I feel like a lot of times we just assume everything knows everything. Like as a society, we expect others to either know or to figure it out for themselves. I wish we could go back to teaching and learning more from others, accepting as many questions as possible! So here I am taking a lesson from my own book... Some of you might not know the in's and out's of senior picture. And that's okay! Below is basic outline of what senior pictures are and why you need them... 

As this school year ends, parents you might be wondering how your daughter could possibly be a senior already! Or you seniors might be questions all the things you are supposed to do as a senior. Its a lot! I am sure there are lots of emotions surrounding this milestone and a lengthy list of to-dos. Not to add to your to-do list, but senior pictures should be a top priority! 

So, what are senior pictures exactly? In a simple statement, its a picture that gets put in the year book that celebrates this accomplishment! But, senior pictures are so much more. They offer you the chance to go anywhere, wear what you feel comfortable in, and for us to capture the person you are this year. You get a picture that is different than those same old headshots that you've had the past 11 years. You get to pick your favorite picture to put into the yearbook! A picture that truly represents you! Not only are they for the yearbook, but they can be used for graduation announcements, decorations (parents you know what I'm talking about), college applications, or just for enjoyment! My hope is that you will use your senior pictures for all of the above! 

There's SO many reasons why. You deserve to be celebrated. You deserve to have a day thats full of pampering that's all about you. You deserve to have a unique senior picture in the yearbook. And this accomplishments deserves to be captured on camera! 

I will leave you with that, sometimes less words are more powerful. I believe every senior deserves senior pictures and I could ramble on and on about this. Can't you tell it's my passion?! If you want to hear some of this ramble, click here for a blog post all about this...

Did I answer your question?! If not, PLEASE reach out! I want to answer any and all questions. Click here to get in touch! 

My wish for the world is that there would be less worries and people would be more carefree. I feel like there is so much unknown in the world and the daily stresses people experience are becoming bigger and bigger. Have you noticed that? 

Well, my hope is that I can take away one life stress for you. To give you a carefree, beautiful day that is all about celebrating your accomplishment. You deserve a day like this! Here are a few things I hope you don't have to stress about on the day of your photoshoot... 

Colorado's weather is so unpredictable. Like how was it 90 degrees last Thursday and then snowing and 30 degrees on Friday?! Anyways... here in CO we get it all. With that being said, I have plans for the unpredictable! Sometimes we get late storms that roll in during our session or right before it is supposed to start. In these cases, we always carry an umbrella in the wagon! We will run over and grab it so that we can keep your professional hair and makeup on point in hopes that it will blow over and we can start shooting again! If we get cut short, or aren't able to begin at all, we will plan another day! Don't fret, we will make sure that you get those full couple hours in front of the camera getting those thousands of beautiful images!

In some cases, the forecast just is not our friend. A few summers ago we had what felt like 2 weeks of non stop rain. In this case, I will give you a call and we will find another date. Each summer I reserve days for situations like this so that we aren't scrambling to find you a new date! We will always find a new slot and I promise you will love you pictures!! 

I get it, I am a girl too. Blemishes are NOT fun. They can affect your confidence. BUT, here's your reminder that you are beautiful no matter what and we also can fix those pesky blemishes too. Part of the Senior VIP Experience is professional hair and makeup. The makeup artist is just that an artist. She can make those blemishes disappear and will make sure that you feel your absolute best when she is done! Then when we are done capturing all those photos, each photo is edited with high end skin resurfacing. We can make that blemish truly disappear. Please, don't worry about those!!

Its a lot to think about. You want your senior pictures to be perfect. And we will make sure you love them! But, I want to take the worry about when and where you will take your senior pictures away from you. I have a list of our most chosen locations with a bunch of different examples and am always scouting for new places. If you are looking for a specific type of background or look, I will recommend a place or I will find one for you! Let me take this worry from you. On the other hand, if you have a location you love and want PLEASE suggest it and let me know! These are your pictures and I want to make your wildest dreams come true! 

Are you ready for some new pics? Because I can't wait for you to see Tessa's final images. She's one of the most beautiful, intelligent, authentic girl's I've ever met and her photos are so gorgeous! Here's a sneak peak....   

Okay now for the rest- Tessa is one of those people that you just feel loved and appreciated around. Like she truly cares about others, but is confident in who she is and doesn't conform to others views. Just that is amazing, keep being the amazing you!! Then you add in how beautiful and stylish she is and you've got the whole package. Her blue eyes draw you in, her big smile make you want to smile, and her outfits... well I want to go steal her closet!! The white dress, the blue dress, the green pants and white top... I want it all! You really killed the outfit game! 

One of my favorite parts of Tessa's session was when we pulled out the books. Catching a girls passion through images is one of the reasons I love my job. I want to capture the girl they are as this senior! And that is exactly what we did in Tessa's shoot.  I have to say the images with the books might be some of my favorites... 

Tessa, thank you for choosing me for your senior pictures! You are beautiful and your personality is gold. Keep being you! 

Are you a procrastinator? If you are, me too! I like to wait til the last second and then cram everything into one day. Which usually leaves me stressed and unhappy... My point being is we don't want you to do this for your senior pictures. If you don't procrastinate for one thing, make it planning your senior pictures!! Senior pictures require a lot of thought and planning. But if you do this it makes the day much more enjoyable and ensure you love you photos! So, here are 8 tips to ensure you love your pics! 

#1. Book your appointments early! 
       You will want to book your hair appointment for a week in advance. Even if you are just getting a trim do it early to avoid any possible problems! Then, book a manicure and pedicure for a few days before. Trust me, less things to do the day of :) Oh and here's a pro tip for your nails: pick neutral colors! Last appointments to worry about are waxings. Make sure you get your eyebrows/lip waxed at least 5 days before your session to avoid possible breakouts and redness. 

#2: Check out inspiration 
       You can head over to our instagram page to see what poses, outfits, accessories you might want to include in your session or you can check out pinterest! If you find things you want to try, please send them to me! I am always up for trying new poses or including new props. 

#3: Drink lots of water and leave those blemishes alone! 
       The more water you drink, the brighter your skin will look! This is something you should do even without having senior pictures! And, don't worry about blemishes. If you do have them, try not to pick at them! We all have them and it's okay! We offer high end skin retouching, so don't worry too much about them! We will make them disappear after, promise. 

#4: Pick out your outfits at least a week before
       For a 2 hour session, we recommend 4-5 different outfits. Those outfits should be something you are comfortable in and what makes you feel most beautiful. For more do's and don'ts about outfits, head to this blog post! Once you have picked them out, put them in piles and don't look at them for a few days. Sometimes when we look at things too much we connivence ourselves we don't like it. Trust your gut! 

#5: Accessorize 
      Please accessorize!! Bring what showcases you. If that is hats, jewelry, pictures, props, etc. we want you to bring it. This helps us showcase the authentic you! 

#6: Bring your people! 
      Having people you feel confident and comfortable around is always a good idea. Being in front of a camera can be hard, but bringing your mom, sister, friends, dogs helps, then please have them all there! They might be able to make you laugh, relax, remind you of what accessories went with what outfit. These are all important pieces to ensure you love your pictures! 

#7: Stand up for yourself 
       If I ever put you in a pose that makes you uncomfortable, please tell me! I want to make sure you are happy and if I am not capturing what you want or where you are comfortable, it will show through pictures. When you are happy and confident, it adds so much beauty to your images! I promise you wont hurt my feelings if you tell me! This is your session! 

#8: Be you! 
      This is probably the most important tip. Senior pictures are meant to capture you at this moment so please let me capture the real you. Show me your sassy side or your reserved side. Show me all sides of you!