Once you’ve made the decision to invest in a senior portrait session, you may find yourself with many follow-up questions. What do I wear? Should I bring props? Who should I bring to my session? As your photographer, I am more than happy to walk my clients through the process and give them advice. Stepping in front of the camera with a stranger is a vulnerable act, so I want to make everyone feel as safe and confident as possible!

The first step to feeling confident and comfortable in front of the camera is feeling prepared. In order to make the day of shooting stress-free, having a solid plan is key. I like to do a call before every senior session to understand your goals, define your aesthetic, and get to know you a bit better. If a call isn’t your vibe, I’m happy to correspond over email or text as well. You can even message me on Instagram or Facebook with any questions. Gotta love Gen Z! It’s helpful to come into your complimentary styling consultation with some inspiration pictures, often from Pinterest or other social media platforms. Other ways to prepare can include self-care and beauty treatments, ranging from getting a haircut or manicure to taking a relaxing bath the night before.

When it comes to choosing outfits, the key is embracing your personal style and feeling comfortable in what you choose. If you want to look back fondly on these as an adult, make sure you are being authentic to who you are at this time in your life. I recommend getting a new piece of clothing or accessory for the session if you can. It gives you something extra to look forward to and feel cute wearing. But if you do, make sure it fits and has all tags removed by the time you arrive. If you are using clothes you already have and love, make sure there are no visible stains or scuff marks on your shoes. These things are easy to fix in person but difficult to retouch in photos!

Our new Plymouth location offers a serene and beautiful setting with private lake access, gardens, outdoor trails, a bridge, and train tracks. This location is perfect for seniors who want to be surrounded by nature. The variety of scenic spots ensures we can capture your senior in a setting that complements their personality and style.

Our studio, located in the vibrant NE Minneapolis Arts District, offers a versatile and creative environment for senior portraits. The studio’s artistic ambiance, with its natural light and eclectic decor, provides a perfect backdrop for capturing unique and expressive images.

Gender affirming retouching is also an option for LGBTQ+ seniors. Malone Portraits is a safe space for queer people and offers custom retouching services. This can range from removing a five-o’clock shadow to smoothing the look of binders under people’s shirts. I have seen how this practice empowers people and how their faces light up when they see who they truly are reflected in photos for the first time. Whether your senior is LGBTQ+, nonbinary, or neurodiverse, capturing their unique spirit through creative portrait photography can create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Adding a touch of formal elegance to your senior portrait session can make for some truly stunning and memorable photos. Consider bringing your prom dress or graduation gown for a few shots. These outfits hold significant sentimental value and can capture the essence of your high school experience. Whether it’s the dress you danced the night away in or the gown you’ll wear as you walk across the stage, these garments symbolize important milestones. If you love the idea of combining these milestones, consider inquiring about our prom and senior photos package. Reach out for more details and we can create a collection of images that celebrate all the highlights of your senior year.

When I return a gallery to a client, there is always an option to order prints, wall art, or albums for their memories. As I always say, what good are pictures if they just live on a screen? Especially if the senior is moving out, having physical photos of them around the house allows parents to look up and revel in the amazing person their child has become, knowing that they have prepared them to take on the world. For my clients, I print their photos personally and have hand-picked vendors for albums to ensure the highest quality.