What to Expect



PICK A DATE AND MAKE A DEPOSIT

To secure your date you will be asked to make a deposit. This is to secure your spot. (I understand we may need to reschedule due to illness or weather.) Closer to the date you will be asked to make another deposit and the balance is due prior to your session date. If you cancel without rescheduling you forfeit your deposit. 


BEFORE

About a week before your session, I will send you an email with directions for how to get to your session location and where we will meet. You’ll also receive a reminder to make your final payment. If you have any questions leading up to your session, feel free to reach out! I will also meet with you either in person or virtually about the outfits you have chosen and the locations you picked.


DURING

During our time together, you can expect high energy, and probably some squeals as I snap photos! I will pose you and tell you what to do with your hands, so you won’t have to worry about any of that. I take LOTS of photos to make sure I get the great shots we need, so you’ll hear my shutter snapping pretty rapidly. I also love to capture candid moments in between! I will go through those images and show you the best ones.


AFTER

You can expect to receive a sneak peek. You will be asked to share the picture on social media and tag Photography by Alessa. Next we will meet for an in person showing of your images. At that time you will pick your favorites and your package. All packages include products and digitals. Then the best part begins - sharing your beautiful images with friends and family!

Photography by Alessa - What to Expect

Pick Your Color


When choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair, eyes + skin colors! EARTHY COLORS. THAT’S IT. THAT’S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW. No, really… if you take any advice from this, please let it be wearing earthy colors!! Earthy and neutral tones are PERFECT for photos because they don’t take away from you or the background. For the focus to truly be on you, earthy/neutral tones are great. When I say earthy and neutral tones I’m not saying you can only wear whites, grays, and blacks! There are earthy variations of every single color! Instead of wearing highlighter yellow, wear mustard yellow. Instead of wearing Barney purple, wear an eggplant color. Instead of red, wear maroon. I could go on forever! If you go on Pinterest and search “earthy tones” you’ll find a ton of great colors.

Photography by Alessa - Pick your color

Styling Tips


Alright… We Allllllll Know That Choosing What To Wear For Your Senior Session Is The Hardest Part Of Preparing. Let’s Combat That Stress And Make Choosing Outfits Super Easy!!


A CASUAL OUTFIT

Be comfortable! If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable! For your casual outfit, think about wearing jeans or shorts with a shirt! You can even bring a jean jacket, cardigan, or anything else to put over your shirt to spice up the outfit a little bit and add another layer! 



Photography by Alessa - Styling Tips

Think About Adding Layers & Accessories


Adding layers can mean throwing on a jean jacket, a cardigan, a leather jacket, a jacket with some fringe, literally any type of outerwear! Mixing textures is also super fun and makes the photo more interesting! For example, you can layer cotton and denim or silk and leather! When you layer, make sure the colors compliment each other by limiting the colors to one or two color families. Accessories can also be SO fun to add into your photos! I love when seniors incorporate cute hats into their photos because there’s so much you can do with them and they’re easy to take on and off! You can also wear a cute belt, rings, layered necklaces, a bracelet, a hair scarf, or cute earrings! These little details can make your outfit look more thought out and put together. 



Photography by Alessa - Layers & Accessories

Dress it Up!


Girls, for your dressy outfit, think about wearing a dress, skirt, or romper! Dresses are always a super easy option because you don’t have to worry about finding a shirt to go with it! Flowy dresses are always a perfect option! I have a list of online stores I could recommend if needed.


Guys, consider wearing a suit, blazer or dress shirt. Also, there is no such thing as “too dressy” for your portrait session. Dressy photos always stand out amongst those who go the more casual route, and they are so captivating to see. You’ll be sure to turn heads as you walk on the scene looking fantastic! 



Photography by Alessa - Dress it Up!

Be Prepared


CLOTHING

• Clean

• Ironed

• Try on, take a selfie and send and text to me.

• Make sure your bra straps won’t show or be seen through your top

• Hang on a hanger


ACCESSORIES

• Hats

• sun glasses

• jackets

• sweaters

• belts

• jewelry

• letterman jacket

• sports equipment or balls


I have some fun props like 

• smoke bombs

• confetti poppers

• hats

• stool/chair

• blanket


HAIR AND MAKEUP

Additionally, I highly recommend all of my senior clients invest professional hair and makeup. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a drastic difference in the quality of your photos and senior portrait experience. You are already making a large investment in your senior portrait experience, so why not make it the best it can be?! If not,


• add some eyelashes and lipstick. It makes a big difference

• If you tan, 3 days prior

• Wax or tweeze 2-3 days before

• Blemishes, don’t worry I will fix that!


Photography by Alessa - Be Prepared
Photography by Alessa - Welcome Packet

Alessa

Senior Photographer

Hello, Friend!


I am so excited to begin this journey with you! Your senior year is a special time in your life. I want to capture you, your style, your hobbies, your passions, your personality. Together we will create images that you will love forever.


I am excited and I hope you are too. I want you to feel comfortable in your own skin and know that you will love your images.


Thank you for giving me the honor of capturing these memories for you! In this Client Experience Guide you’ll find everything you’ll need to know about a session with me. I’ve included some helpful tips to hopefully make this process as smooth as possible for you. If there is anything I can do for you along the way, please don’t hesitate to ask! I’m here to serve you the best that I can. I can’t wait for our session together!


Best,

Alessa Yanssens