Grad Portraits: Tips for the Session!

Senior portrait season is in full-swing right now! I am loving this as grad pictures are one of my favorites to capture! I thought it may be helpful to share a few tips as many of you prepare for your sessions!



Tip #1: Plan Ahead

This may seem like common sense but it is so important! Before you speak with the photographer, think of what you're looking for. Take a close look at the photographer's website and write down a few things you really liked. This may be the style of photography, the locations, or any other details you hope to have be a part of your session. A few weeks before the session, start planning your outfits and accessories so you're prepared for the big day!

Tip #2: Variety is Good!

When getting your pictures taken, you want to have a lot to select from. Choosing outfits that vary in style and color is a great way to start. Sometimes, grads come with outfits that look very similar and this can cause the images to look a bit redundent. I always suggest bringing a few casual outfits, a formal or dressy one and then maybe a "themed" oufit. A themed outfit could be one in your sports uniform, prom dress or anything else that is a little out of the box.
Also, when I photograph grads, we usually do 2-4 different locations to ensure there is variation in background! I have several different backdrops and dozens of locations for outdoors I like to use- so this ensures a unique backdrop with many options.



Tip #3: Incorperate Things that make you.. you!

I LOVE when grads bring something into the session that you are passionate about. For some it is an instrument you've played for 10 years, for others it the basketball you've practiced with since childhood and for a few it is your beloved pet! Whatever the passion, bring it! It enhances your portraits and makes them that much more unique, personal and creative! This whole experience is about capturing the REAL you and if your life is all about a particular sport or hobby- I want to include that in your pictures!

Tip #4: Be Realistic

Because I adore natural light, a big part of your session will be outside. As such, the elements come into play. Sometimes it's breezy, other days it's a little humid- this may impact your hair a bit- but that's OK! It natural, candid and beautiful to be outside and part of the appeal is that it is real- not stiff. Soak up this authenticity for all it is and get ready to have a blast!



Tip #5: Relax, be yourself!

I've said this before, but part why I love grads is that no two sessions are alike. Each person has their own unique personality and this makes each session different! I so enjoy getting to know my clients so that their personality is showcased through their images.
Everyone is nervous going into the session- that is normal. But know that it is my goal to make you feel comfortable and usually within a few minutes, grads are having a great time and feeling very relaxed!

I hope these tips help as your get ready for your sessions! Please feel free to ask more questions should you think of them!

Zimmerman Engagement Session: Kristin & Mike

When she laughs, her nose krinkles. He finds it adorable. She finds him so funny, so charming. He is captivated by her beauty. I was able to spend some more time with Krisin and Mike and capture their love through the lens. The sun was still shining brightly when the rain started coming down on us- it made for some great shots and the rain drops on their shirts only add to the authenticy of the moment and the beauty of their love.

Here are some favorites:

I can't wait to photograph your big day in October, Krisin & Mike!

Princeton Grads: Bailen &Luke

In June, I had the opportunity to photograph Bailen & Luke together. It was something I rarely do- but enjoyed immensely! These two are the best of friends and have been for many years. I think they put one another at ease during the session and made everyone laugh the whole time... i love what I do for a living!
Often times you hear such negative things said about teenagers- especially teenage guys. These two set the record straight by being incredibly kind, and often offered to help carry my equipment as we moved to various locations. I so enjoyed working with them and feel it was an honor to have documented this milestone in their life.

Here are a few highlights from their session.


Here is Bailen- one in a million! Love working with the Holm family!

And now a few from Luke's portion. He really warmed up and turned out to be truly photogenic!

And we will end with this one- capturing a lasting friendship.

Princeton Grad: Bailey

She had a plan. The locations were carefully selected. It is something I usually take care of as the photographer; yet, I was so excited to see the creative initiative Bailey showed for her grad portrait session. Antique boxcars, a vibrant flower garden and a rustic barn were her choices- and great choices they were!
Bailey quickly eased into the session with a quiet confidence. She knows who she is and exudes beauty- what a joy to photograph grads like her!

Maple Grove Maternity Session: Shannon & Robert

She can run like the wind.

I've know Shannon since high school track. While I polevaulted, she led our team to success through determination, an incredible commitment and raw talent. Running is a huge part of who she is. She loves it and is great at it- even at 7 months pregnant! I was just thrilled when she contacted me a few months ago to schedule her maternity session. There is so much excitement in this season of life- and it is always an honor to document this amazing time through the art of photography. We met half way between their home in Eagan and my Zimmerman location on a beautiful summer evening to capture images hightlighting this soon to be little addition to the family! Here are a few of my favorites...

we had to get a few :)...

I can't wait to meet their little one at their newborn session in a couple months! Babies are the best! :) I am sure he or she will be born with running shoes on!

Sneak Peek from Last Week....

Here are the sneaks from the sessions I had just before we left for Door County...

Kristin & Mike's Engagement Session:

Austin's Grad Session:

Mariah's Grad Session:

These sessions were a BLAST. So thankful for each of these amazing clients! Far more from them in the coming days!

Our Trip to Wisconsin...

My husband, son and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the last week with family. We started out in Door County with my family and truly enjoyed ourselves. We went swimming, went for walks, shopped in the adorable stores, had great quality time with family and even took a nap or two! Then we traveled to Jeremy's parents house for the annual "wenzel weekend"! Again, we had such an incredible time swimming, walking, playing games, eating too much food and laughing a lot.
Sadly, my son became quite sick and we headed home a few days early. Thankfully, he is on the mend now. And I am faced with an incredible amount of work. Staring me in the face- beckoning me to start. Yet, I have so enjoyed a few days of not working- of quality time with people I so love. And I am reminded of how short life is, and how important it is to slow down, and thank God for life's sweet blessings.
Here are all of the photos from the week- pathetic I know. I think I needed a little break from picture-taking. :)
in Door County...

Fun with Daddy!

My little swimmer...

My growing boy... 11 months!

Princeton Grad: Cassy

We laughed so hard. I should have been embarrassed, but I wasn't. While photographing Cassy, I gracefully (almost) wiped out. But instead of turning a shade of red, we cracked up together. It felt like hanging out with friends while I had the honor of taking Cassy's grad portraits. Her mom and sister joined us and it made it all the better.

Cassy is just beautiful- a great smile, fun sense of style and the most easy-going, wonderful personality! Here are a few highlights from her June session:

And my personal fav....