Senior Portrait Guide
information and helpful tips
I’m so glad you’re considering a senior portrait session with Jodi Walsh Photography. Senior portraits are such a significant milestone – these images document that final transition between teen and adult. Just as our children are such unique individuals, their senior portraits should reflect their unique character.
My strength as a photographer has always been the ability to capture personalities. Together, we can plan a portrait session and create images that truly show your senior.
This guide provides information about my style, processes, and more-detailed pricing. As your photographer, I not only want to provide you with a stress-free photography experience but I also want to make sure that you have all the information you’ll need to select the images to print and display in your home for years to come.
Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, summer
Where to begin
a note for parents & guardians
Time has flown by and your little one is getting ready for their senior year!! It's ok. Take some deep breaths. We'll get through this. I know the feeling of children growing up too fast and I'm here to pass you the tissues and help you through this process. While many schools handle senior portraits differently, this section answers some questions and will help you start the planning process. My goal is to do all that I can to make this experience special and stress-free for you both.
when to start planning - spring, junior year
Junior year?!? Yes, you read that correctly.
I know that might seem early but that doesn't mean you need to book your photographer by April 1st, rather it means that you should be thinking about when you want to have portraits taken and get in contact with the photographer you want to work with (pick me, pick me 😂).
Some photographers and some appointment dates fill up early (for example, October weekends book up quickly for all photographers). Many seniors have very busy schedules between sports, activities, and jobs. When you add to that college visits and testing dates, the calendar fills up fast. This is why I encourage all Juniors and their parents/guardians to start thinking about senior portraits in the spring.
But don't panic if you're reading this and it's November of senior year. Senior portraits can be scheduled at any time during senior year. I've even scheduled into the summer after graduation because that's how things work out sometimes.
Below is a rough timeline to help serve as a guide for what to expect senior year.
Junior Year Into Senior Year Timeline
- Spring Junior Year - begin thinking about senior portraits.
- look for photographers, think about time of year for scheduling (summer, fall, winter, spring)
- Summer After Junior Year - begin the process of scheduling and gathering outfits
- August/September of Senior Year - watch for yearbook/senior ad emails from the school and make note of deadlines. (not all schools offer these options)
- November, December, January - typically when yearbook photos are due
- March, April, May - save the date cards/graduation announcement cards
- May, June - consider planning cap & gown photos
a message for SENIORS
You've been waiting for the past 3 years for this moment. Senior year is finally here so it's time to start thinking about your senior portrait session. Whether you want to keep it simple or get creative and really show off your personality, together we can create your vision. This might be your last formal portrait for quite a while so I want to encourage you to make the most of the experience.
make 'em special!
make 'em unique!
make 'em YOU!
Now it's idea time! Your assignment is to imagine one shot! One image that is uniquely you at this pivotal time in your life! What is the most important part of your life right now? Let's find a way to incorporate it into your session!
a car?
a pet?
an instrument?
a sport?
a wild location?
There are so many possibilities to make these photos an experience you'll never forget, and with just a bit of planning, we can make almost anything happen.
North Shore, fall
the big questions
North Shore, fall
what to wear
Clothes are key, but not in the way that you might think. It's more important for you to feel comfortable in your clothing options than worry about how they look. While I want my seniors to feel like models, this isn't a fashion shoot. YOU are the star of the session, not the clothes. The best and most natural expressions come when my subjects are comfortable with what they're wearing.
Beyond comfort, the possibilities are endless. I always recommend at least one casual outfit and one more formal. Formal can mean a collared shirt or a full suit and tie. It can be a nice sweater or a gown. There aren't many rules because it's all about what you want.
IUP campus, spring
IUP, spring
where to go
Deciding on a location is probably the first and most challenging part of planning senior pictures. I think part of the challenge is that Pittsburgh and the southwestern Pennsylvania area have some of the most beautiful backdrops for portraits. There are too many to choose from! Just think about it- the three rivers and sister bridges downtown, the columns at Mellon Institute in Oakland, and all the parks (North, South, Color, and more)!
