem lines and neck lines. Bum cheeks hanging out and too much cleavage just isn't attractive...
9. Fake tans=NO NO NO! You will look like an oompa loompa...I guarantee it!
10. Shoes are as important as your outfit. Guys if you wear your cowboy boots all the time, then you should wear them for your photos too. Girls, if you can walk in heels, bring them along.
11. NO NEON COLORS! I don't think I need to say any more on that...pretty self explanatory.
12. Getting professional hair and make-up is a great investment.
13. If you wear glasses, be aware that we can leave them on for all the photos but in some situations they cause an awful glare. If you have transition lenses they cannot be worn at all (unless you want the Stevie Wonder look). If you have contacts they are a great option for the day.
This is a list of some helpful hints I have also found along the way of my senior journey.
1. Leave little brothers and sisters at home. They usually distract, need to pee and fight in some form with the senior. This day is about the big kid anyways. Use it as an excuse to spend quality time making a few great memories.
2. Your seniors mindset for the day can make or break the session. So, kids..relax. I like to think that I am kind of cool and sometimes funny. I am pretty easy to get along with and will make this experience not so bad. Plus, it will make mom/dad/grandma really happy. I bribed my son with wings after his if he cooperated. Yes, I resorted back to the tactics I used when he was 5 years old..and what do you know...it worked!
3. Most places we are shooting don't have anywhere private to change. Most kids end up changing in the woods or a car. Make sure to bring a blanket or sheet to hold up for a little privacy if needed. GIRLS: cami's underneath shirts make it easy to swap shirts etc. quickly. Also be aware of bra straps! If they stick out...go strapless!
4. Most sessions are on days that it is extremely HOT! I shoot early morning or later evening for better lighting but sometimes an afternoon shoot just can't be avoided or sometimes it's still just that hot at those times of the day. Keeping a small cooler in your car of water and a rag to wipe down in between outfit changes will keep your senior happy and a little less cranky.
5. Coordinating "Adjoining Shoots" is always welcome. If your senior has a best friend and you think that you want a few shots of them together, or if you think having that friend getting their senior photos taken at the same time will cut the sting out a little for your kid, I am all for it. Contact me for pricing and special situations. However, if mom wants to jump in a shot or dad for one photo that is fine. Please do not expect a whole family shoot during this time. Boyfriends/girlfriends/siblings/grand parents etc. can be set up for another day.
6. Guys and Girls: TRY OUTFITS ON BEFORE PICTURE DAY! Sometimes things just don't fit like they used to or don't look right with the shoes you picked out etc. Always have a plan B and back up for outfits. Also...super IMPORTANT!!!!!.....make sure outfits are ironed and clean. No stains. No rips. No outfits rolled into a ball in a Wal-Mart bag. (Yep..this has happened before)
Well...now you know how to book. What your investment will be. What to wear and what not to wear. And you have seen numerous examples of my work.
I shoot in natural light. I don't add in fake locker rooms or bolts of lightening. I don't swap heads or add unicorns to photos. I do however shoot your child looking their best at the forefront of this new adventure they call "Senior Year". If that sounds like something you want/need..then I am the photographer for you!
I am already booking senior appointments. It is not too early to get your appointment on my calendar. I am so excited to work with each and every one of you!
Joyce
xoxoxo
