the SENIOR PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE | Denver 23-24

PORTRAIT THE EXPERIENCE

...and so the ADVENTURE begins...

senior portrait : initial INVESTMENT

TOP TEN REASONS to consider a SPRING SESSION (yes, junior year!)

1. it’s not yet a thousand degrees

2. flowering trees!

3. you won’t be stressed out yet with college applications & deadlines

4. senior fall is BANANAS

5. scheduling is easier

6. more flexibility in the case of weather delays

7. less sports-related sunburn

8. great light downtown

9. quicker turnaround because your photographer isn’t stressed during crazy over-busy season

10. *DISCOUNT session fee

SESSION FEE:

$395 july-december

$350* january-june ( slow season )

INCLUDES:

• design consultation (zoom)

• location photo session (90) minutes

• artistic edit of approx 65+ proofs

• reveal & ordering session (in person)

• one (1) yearbook file (printable to 5x7)

$150 RETAINER books your session date & time. BALANCE is due on the day of your session.

TWIN SESSION add $100 per extra person, (2.5) hour session and includes above items and (1) final yearbook photo for each sibling

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the senior portrait experience: THE PROCESS

consult prepare session reveal cherish

sessions are booked with a $150 retainer which confirms timing and location, and sets up any necessary location permits

we’ll design your custom session details, from timing to style and location, and consider other parts of the story you want to tell

prior to your session, I’ll send a list of wardrobe suggestions and tips to help you feel 100% prepared for an incredible photo session

we’ll find best light together, expect to laugh, feel relaxed and confident -- it’s my job to make you feel amazing and have fun

you’ll see gorgeous, PRINTED proofs from your session, chose favs, hold samples of products and pick out your story-telling order

your order will be created with attention to detail, printed on highest quality archival materials, designed to be cherished for generations

“

I am just amazed at what a special gift you bring to the whole process. I don’t really know how to put it into words, but your dedication, talent, and understanding of the power of photographs is such a blessing to our family. ”

-Alex, senior client mom

the senior session | BTS: ON LOCATION

You can relax as I’ll direct and show you what we’re getting, we’ll wander, explore, laugh, improvise, and look great for light... all while making memories and art

(left: pop-up change -- changing behind a sheet means more looks!)

the portrait reveal:

PROOFING & ORDERING

2-3 WEEKS after your portrait session, we’ll get together to review your PRINTED PROOFS.

Plan on at least an hour (or so) to enjoy your portrait reveal & ordering session. And don’t worry -- I’ve developed a fun system that helps you arrive painlessly at the perfect final order for you and your budget.

Be sure to bring all family members who will want to place an order to your premiere portrait reveal and ordering session! and finally... the finished product!

the senior portrait boutique:

STORY TELLING PRODUCTS

PRINTS are FOREVER

All Print, Image Box & Album purchases INCLUDE high resolution digital files as designed for your product, and a digital & print release.

Digital files should never be considered to be archival. For your investment to last generations, print your photos!

“

what’s a jpg?

- your grandkids

“ The album turned out so well! Thank you for all of your time and effort. It was an absolute dream working with you!”

- Gabby, senior client

FINE ART DEEP MATTE ALBUMS

start at $1385

hand-bound with choice of cover, professionally printed on vibrant archival FUJI paper with deep matte finish on extra thick pages for museum quality feel

PURCHASE INCLUDES:

- full set of 5X7 proofs

- accompanying high-res digital files finished for album (30-60 files, depending on album layout as designed at your ordering session)

*featured* story product: fine art albums

product profile: custom 10 image boxes

CUSTOM IMAGE BOXES

start at $825

hand made with custom cover includes 10 mounted 5x7 prints plus one more for the cover...

PLUS accompanying (11) digital files via electronic delivery

ADD ON:

BOX of REVEAL PROOFS: $100

CRYSTAL USB in keepsake box: $75

Extra set of 5x7 proofs (unmounted): $100

Digital files should never be considered to be archival. For your investment to last generations, print your photos!