This is why I put together my Senior Portrait Location Guide. It doesn't just include photos but also includes a breakdown of the pros and cons of the location and the ideal times for shooting there. There are so many variables with photos but I try to give as much guidance as I can to create the best outcomes. And I'm always adding to the list so feel free to suggest places that aren't listed there.
Senior Location Guide
Getting Creative with Senior Pictures
what to bring
This is all about thinking outside the box and incorporating what you love into part of your session.
Whether it's a sport, an instrument, a pet, or a favorite person, let's plan for part of your senior portrait session to celebrate this part of your life. It doesn't have to be something big. It could be a favorite jacket or accessory that you love. We can even include your best friend- human or animal. I just want to encourage you to take this opportunity to celebrate you.
**Please note that before your session, you'll receive an email with your session plan and a list of practical things to bring to your portrait session.**
Getting Creative with Senior Pictures
how to pose
You have your location. You have your outfits. Now it's time to get in front of the camera. One thing to keep in mind- I photograph real people and not models. Everyone starts their session by saying "I don't know what to do." It's ok. We got this.
First, it's all about capturing you being you. My job is to let you be you and then offer little directions to polish it for the camera.
Second, fidgeting is GOOD. When people stand perfectly still, they end up with a deer-in-the-headlights look- you can just feel the discomfort. Movement engages your brain and helps your whole body to relax.
I have more posing tips to help, but ultimately, the best photos happen when you're relaxed and enjoying the moment. So take a deep breath and have some fun.
Senior Posing Tips
more details
general info about the session and gallery
- Session Length: Typically 2-3 hours for full sessions and 1 hour for mini sessions.
Full sessions can be broken up over 2 days if needed. - Session Locations: Typically on-location in and around the Pittsburgh/South Western Pennsylvania area.
Full sessions can be planned for multiple locations. A travel fee may be applied for some locations. Mini sessions take place at 1 location. - Wardrobe: Typically plan for 4-6 outfits for full sessions and 2-3 outfits for mini sessions.
There will be a changing tent available for all sessions to help make outfit changes easier. - Accessories, Props, & Extras: Yes!
I love it when seniors want to include moments during their sessions that show their activities or passions. Whether it's a sport or instrument, a favorite pet, or even a favorite person, I'm happy to help plan a way to include these things for both full sessions and mini sessions. Please share your ideas either in your planning questionnaire or during your phone consultation. - Editing/Retouching:
All images will be fully retouched with blemish fading and removal as well as enhancements to lighting to give your images a polished look. Braces can be removed for an additional fee. For seniors with glasses, transitions lenses, and blue light-blocking lenses pose a unique challenge during sessions. If you have these lenses please let me know during your consultation so that we can have a plan in place to best capture your senior. Additional editing can be requested and discussed after the gallery is delivered. - Gallery: Images are shown via an online gallery that includes a slideshow of all session images set to music. Clients can expect to see at least 60+ final images in their online gallery for a full session and 30+ for a mini session. Your gallery will include a wide variety of headshots and full-body shots as well as black and white images.
Check out a sample senior gallery store with product options - SAMPLE SENIOR GALLERY STORE
cap & gown minis are offered in may & june
pets are welcome!
add a family photo at the end of your session
Jodi Walsh Photography is the best: fantastic and (more importantly imo), she makes your kid feel special and beautiful!
~ Melissa N.
Schenley Park, fall
Phipps Conservatory, fall
Color Park, fall
pricing
Senior Full Session + Base Collection
$675
Pricing starts at $675 for the session and a base collection of 10 digital files with options to upgrade collections and/or purchase a la carte products from your personal gallery store.
what's included
- 2-3 hours of on-location portrait time.
- an online gallery of fully retouched images.
- a personal gallery store where you can view your images in products.
- 10 digital files with a release for personal printing and sharing.
what to expect before the session
- Planning: Through questionnaires and/or an optional phone consult, we'll discuss location options and outfits as well as any special, unique-to-you images we want to capture. And before your session, you'll receive a session plan to serve as a guide so you know what to expect.
- No Pressure: Sessions are relaxed with no pressure to perform but always with a little guidance to help you look your best in front of the camera.
