ParePhoto Graduation Client Guide
Everything you need to know before your session
I'm so happy you are here!
First, start by making sure you have paid the deposit and signed our contract. You are free to pay the remaining balance when you wish so long as the final payment is paid prior to our session with exceptions to pre-discussed in person payments.
Second, please remember my goal is to make you feel comfortable every step of the way; leading up to your session, at your session, picking the photos out and appreciating them for years to come.
Third, I've been in your shoes, I can confidently say I’m pretty amazing at what I do. I’ve spent plenty of time in front of the camera, collaborating with other photographers, and have photographed just about every personality under the sun. Trust me when I say: you’re in very good hands.
The Experience
Leading up to your session I ask that you put together a playlist of your favorite songs. This way, if I manage to not talk your ear off we can play off my speaker to keep the vibes groovin'.
I have my typical prompts and poses, but if there is something specific you are looking to do, feel free to send it my way so I can make sure I incorporate it!
P.S. I mean this kindly... please don’t feel embarrassed to tell me about any insecurities. I would rather know in advance than have an awkward moment at our session.
The Experience
My goal is to take as many photos as possible in the time we have at all the different spots at the location(s). This might mean repeating poses to make sure we get the best shot possible. Your confidence in front of the camera will only grow as the session goes on.
As I said, I will go through prompts and poses you can find throughout my portfolio. Sometimes I’ll throw in some crazy or fun ideas depending on factors like: location, outfit, props, client’s willingness to be silly, etc.
The Experience
You go home and chill while I have the honor of going home to cull (pick out) all of the photos from our session. I'll take out all the blurry, mid-pose and accidental photos…but don’t worry, I’ll always save you some goofy ones.
Once I'm ready, we will schedule a Google Meet call. I’ll start by showing you everything like a slideshow. Then similar to an eye-doctor's appointment, you will see 2-4 photos at a time and tell me which ones we should keep. The rest are deleted. Before you go, we review the saved ones to get rid of any stragglers. When you are feeling indecisive I am there to help you throughout the call. Keep in mind your session has a select average. Anything over that average comes at a cost per photo. If you need photos back by a certain date, we can discuss expedited delivery cost per photo as well.
Post Production
All selected photos are edited to my typical style. Also included in all packages are black & white copies of each photo.
Sometimes objects, backgrounds and faces need to be photoshopped. If necessary, we will discuss whether or not I can complete it for an extra charge or if I will need to outsource the work to a professional at an extra charge.
Clients or outside parties are not to edit or alter photos in any way (filters, edits, photoshop, etc.). If you think there is a problem, please let me know. I am more than willing to take another look.
Post Production
I promise your gallery will be delivered as soon as physically possible. You will always be updated on where you stand amongst the rest of my queue, but you are also welcome to stalk my Instagram story where I post regular updates.
Once everything ready, you will receive a link in your email to the gallery with a client password. Note that anyone can enter the gallery via the link, but as the client, you have exclusive access by entering the password. This allows you to mark photos private from guests.
All guests can download, print and make a favorite folder.
Post Production
If you choose to print, you can do so directly through the gallery’s shop tab. I’ve listed all the high-quality printing options available and kept pricing as affordable as possible. Shipping speeds vary depending on your budget, but I’ve seen 500 photos delivered within a week of ordering!
It wont be cheap like Walmart or Shutterfly because this option offers better quality, a smoother shopping experience, more options and helps support my small business.
Feel free to post and show the world how amazing you look! Just be sure to tag me @parephoto on all platforms (including your stories!).
Overall Style
Remember you should be comfortable first. You don’t want be or look stiff in photos that last a lifetime! The most common look you will find is white dress or dress pants with a button up. Solid colors are great, just try to avoid wearing neon colors or patterns. The biggest recommendation I can make is to google search or Pinterest search “graduation outfits” for ideas. From there, send me what your plans are and I can let you know what I think!
When figuring out an outfit, try to keep in mind what color your cap and gown will be. You may also have cords, stoles and sashes which can also affect the look! In a lot, if not all of your pictures you'll be holding or wearing your gown so you don't want your outfit to have too many layers or patterns creating a busy look.
If you have designed your cap, bring a spare one to throw around if you have one handy.
Avoid wrinkles by ironing your gown in advance. While you are there, remove any tags or strings on the gown.
Take off any hair elastics or smart watches.
No need to come prepared with your cap bobby pinned in, we will be taking it off and on frequently.
Because we will play with your hair a lot, try to bring a hair brush if your hair gets knotted easily, you may even want to wet or gel your roots to avoid crazy flyaways
Wear makeup however, you feel confident and beautiful. Whether that means no makeup, light makeup, or a full face! Natural color makeup typically looks best for lifestyle photography.
A few things to remember, heavier and not blended makeup shows up differently on the camera and can make editing extremely difficult.
Although I’ll be removing pimples and temporary blemishes... Remember that makeup isn't meant to hide any texture like pimples, scars, etc.. It will almost always enhance it, so layer carefully
RELAX. I never want you to feel rushed or pressured to perfection. I’ll always give you directions for what I am looking for. I will either forcibly make you laugh or you’ll naturally find yourself laughing at my ability to be dumb.
Don’t slouch. Remember to laugh forward rather than throwing your back out lol. For more feminine look, cross heels or putting one heel up goes a long way. For masculine poses, you’ll want to put one foot forward and throw a hand in your pocket. Standing like a stick doesn't look good on anyone. Hold your tongue to the roof of your mouth to get rid of extra chins, I swear it works.
Champagne & Props
If you are feeling nervous about popping the bottle of champagne, don’t panic! It’s actually way easier than it looks. Regardless, I always plan for you to pop the bottle at the end of our shoot to avoid any mess.
Your graduation are a reflection of your years in school and what’s to come. Feel free to incorporate meaningful items to celebrate that. Stethoscopes, gavels, textbooks, name plaques, sports memorabilia or work outfits (lab coats, artist apron, etc.) The list is endless, but if you are planning to do anything, let me know in advance so I can prepare the best posing and prompts.
Speaking of little items, don’t forget your stoles and tassels before leaving the house!
Final Thoughts
I get it, it's hard getting your photo taken if you are not used it! That is why I am here for the experienced, inexperienced and everything in between. Creating an affordable process uniquely made to fit everyone's preferences. I hope you leave feeling confident and happy you made the right choice in a photographer. I already can't wait to work with you again should you feel inclined to!
And afterwards, If you loved the process with me, feel free to share your photos online, refer me to friends or leave a review on my Google page! Your support is always loved! In the meantime, feel free to stalk me on my socials using the tags below.
Tootles,
Jill <3