“

what’s a jpg? ”

- your grandkids

product profile: archival prints

FINE ART MOUNTED PRINTS

start at $195

in lustre or deep matte fine art papers, professionally mounted on archival substrate includes digital file via electronic delivery

FRAMED PRINTS

start at $395

professionally matted and framed with non-glare glass frames are delivered ready to hang

“

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- Burk Uzzle

why work with an URBAN PHOTOGRAPHER

My background as an architect shapes how I see light and composition when I’m creating portraits in the city.

THE streets of Denver are buzzing with culture, vibrant color, texture, bouncing light and opportunity everywhere for unique compositions and gorgeous portraiture.

A photo session involves a lot of

improvisation and therefore it’s less important than you’d imagine to pick the perfect starting spot. If you have a favorite part of town, let’s meet at a coffee shop and wander out from there.

If you love the energy of the city, if you’re comfortable with the buzz and the vibe, an urban session could be the perfect fit for your personality.

union station neighborhood #1

Inside Union Station itself requires special permitting and only allows photography during school hours. BUT the entire surrounding neighborhood is a dream for photographing portraits with a hip, urban vibe! Gorgeous historic architecture, great light, urban vistas, cool alleys and beautiful copositional opportunities are found around every corner.

jennifer koskinen, photographer

the colors of UNION

STATION

always changing... beautiful morning and afternoon... every session will have it’s own flavor

UNION STREET STYLE

Whatever your sense of style: I empower you to bring it! Nothing is off limits: trucker hats and t-shirts to jackets, vintage wear and high fashion. Denver streets are here for the strutting.

the many moods of

UNION STATION

adaptable from fun to twinkly to gritty to serious... something for everyone

Sequoiah’s SUNLIT STORY

This woman is a radiant, brilliant voice and a ray of sunshine herself. So a sun and laughter filled photo session before she headed off to Stanford was the perfect way to celebrate and empower her.

Late afternoon / early evening warm light in this neighborhood was perfect to highlight her as the Goddess she is!

jennifer koskinen, photographer | 25

Lily’s GUITAR STORY

It was a cold, grey day and we almost postponed the session.

But we stuck with it and I loved this session almost as much as Lily loves sweater vests and her electric blue “baby” guitar. Quirky, fun, absolutely beautiful inside and out.

Trinity’s ART & ALLEY STORY

As an aspiring actor with an extraordinary and unique look, we wanted Trinity’s session to have a hint of an artsy, cinematic edge.

The streets around this part of Denver provided the perfect backdrop, texture and urban light for her sense of style, and we experienced serendipitously perfect, ever changing light all day. What an absolute joy it was telling her story in photographs.

“OMG.

These are truly gorgeous Jennifer! Thank you for taking such phenomenal pics of my girl - you captured her perfectly.”

- Trinity’s mom

Sophie’s DANCING in the STREET STORY

Working with dancers and capturing movement is such an incredible experience. And don’t worry, this is less about creating “poses” and more about watching you move. Bring a pair of shoes you don’t mind getting a little bit dirty!

jennifer koskinen, photographer |

Union Station: a stage for DANCE STORIES

Several dancer clients have donned their footwear and used the streets for some wonderful movement photos.

union hybrid: nature & city #2

MY NEW FAVORITE... All the perks of a hip, urban session PLUS... we can grab some “nature” photos, check out a vintage bridge and go down by the river along the waters of Cherry Creek. Plan on walking a decent amount for this session -and know that the timing with this one is best in late summer and fall.

jennifer koskinen, photographer

Lauren’s NATURE in the CITY STORY

ART, fresh water, trees, city... WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL?!.

I’m still in awe of the photos we found, accessible right from Union Station in the Riverfront Park area! This session requires a bit of planning and a lot of walking, but it is so very worth it!

Madeleine’s NATURE in the CITY STORY

This fierce, bright, strong woman wanted a little bit of everything and we delivered! Good planning and quick changes allow us to cover quite a lot of ground -- from the heart of the twinkling city to the low rays of afternoon sun -- in one single, breathtaking session.