- The Changing Tent: No need to change in your car or try to find a public restroom. My pop-up changing tent makes outfit changes so much faster and easier.
what to expect after the session
- Updates: You'll receive email updates on the progress of your gallery and my process of working on them.
- The Slideshow: All the images from your final gallery are put into a slideshow set to music. It's the perfect way to enjoy your images.
- Black & White images: All images are shared in both color and black & white for more options. (Black & white images are sold separately and not included automatically with the download or purchase of a color image)
Senior Full Session Collection Upgrades
starting at $450
when you need a bit more of your gallery
All full sessions include a base collection of 10 digital files that clients can download immediately from their gallery. For seniors and families who would like to purchase more of their images, I offer collection upgrades that include additional digital files as well as a store credit for purchasing prints or other print products.
Each upgrade of digital files is in addition to the 10 digital files in your base collection.
Check out a sample senior gallery store with product options - SAMPLE SENIOR GALLERY STORE
simple collection
upgrade
$450
20 digital files
$100 store credit
classic collection upgrade
$625
50 digital files
$200 store credit
deluxe collection upgrade
$715
your complete gallery including both color and black & white
120 digital files in total
$300 store credit
pricing
Senior Full Session + Base Collection
$675
Pricing starts at $675 for the session and base collection with options to upgrade collections and/or purchase a la carte products from your personal gallery store.
what's included
- 2-3 hours of on-location portrait time.
- an online gallery of fully retouched images.
- a personal gallery store where you can view your images in products.
- 10 digital files with a release for personal printing and sharing.
Senior Full Session Collection Upgrades
starting at $450
when you need a bit more of your gallery
All full sessions include a base collection of 10 digital files that clients can download immediately from their gallery. For seniors and families who would to purchase more of their images, I offer collection upgrades that include additional digital files as well as a store credit for purchasing prints or other print products.
simple collection upgrade
$450
20 digital files
$100 store credit
classic collection upgrade
$625
50 digital files
$200 store credit
deluxe collection upgrade
$715
your complete gallery including both color and black & white
120 digital files in total
$300 product credit
Senior Mini Session + Base Collection
$450
Pricing starts at $450 for the session and a base collection of 5 digital files with options to upgrade collections and/or purchase a la carte products from your personal gallery store.
what's included
- 1 hour of on-location portrait time.
- an online gallery of fully retouched images
- a personal gallery store where you can view your images in products.
- 5 digital files with a release for personal printing and sharing.
what to expect before the session
- Planning: Through questionnaires and/or an optional phone consult, we'll discuss location options and two outfits. Then, before your session, you'll receive a session plan to serve as a guide so you know what to expect.
- No Pressure: Even with a shorter timeframe, sessions are relaxed with no pressure to perform but always with a little guidance to help you look your best in front of the camera.
- The Changing Tent: No need to change in your car or try to find a public restroom. My pop-up changing tent makes outfit changes so much faster and easier.
what to expect after the session
- Updates: You'll receive email updates on the progress of your gallery and my process of working on them.
- The Slideshow: All the images from your final gallery are put into a slideshow set to music. It's the perfect way to enjoy your images.
- Black & White images: All images are shared in both color and black & white for more options. (Black & white images are sold separately and not included automatically with the download or purchase of a color image).
Senior Mini Session Collection Upgrades
starting at $325
when you need a bit more of your gallery
All mini sessions include a base collection of 5 digital files that clients can download immediately from their gallery. For seniors and families who would like to purchase more of their images, I offer collection upgrades that include additional digital files as well as store credit for purchasing prints or other print products.
petite collection upgrade
$325
10 digital files
$50 store credit
essential collection upgrade
$425
25 digital files
$100 store credit
complete collection upgrade
$550
your complete gallery including both color and black & white
60 digital files in total
$200 store credit
Senior Mini Session + Base Collection
$450
Pricing starts at $450 for the session and base collection of 5 digital files with options to upgrade collections and/or purchase a la carte products from your personal gallery store.
what's included
- 1 hour of on-location portrait time.
- an online gallery of fully retouched images
- a personal gallery store where you can view your images in products.
- 5 digital files with a release for personal printing and sharing.
