I’ll never forget my Senior photo shoot 15 years ago, it was an experience that changed my life forever. Not because it was the best memories from my senior year, but instead, one that I would rather forget.
My name is Mary Moua and I am a photographer based out of Eau Claire, WI specializing in Senior Photography. I truly believe that this important milestone is a time to be honored, recognized and preserved in a way that makes every Senior feel special, while capturing their unique light!
Why is this so important to me?
Let me take you back about 15 years ago to my senior portraits. I had never had professional pictures done just for me. I was so excited and I spent weeks looking through other senior pictures for inspiration. I called and made my appointment with the receptionist, and she scheduled me for the standard 30 minute time slot. I had no idea what worked and what didn’t as far as clothes, makeup, hair, etc. I felt lost with little guidance. I ended up just doing my usual hair and makeup routine for my session. I showed up a little nervous, not sure at all what to expect and hoping for the best. The photographer didn’t ask any questions, he just changed the backdrop to coordinate with my two outfits. I remember not being confident enough to speak up and give him any of my ideas. Sadly, he didn’t seem to care. To say I that ended up with photos that I hated would be an understatement. Even my Mom was disappointed because I didn’t show my teeth in any of them. I hesitated to give out any wallets to my friends and tried to put this horrible experience behind me. Until one day, when I decided that every Senior deserves an experience of a lifetime, one that they would remember forever!
So what are sessions with me like? The complete opposite of my awful experience, of course! I make my own personal senior experience the example of what NOT to do!
I believe that what happens before the session is crucial to setting the tone for the whole experience.
When people know what to expect, that leaves less room for nerves and more room to be excited. The seniors who come to me aren’t looking for your average traditional session. They want the works and they want to feel and look beautiful! They are excited and enthusiastic for their photos. Their sessions with me are inspired by them and their vision.
I make it a point to have them actively involved in the pre-planning stages.
Leave a lasting impression with before the session even starts!
After a parent or senior contacts me for session information I send them my Welcome Guide. It goes to them in the form of a fashion magazine detailing everything they need to know from what to wear, hair and makeup, pricing information, and the premier ordering session details. Not only does this detail everything my clients need to know but the design layout of this magazine gives my studio a boutique, classy feel. My clients are left knowing that they are more than capable in my hands!
Wardrobe, accessories and proper preparation are a “must!“
Once we settle on a date and time I send out my session agreement to be signed by a parent along with the invoice for their session fee. When all of that is out of the way it is on to the fun stuff! I ask questions and let them have the lead in what they are looking for and any ideas that they have. There are hundreds of possibilities that I could just pull out of a hat so I really make it a point for them to have a voice and look to them to be the inspiration behind their session. I tell my seniors to raid their closets and go shopping and just have fun with it. I encourage them to check out sites like Pinterest for outfit inspiration and give them suggestions on where they can find good deals. This part of it is not formal at all. The giddy teenager in me comes out while we plan out their session together. They send me pictures of potential outfits, we text/Facebook/email/call each other right up until we have the details of their session all planned out. Based on each outfit we discuss what location settings would work best.
The day before their session I confirm the time and send them some helpful tips for their session which include things like getting a restful nights sleep, making sure to bring flip flops to walk in, bringing a bottle of water (it’s hard work being a model), bringing bug spray, and making sure they don’t have badly chipped nail polish on (a major no-no). I let them know how excited I am for our session and how much fun we are going to have. I also tell them to contact me if they have any last minute questions. They usually tell me they are just as excited as I am, if not more and then its lights out for some beauty sleep for the both of us.
Planning out a session does not have to be stressful. My advice is to involve your clients as much as possible and have fun with it! Happy planning!