Here at Allison Van Zanten Photography we think the once in a lifetime event of graduating high school should be something that’s super enjoyable and something that you can remember and be proud of! This is why we provide an experience instead of just pictures for your senior portrait session.

Bring up to three outfit changes and you can have them hung up in our studio so that Allison can help you decide what colors are best in what settings as you go.

We want you to love your photos and that is why we will 30-60 minutes taking photos on our private acreage that has been designed to have a little of everything that you would want as far as backdrops and settings.

Here are a few tips to help you get camera ready for your senior pictures the day before:

Get rested. Nothing like a good night of beauty sleep to help you feel refreshed. For a healthy skin glow make sure to drink lots of water and eat a healthy dinner the night before your senior portrait session. Create a Pinterest board or cut out a few magazine images that showcase a few fashion styles that you feel you would love.

Here are a few tips on what to bring to wear for your senior portraits:

Hats, headbands, scarfs, jewelry and shoes are all fun accessories, so bring them along and we will coordinate outfits together. Layers are also fantastic as you can photograph multiple looks with one outfit. Grab a friend or family member and go shopping! Have fun coordinating colors and outfits that bring out your eyes and your personality! You will have 2-3 outfit changes during your portrait session so its great to have a variety of casual and dressy outfits. We highly recommend bringing at least 1 outfit with soft pastel colors (or completely neutral). These outfits make for beautiful soft light golden hour senior portraits. If you have any props which you feel represent you and who you are, please bring them with you such as: a musical instrument, sports paraphernalia, books, sports uniform, High School letterman jacket or a pet. The most important part of your session is to simply be you! 

Here is a description of a Portrait session with Allison Van Zanten Photography so that you know exactly what your session day looks like:

Clothing choices: Allison will hang up your outfits and help you select the perfect combinations from what you have brought. Remember you will have 1-2 outfit changes so don’t worry, we will have plenty of time to get your favorites in the pictures. We have a dedicated restroom in our studio where you can change. 

Taking Your Pictures: When you are done getting dressed you will have the next 30-60 minutes with Allison taking lots of pictures! We will typically meet in the late afternoon so we can get some golden hour light. Allison loves natural light and generally works with a reflector (and little to no flash) so if you have a friend or family member with you, being a lighting assistant is a fun way to participate in the session. Don’t stress about taking the perfect picture, Allison will capture many poses that you love and you won’t be rushed. Though you will receive some full length photos as well, the majority of the photos will be closeup or headshots as this reflects Allison’s shooting style. A lot of hs seniors worry about looking or feeling awkward having their portrait taken, Allison will pose you to draw attention to your face but she will always encourage you to relax into the pose and make it your own if it feels awkward or uncomfortable. We will walk around and you will be photographed in a variety of settings and backgrounds including fields, flowers, trees, grass, distressed walls, boulders and other fun backdrops. If you bring a friend its fun to get a few BFF pics during this time as well.  

Getting Your High School Pictures To You: We only have one high school senior photography package and this $600 for the package includes everything so when we are done with your session there are no additional fees or add ons to the package that you paid when booking your session…. Allison will edit your photos and present you with up to 75 edited high resolution digital images that you will have full personal printing rights for. We will send you a link to your photos via email or text and you can download and process however you like!