We get quite a few questions about how to prepare for a session. I think what works best is to first relax, and try to make it fun. Now, with moms of boys, it is a little different. Let’s look at both separately.
Guys are not frequently excited about a senior session, I get that a lot. But the truth is, they will be fine once we start. Too many times I have had boys come in resenting everything and everyone, only to later say “Can I wear my hooded sweatshirt next?” I like guy sessions because we have things in common, sports and music being the most common. If he is into music, plays an instrument, or a sport, we need to include that part of his life in his session. With a sport, we normally like the whole uniform. So, for football, we can do the whole uniform, then remove the jersy and do him in just the shoulder pads and pants, and then have him put on jeans and the jersey, all three look great.
One thing I tell everyone about what I do is I learn so much from the kids. Asking questions about what the kids are into instantly helps them relax, and I get a ton of information to help bring out their personalities. I have also found poking a little fun at them seems to help their expressions. So for guys, my best advice is to just get them here, and we will do the rest. I fondly remember one mom telling about her son’s review of his session. He REALLY was fighting it hard. I knew we would do great once he relaxed. Next time I saw mom I asked what he thought of the experience, and she said he paid me a HUGE compliment. She said that he replied “It didn’t suck”. You moms of boys, I know you are smiling reading this. Oh, and I do know how to tie a tie, and do it for over 90% of the guys that bring one in, so you do not need dad to pre-tie it before he comes in.
Now girls are almost always excited, and a little nervous about their session. Again, VERY natural. They have been primping, planning, and shopping for weeks in some cases, to get ready. So my tips are different. First, do not argue over the clothes, bring it all. We will spread out the clothes and go over them, and make a plan to get her in and out of the dressing room as fast as possible. I love jewelry, and necklaces make great opportunity to pose hands, as do jackets and scarves. If she is doing a sport, bring the entire setup, uniforms and all. We love all seasons, so bring everything from winter coats, with hats and mittens, to rain coats and boots, to the most beautiful gowns she has. I tell moms all the time, if she lost something and a friend found it and knew it was hers, it should be in her session. Ideas like fun sunglasses, a cool, way overdone keychain, or silly hat are some we have seen girls bring in the past.
I hope this helps. We are ALWAYS here to help. This is a tradition for a senior, one that really stands the test of time, for both you and your senior. I have been told many times that, after the senior packs and heads to college, they treasure the senior portraits even more. Each and every session we do together is, in part, made even more special, because I know there will be a day when you realize your baby is all grown up. And I am right there with ya!
We can help!