Christina’s NATURE in the CITY STORY

Originally we’d planned a session for the Botanic Gardens, but our plans were thwarted by the pandemic. So we had to get resourceful and find nature right in downtown Denver. I’m still in awe of the photos we found, accessible right from Union Station in the Riverfront Park area!

denver theater district #3

Lights, Camera, Action! Denver’s theatre district is full of color, potential and scale. Close to 16th Street Mall, the Denver Center for Performing Arts neighborhood is ideal for portraits with great light, beautiful chromatic backdrops and also offers less traveled areas to get comfortable in the beginning of your session. AND there are lots of easy places to change. A big bonus.

jennifer koskinen, photographer |

theater district

We ran from one site to the other (pro-tip: bring comfy shoes if you want to do this!) for some more variety in autumn the wind. A late season session with no room to reschedule, we worked with the weather we got -- and WOW did it work.

Jasenia’s THEATRICAL STORY

This stunning woman is also a “tripple threat” as they say in the performing arts. She can sing, dance and act, and so this location made so much sense for her senior photos.

jennifer koskinen, photographer | 55

Juliette’s

CINEMATIC STORY

With film-maker aspirations (and awards already collected on her work) I was thrilled to work with Juliette for her portraits. The vibrant colors and depth of the theater district was the perfect backdrop for her session.

jennifer koskinen, photographer |

Alana’s WALKING STORY

DCPA to Union Station

We had a lot of ground to cover but we were prepared. This walking session took us from DCPA through Larimer Square and ended in the Union Station neighborhood. Alana limited wardrobe changes to focus on more photos and WOW did it work.

“ the FUTURE belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their DREAMS”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

arts district & rino #4

The best part about photographing with the street art in Five Points is this: the art is constantly evolving. So the pieces captured for you won’t be seen year after year. If you love color, this is a fan-freaking-tastic place to photograph. Vibrant, creative, always changing and a ton of fun for creative discovery for the colorful personality.

Abby’s MORNING STORY

We squeezed Abby’s session in after all of my afternoon sessions were booked, but WOW did the morning light work beautifully down in RiNo.

I adore the variety we got in a single 5 block area, so much color, the addition of the Denver Central Market, and even a gorgeous, sun-lit nature shot!

Roz’s

COLORFUL STORY

This area is one of my favorites for morning sessions -- light works beautifully down in RiNo when the temperatures are still cool and the crowds are light.

And working with Roz, who brought a perfect wardrobe full of complementary colors and a wonderful, relaxed attitude, ready for anything!

old denver & 17th street #5

I first photographed this location when I was searching for more of an “old city” feeling than you can find in most of Denver. The buildings are taller, the details are authentically vintage, and the mix makes for the best kind of bouncing light. Also a bonus: I rarely see other photographers in the area, so your photos will be unlike everyone else’s. See more from this are in Josette’s session (next pages).

Charlotte’s SUNNY STORY

A beautiful spot of sunshine bounced into the colonade on this particular afternoon - we had to play with that and man did Charlotte shine beautifully in that light.

Grace’s VINTAGE CLASSIC CITY STORY

Wandering this neighborhood on a slightly more overcast evening can still be an experience which sparkles.

I love that Grace agreed it would be fun to bring her volleyball for a shot in a glamorous red dress. Some rules are meant to be broken. (left)

Jackie’s URBAN FASHION STORY

Full disclosure: we walked a bit more on this session than is typical. But this theater major is used to quick changes and we made it work. Her wardrobe was phenomenal to showcase her style and this location could not have been more perfect for this beautiful woman to rock her beautiful self. We had a blast!

