Shoes are one of the most important accessory to choose when you are getting ready for your senior pictures. They are what pull your outfit together. They can draw attention or they can be a subtle accessory that enhances the look. They are the piece of clothing you’re going to be walking in all day and keep your feet protected wherever you choose to take your pictures. Be sure you choose wisely! There are a lot of different shoes you can pick and in the end you want to be sure you pick the ones you feel the most comfortable and confident in. 

1. Neutral-colored Heels: If you're planning to wear a dress or a more formal outfit, neutral-colored heels can add elegance and elongate your legs. Nobody ever regretted a cute black heel. I personally love the beige color heel. It adds pop to an outfit, adds a sense of beauty but it doesn’t detract from the outfit of choice. The colors of the outfit you chose will still pop, the flow of the dress you choose will still be elegant but the shoes will add to it. Be sure you wear the heels before you go to your senior pictures. If you haven’t broken them in, your feet will not be happy. Be sure you opt for comfortable heels that you can confidently walk in and pose comfortably for extended periods.

2. Stylish Boots: Boots can be a great choice for senior pictures, especially if you want a more casual or bohemian look. The good thing about boots is there is a variety of boots you can choose from. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can achieve that look solely through boots.  Choose a stylish pair of ankle boots for a chic look. Use a pair of combat boots for an edgier look. Knee-high boots add some sophistication. Cowgirl boots add a rustic and fun feeling to your pictures. Whatever feel you’re aiming for in your senior pictures, boots will help you get there! Like heels though, sometimes boots are hard to break in. Wear them ahead of time and be sure you don’t get any blisters on those feet!

4. Ballet Flats: For a more dainty and comfortable option, ballet flats are a great choice. Ballet flats are my personal favorite.  They work well with dresses, skirts, or even jeans. You can pair them with a colorful outfit or a more neutral colored outfit. They can be fancier with bows on them or they can be more understated with just a matte finish. Ballet flats are elegant and cute all at the same time. They are timeless and will always make pictures look beautiful. Ballet flats are great because they offer a more relaxed and effortless feel to your senior pictures.

When you are ready to take your senior pictures, you’ll want to be sure you take them at the right time. Right season, and during the day. But what if I told you that there is one time of the day that you most defintely need to have your pictures taken. This time of day only lasts a little bit. A half hour, hour max. And what if i told you that if you get pictures taken during this time, you won’t regret it one bit. This precious time is called golden hour. And I can tell you it’s golden for a reason. Golden hour happens right as the sun is about to rise or set. When golden hour happens, everything in frame is, well, golden. Warm, beautiful and rich colors pop while the lighting gives the pictures a perfect glow. Don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself! 

One thing to consider when taking pictures in golden hour is to be sure you’re ready for it. Golden hour is fast and is over quickly. Be sure you are at your location before golden hour starts and be in your outfit of choice and ready to go. You don’t want to miss golden hour because you’re in the middle of an outfit change. Have everything you need ready to go so when that sun starts to set, you are ready to take beautiful pictures. Golden hour is also later in the day. After a long day of taking pictures, hiking around and a lot of excitement, you could be tired. Be sure you have snacks, water and feel good throughout the day so that when golden hour comes around you are happy and energized. Nobody wants pictures of them looking tired and grumpy when the scenery around them is stunning. Be sure you are on your A game so your pictures turn out they way you want them to! 

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to golden hour. Sometimes, golden hour isn’t as golden as you might expect. Colorado weather changes dramatically and sometimes those pesky little clouds block the sun setting. But not to fret! Even if you don’t get the golden hour you expect, Colorado sunsets are stunning!! You can still obtain pictures around the golden hour time that are just as gorgeous even if you don’t get golden lighting. Sometimes, you get lucky and get blue or purple lighting from the sunset. Sometimes you get a beautiful silhouette lighting from the dark clouds and sun just peaking through. Regardless, you won’t go wrong taking pictures during this time! 

