Is the test shoot required?
No. Some people are comfortable in front of camera and take direction easily. Others not so much. You’ll know this better than I will. Some kids are familiar with me—they know my kids or they’ve seen me shooting at high school sporting events, musicals, and graduations.
But for others this is a first meeting. You’ve seen my website but that’s it. The test shoot can be a good time to get together informally and practice a bit. It also gives me an opportunity to look at photos of you. We see things on the screen that we sometimes overlook while shooting. It’s a good opportunity for me to consider other angles and approaches.
Two hours seems kind of long.
It can be. I have definitely have had shots where a natural stopping point arrives and we agree to get together another day to complete the work
Should parents accompany the senior on the shoot?
Probably not. I have found that a friend or sibling along can make things go a little more easily; they can help break the ice if necessary. I have never had a subject’s friend or sibling bicker with them during photos shoots…..
If a parent or senior has strong feelings about parental accompaniment then we should definitely schedule a test shoot.
Can parents or siblings jump in for a few photos?
Sure, but see the ‘plus one’ section of my rate sheet. My goal on the shooting dates is to get good photos of the senior. It’s their yearbook after all.
What sort of photos will we be shooting?
Senior photos can be used for a lot of differenten purposes so you should expect a variety of shots. The traditional senior photo—a close up of head and shoulders—-still has its place in the yearbook. Year books phots tend to end up printed fairly small so we want to make sure you are recognizable. it is not something I want to neglect to get a fabulous backdrop. The full body shots in a field or by the shore are great. Just keep in mind you may prefer one for social media, one to print, and one for the yearbook.
Payment.
I would like $100 to secure your spot and the $125 balance on the shooting date. Check, cash or Venmo.
Scheduling.
By far, the best way for me to schedule a time and a location for your seniors photos is directly with them via text. Weather forecasts and work/afterschool schedules change suddenly. Adding a layer of communication just makes for missed opportunities. Giving the seniors ownership of this task makes them much more responsive.