Class of 2025 parents, this is for you
Class of 2025 parents - congratulations, your kiddo is now officially a S-E-N-I-O-R!! And recently I am hearing from many of you. Lots of inquiries about sessions and I am so excited to work with you and your seniors. I am a class of 2025 mama, too so we are in this together!!
Even though it is my first time being a “senior mom”, I have been a photographer for 15 years so I have picked up some info along the way as a senior photographer and wanted to share it with you. So here goes…
1)There is no "right time" to do photos - the right time is the time that works for you but there is a right time to reach out/schedule your session. That would be now/this summer. As of today (June 3), we are booking sessions in June-December. Even if you know you want a spring session, it’s not a bad idea to reach out. We will sell out of senior session spots every year.
1a) If you need them for yearbook photos, confirm deadlines with the school and take your at least 4 weeks before (good rule of thumb). Double check with your photographer on turn-a-round times. For me, you have your digitals in hand within 3 weeks of your ordering session and albums and prints and wall art takes a little longer (due to production time).
2) For my senior clients, your kiddo does not need to know where they are going to college before your shoot - my senior clients get access to my “college t-shirt mini” session in the spring. At this 10 minute shoot, I photograph you soon-to-be graduate in their college shirt (or next step/gap year attire) and you receive 5 digital files to use for announcements, a Facebook brag post and more. If you do not do a senior session with me, but what these types of “announcement photos” only, see advice #6 below.
3) Like with most things, the old adage is true: you get what you pay for. Experienced photographers charge appropriately for our time, talent and abilities. My clients value my expertise and service level - they know they are in good hands from the first phone call to the delivery of the prints and products and beyond. Some photographers are side-gig photographers, which is totally fine, but it a different experience.
4) Pro hair and makeup is included in my senior girl sessions and goes a long way to adding to your daughter’s CONFIDENCE. She is already beautiful, this is just to make her feel even more so. I work with only the best artists and she will still look 17/18 not a 25 year old Kardashian. And, it’s also actually makes the editing turn around timefaster. Pro hair and makeup is also great for those that “don’t wear a lot of makeup” because with houston weather, we need that help to fight back the frizz and sweat.
5) A few days after your session, we are picking your fav photos and placing your order. Most senior clients order an album and wall art to commemorate the occasion, but we have other options to fit your needs and your budget. Don’t want til the last minute to book your session, especially if you want the album and wall art available for your kids grad party. All the products are custom designed for you, so we need to allow for a bit of wiggle room during that design process.
6) For those wanting “just a few photos” you are more than welcome to book into my “Headshot Mini” that I offer a few times a year. This is a studio shoot. Here’s the link: https://www.maureenoshay.com/specials
7) So many of my past senior families have taken advantage of the day and added on the family session to the senior session. And TRUST ME you will thank yourself later. Getting a family shoot coordinated after the kids have flown the coop is much harder.
8) I have a style guide and help with all the details - from where to go for your shoot, to what to wear, to how to pose. This is a full service experience — I got you and your senior!
9) Whatever session you do, plan to spend the day with your kiddo. Take a half day from work, let them play hookie and SOAK IT ALL IN. Because this year will fly by!
Let’s do this! Call me 832-356-9749 at or fill out this form: https://www.maureenoshay.com/contact-us