Vanesa’s GOLD & MARBLE STORY

What a wonderful celebration of laughter, dance and color this amazing, talented woman’s session was, perfectly set against the backdrop of gold and marble in the older, more historic parts of Denver.

museum & arts district #6

The neighborhood surrounding the Denver Art Museum, one of Denver’s true architectural gems, seems to inspire its own art in portraiture, with areas of bright yellows, deep blues, gorgeous green glasses and textural, graphic backdrops everywhere. Anna’s session (the next few pages) is a stylish example of a single session in this location.

Anna’s ART of FASHION STORY

The art museum district in central Denver was the perfect location for Anna’s stunning, grounded confidence and beautiful sense of style.

if your dreams don’t scare you... they’re not bigenough

Steven’s AUTUMN ART STORY

A brilliant, high achieving aspiring engineer type, the clean lines and bold colors of this area appealed to Steven’s aesthetic and sense of style. We also happened to find the perfect background for each of his wardrobe items and had a wonderful time running around in gorgeous fall light.

jennifer koskinen, photographer | 87

Carter’s DESIGN DETAIL STORY

Carter was drawn to this location for the clean lines and bold design. And I’m always down to celebrate those things!

denver botanic gardens* (permit required) #7

Not gonna lie: it is a photographer’s dream to get to photograph at this location! I go a little nuts here. I mean, there are spectacular colors, natural inspiration and gorgeous dappled light everywhere you turn. A premiere Denver location to be sure. Note: there’s an additional permit fee ($100) to photograph at the gardens. Enjoy more photos from the Denver Botanic Gardens over the next pages.

luminous |ˈloōmənəs| adjective physics relating to light as it is perceived by the eye.

{ of a person’s complexion or eyes } glowing with health, vigor, or an emotion : her eyes were luminous with joy

Tessa’s BOTANIC GARDEN STORY

A gorgeous early autumn palette was met perfectly with Tessa’s personal style and wardrobe choices... we lucked out with gorgeous sunlight and lovely temperatures and the whole session was a dream.

Lange’s BOTANIC GARDEN STORY

This whimsical late autumn session was filled with laughter, antics and magic. The day started out threatening snow and... this is what we got. More proof of the magic of this whole process when you commit. (and don’t worry, we’ll talk about weather and contingency plans at your consultation!)

Anne’s BOTANIC GARDEN STORY

The magical light of a early autumn afternoon fit this graceful, talented, bright and kind young woman in a way that took my breath away.

Catherine’s BOTANIC GARDEN STORY

The magical light of a late summer day fit this graceful, talented, bright and kind young woman in a way that took my breath away. She moved like a goddess in her two absolutely picture perfect tulle skirts, which she made from scratch for her portrait session.

jennifer koskinen, photographer | 101

-

always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder

E. B. White

Zoe’s BOHEMIAN

GARDEN STORY

The light was magical for this Botanic Gardens session in the height of summertime. Zoe’s classic, beautiful grace fit like a dream in this luscious, vibrant setting.

jennifer koskinen, photographer | 105

something personal * (downtown denver) #8

If there’s a location that means something to you based on your interests, hobbies, obsessions or passions, let’s talk about photographing you doing your thing.

Personally inspired sessions I’ve done include the area around Civic Center Park for a few clients with political aspirations; the library for a senior who was a creative writer; the Santa Fe Arts district for an artist.

Perhaps you’re a swimmer, or dancer, or performer. Or maybe you love the art of a certain museum, or your elementary school garden (both ideas from sessions you’ll see in the following pages).

Whatever your story, your obsession or your favorite ritual, I’d love to photograph you in your element, so please let me know what makes YOU spark.

The public library was the perfect spot for this creative writer with a passion for books.

“

I have no special talent. I am only passionately CURIOUS

- Albert Einstein

Isa’s

MUSEUM STORY

What a fun request from Isa to photograph her session inside Denver’s Clifford Still Museum. Making art inside a museum is truly a treat. And it’s even better with an awesome woman to photograph with these paintings!

(Note: special permission and a permit fee are required to photograph inside the museum)

travel destination * (travel fees will apply) #9

I ditched my car three years ago to lower my carbon footprint. But that doesn’t completely rule out a DESTINATION SESSION!