Senior Mini Session Collection Upgrades
starting at $325
when you need a bit more of your gallery
All mini sessions include a base collection of 5 digital files that clients can download immediately from their gallery. For seniors and families who would to purchase more of their images, I offer collection upgrades that include additional digital files as well as a store credit for purchasing prints or other print products.
petite collection upgrade
$325
10 digital files
$50 store credit
essential collection upgrade
$425
25 digital files
$100 store credit
complete collection upgrade
$550
your complete gallery including both color and black & white
60 digital files in total
$200 product credit
the products
off the cloud and into your home!
everyday prints
printed on professional photo paper with a semi-gloss finish, for the highest quality long-lasting print.
standard sizes available
canvas
fine art canvas wraps are printed directly onto museum-quality canvas using archival ink, with a beautiful finish and arrive ready to hang.
frames
photographic print on semi-gloss paper, mounted with a thick 8 ply mat board, protected by a front acrylic, permanently sealed with a black backing paper.
pre-assembled and ready to hang.
metal prints
press-printed coffee table books are created using the strongest binding system that allows the pages to flow like a traditional book, and are printed on matte paper for incredible quality and longevity.
acrylics
printed on fine art paper and set under a clear acrylic with a glare-free finish, featuring polished edges for a modern-looking display.
small canvases
wood box with prints
carefully handcrafted, print boxes include 20 matted prints perfect for display
albums
beautifully printed on Fuji Deep Matte paper, these albums are carefully constructed by a team of skilled artisans to create a tremendous visual impact with rich colors and pure whites.
and many more
If there are products that you're interested in but don't see here or in your personal gallery story, please send me a message and I'll be happy to find that perfect product for you!
frequently asked questions
when should we start planning?
SPRING
*IMPORTANT*
Fall (from the end of September through the first week of November) is my busiest time of the year and those weekend dates fill up fast with seniors and families. If you know you’re going to want a fall session, I recommend reaching out by early August to secure your date.
I know that life gets hectic. Between school and work and activities and just life, senior portraits can end up on the back burner. Please know that summer and fall are not the only times to schedule your senior session. Senior portraits can be scheduled at any time during senior year. I've even scheduled senior portraits well after graduation because again...life. Whenever you can, please make time to document this important milestone.
Where should we have our session?
choose a place you love
Any place can have portrait potential and fortunately, you have a photographer who sees that potential!
When deciding on a location for the session, I encourage seniors to think about the places they enjoy visiting and where they feel most comfortable. Do they love the city and the energy of downtown? Do they love being in nature? Are they connected to their school or other special places (e.g., home, Grandma’s farm, a dance studio, etc.)? These are just a few of the questions that can help you and your senior to brainstorm ideas for locations. If you are still stumped, I'm happy to suggest options or you can check out my Location Guide.
How do we choose outfits?
start with 2
Choosing outfits for any portrait session is challenging. All seniors should plan for at least two outfits. I typically recommend one casual outfit and one more formal.
It's really important to let your senior choose their outfits. This will help them to give the best expressions during their session. The best expressions happen when we feel confident and comfortable, and often that is tied closely to the clothes that we're wearing. They should choose clothing that they feel comfortable in- the feel, the fit, and the style.
Before the session, I ask my clients (especially the girls) to text or email photos of their outfits (preferably wearing them). This helps me to be able to start visualizing your senior in their location and I can catch clothing pieces that might not work well with the camera.
Also, feel free to bring extra outfits or accessories to the session. It can be fun to mix things up a bit and get more creative with looks.
Do I have to be there for the session?
you're always welcome but you don't have to
There are a lot of emotions tied up in senior year which can make relationships between parents and their seniors challenging. I always encourage mom or dad or any close adult to come along for the session. It can be nice to have extra hands to carry things and extra eyes to catch details- fix a collar, tuck in a pocket, brush back a stray hair. Plus, I think it's such a fun moment to watch your child experience. However, I understand that as parents, sometimes we make our kids self-conscious, so if there needs to be some distance in order to get the best out of your senior, that's totally fine.
If you choose to not accompany your senior for their photoshoot, I do ask that a parent or guardian be in the area and have a cell phone for anything that might come up.
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portrait photographer for the Pittsburgh area including:
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