How convincing am I when it comes to talking about golden hour? It’s my favorite time to get pictures taken and I can assure you that after you see your golden hour pictures, it will be your favorite too. I want to be sure you get on my calendar.. it’s filling up fast!! Reach out today so I can talk with you and get you scheduled. I can’t wait to be your senior picture photographer 🤗

Senior year is here. This means there is a lot of change on the horizon. This is the end of so many things but this is also the beginning of a bunch of other things. I’m sure you’re so excited for this big new adventure and I’m excited to be able to watch where you end up going. But, don’t forget to look back. Look back at where you came from and the people who helped get you there. Also, don’t forget to remember yourself. Your achievements, hard work, dedication and all of the mistakes that got you to where you are now. I’m sure you look back and have something’s  you’d change but I also hope you can look back and be proud of yourself. So here you go.. I’m giving you a moment to thank your younger self and reflect on your past in order to look forward to your future. 

Dear younger you… You have been so brave. Brave for working hard at the things that weren’t so easy for you. Brave for looking ahead at the future, even when it seemed scary. Brave for meeting new friends and forming relationships you’ll have forever. You are brave for doing all you can to be the best person you can be. Dear younger you, you have been an amazing learner, friend, child, sibling and student. Whatever came your way, you were sure to take each moment in stride. 

Dear younger you… I know the next step is scary! College, work, new cities, new people. All of these can be a big step and something you are not ready for. But you are ready. You have shown to be very determined leading up to this point. You can do whatever your next steps are. You can succeed in whatever you set your mind to. Never forget the people who helped you get to this point and never forget the places that made you who you are now. 

Dear present day you… I want to tell you that even though I am your senior picture photographer, I am in your corner. I am here to help you feel confident and beautiful as you head into your new adventure. I am so happy that I got to be a part of your journey and I’m excited to continue to watch you grow. Thank you for letting me take your senior pictures and I hope wherever you go in life, you go with kindness, joy and determination. Cheers to you and  your next step in life! 

Let’s be in touch and get your senior pictures taken soon! Reach out today and let’s chat!! I can’t wait to take your senior pictures ☺️

Choosing a senior picture for the yearbook is a big decision and also an exciting opportunity to showcase your personality. Not to mention, choosing your yearbook picture is a way to remember you, it’s a memorable moment and will be documented forever. Choosing only one can be tricky- especially when you get a large amount of pictures back from your photographer.  But I’m here to help!  Here are a few tips to help make your decision a little easier:

Keep it timeless: Remember that the yearbook will be a keepsake for years to come. Avoid pictures that show off trends that might look outdated quickly.  I always say to opt for a classic and timeless look. A picture in nature, a stunning close up or a picture in your school letterman jacket are all timeless pictures that will stand the test of time. ​ You won’t go wrong in choosing a picture that shows off the beautiful background but also you. If you choose a picture that’s too trendy, you might not be so excited to look back at your yearbook in years to come. Pick something natural, timeless and beautiful. You won’t regret it. 

Show off your hobbies or interests: Consider a yearbook picture that incorporates elements that reflect your hobbies, passions, or achievements. It could be holding a musical instrument, posing with a sports equipment, or showcasing an artistic creation. If your hobby or sport are really important to you and you want to showcase that in the yearbook or have it remembered forever, then choose one of those pictures. I would be sure not to choose a picture that is too busy. If you are into color guard then maybe choosing a picture with flags flying everywhere will be a little much. But maybe you choose the picture holding a flag. The only reason I say this is because you don’t want the items in your picture to distract from you. The yearbook is the way everyone remembers each other so be sure you choose a picture that reflects your interests but doesn’t distract from your beautiful self! ​

Get feedback: Seek the opinions of close friends or family members whose taste and judgment you trust. Sometimes if you are on the fence about pictures, family and friends can help you choose the best one. They can offer valuable insights and help you choose the most flattering picture. These are also people who know you the best so they’ll be able to help you decide what picture will show off you and your authentic self the best. ​

Remember, ultimately, the choice is yours. You know yourself the best and you know how you want your classmates to remember you best. The more you stay true to yourself, the easier it will be to choose your yearbook picture. Remember, don’t wait too long! Most schools have a cut off time for when your pictures need to be submitted so be sure you get your pictures taken early and be sure you choose your picture ahead of time. Don’t wait until the lat minute! Trust your instincts and select a photo that represents the best version of yourself- you won’t go wrong!!