I travel throughout the summer (via TRAIN!) and do offer an extremely limited number of destination sessions.

Destination sessions must be booked in spring prior to graduation year, please contact me to inquire about travel dates.

22-23’ Destinations include:

Aspen, Colorado Telluride, Colorado Chicago, Illinois

Travel fees & permit fees (if applicable) will apply.

Let’s talk about a custom quote if you’ve got something in mind in one of these amazing locations!

Gabriel’s

CINEMATIC STORY

An aspiring actor with a lifelong interest in costume design and character, Gabe had a blast designing the elements of his senior session at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Cinematic landscapes were the backdrop for his surreal and dramatic senior story.

“ be so good they can’t ignore you”

- Steve Martin

If you haven’t been to the Great Sand Dunes at the base of the San Luis Valley, you owe yourself a visit. With a snowmelt creek and the snow capped Sangre de Christo mountains in spring, and vast dunes full of wind-swept sand year round, this location is truly one of a kind.

be FEARLESS in the pursuit of what sets your SOUL on FIRE

Sage’s CHICAGO FASHION STORY

I travel to Chicago a few times a year and love the discovery that comes with photographing in a new location like this!

WEATHER & TIMING

Welcome to Colorado. That whole, “if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes” thing is real. So... here’s the deal:

We can shoot in light wind and light rain or snow, and sometimes these conditions make for most interesting sessions. HOWEVER, if you have a vision for for sunshine, we can usually plan for this. I watch the weather every day and if things look challenging (including temps below 45 or above 85), we’ll be in touch. If you want to reschedule around weather, AND we can find another date that works with deadlines, postponing for weather is a no-fee, perfectly fine thing to do.

Regarding timing, generally the light is best if we start a session either close to dawn or about 90 minutes prior to sunset. I have a handy app which will help me give you the exact time for your session date.

CHARACTER INTELLIGENCE STRENGTH STYLE that makes beauty.

- Diane Von Furstenberg

designing your session:

WARDROBE & STYLING

The most important thing throughout this process is that you feel like YOU. There’s no need to buy a whole new wardrobe; this should be a celebration of who you are, not how you dress!

That being said, a little bit of preparation goes a long way towards making you FEEL great in whatever you bring.

I’ll remind you of this in your confirmation, but keep in mind as you prepare: you’ll be walking for your session, so be sure to pack your wardrobe items in a rolling suitcase!

More specific wardrobe tips in the next few pages...

STYLE isn’t what you wear: it’s how you wear it

styling & wardrobe:

COLORS & SHAPE

COLORS:

• bring colors that compliment your skin tones and coloring

• tones that bring out your eye color are WONDERFUL

• if you love wearing black, feel free to bring some, just bring another option in case it is too high contrast with your skin

• neutrals (greys, earth tones, offwhite and whites) photograph nicely and tend to focus attention on you quite well

• jewel tones work beautifully!

SHAPE:

• vary necklines and types of items you bring (don’t bring only t-shirts or all similar cut dresses, for example)

• so that I can best flatter you in posing, avoid loose or overly baggy clothing

• items that fit you through the body are easiest to flatter (boxy tops make you look larger in photos)

• that being said, flowy skirts are super fun to photograph!

GENERALLY AVOID: big bold or high contrast stripes, distracting patterns (even a great big floral print, as lovely as it is in person, will often take attention away from you in a photograph)

styling & wardrobe:

LAYERS & ACCESSORIES

LAYERS & TEXTURES:

• jackets with pockets, yes! (especially if you normally wear them)

• different textured layers, like flannel shirts, sweaters, even a hoodie sweatshirt if that’s your thing

• texture in fabric of an overlayer adds dimension without being too distracting

• try thinking “cozy” for an outfit

ACCESSORIES:

• jewelry should be considered carefully as it can distract, but if you typically wear jewelry and it is part of an outfit, bring it

• scarves and hats are great even if you’re just holding them

• glasses, sunglasses either worn or even held can be nice to give your hands something to hold

• sunflowers. because: sunflowers

styling & wardrobe: SKIN.HAIR.MAKEUP.NAILS

HAIR & MAKEUP:

The main objective is that you look like... YOU. That being said, here are some tips to arrive camera ready:

• add a bit more mascara and eye definition than you usually wear to bring out your EYES

• a bit of cheek contour is lovely to define your face shape

• LIPS: guys and girls please keep your lips hydrated and bring lip color or chapstick for touchups during the session

• I do have makeup artists to refer you to if you’d like to discuss hiring one to add to your session experience and feel extra fine!

SKIN & NAILS:

• drink plenty of water in the days prior to your session to keep your skin clear

• if you wake with skin issues that day, please don’t worry about blemishes -- I can get these in photoshop! (mis-matched coverup is actually harder to photoshop)

• EYEBROWS & NAILS: please trim, clean, polish as you like... just know that nails might be in photos and chipped polish doesn’t photograph great!

styling & wardrobe:

RESOURCES

ON-LINE:

I have more resources available on my website, including full blog posts of many of the sessions featured in this magazine (and more!) if you’d like to see more photos of seniors you’ve seen here for inspiration.

PINTEREST is also a fantastic resource for wardrobe and styling ideas, as is Instagram. It’s also fun to look outside of senior photo sites, to fashion magazines for inspiration. I have senior inspiration boards @ merrittphoto on Pinterest.

ON FOOT:

There’s no need to spend a bunch of money to get a great piece to complement a styling idea.

Denver is fortunate to have great thrift & vintage shops where you can score great deals on unique items.

We will discuss all of this at your consultation, and if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

book a session with your BEST FRIEND, COUSIN or SIBLING

These sessions are a bit longer, and function as two overlapping sessions with bonus “together time” during each look. We’ll create photos of each of you individually and both of you together.

jennifer koskinen, photographer | 127

“

THANK YOU for such a great experience. My girl walked away feeling confident and beautiful, which as a mama, is a dream come true.”

- Brandi, mom of senior client

“ We are in absolute love with the photos!!

Thank you so much for everything. You put so much thought & attention to detail in everything and I think everything is perfect. You are a great role model & fierce businesswoman. You rock and we really appreciate all that you did.”

- Shiloh, mom of senior client

“

“Thank you so much for the beautiful photos and keepsake. It really is amazing and we could not be happier. Thank you for everything. It was so nice to work with such a talented woman!!!”

- Boni, mom of senior client

- Lisa, mom of senior client

“ It was an absolute dream working with you!”

- Gabby, senior client

“ I am so blown away by just how beautiful these photos are. We are so glad to have found you!”

“ Jennifer’s work is amazing! We love her passion for drawing out the best in her clients!”

- Susan, mom of senior client

“ We loved meeting and working with you! Thank you again for taking the extra planning time and making my daughter feel so comfortable & special We will forever cherish the wonderful experience. We were blown away by the album and all the great pictures that really capture our girl.

- Sharon, mom of senior client

It’s my love of people -- our stories, our challenges, our stumbles and our triumphs -- that makes me addicted to my work as a portrait photographer.

That... and the fact that I see beauty. Everywhere. In people. In light. In shadow. I can’t turn it off. My superpower is in seeing YOU and capturing your radiance. Your personality. Your spark.

THIS is why I love what I do... and this is WHY I can’t wait to work with you.

AWARDS:

Senior Style Guide

HOT 100

Senior Photographer, B&W and Urban categories

DENVER A-LIST

TOP TEN

“Best Portrait Photographer”

Shoot & Share Contest

Senior Portrait FINALIST

“ It’s more IMPORTANT to click with PEOPLE than to click the shutter”

- Alfred Eisenstaedt

dream big... the best

is yet to COME

“ owning YOUR STORY is the BRAVEST thing you’ll ever do.”

- Brene Brown