Senior Welcome Guide by Lindsey Gerner

SESSION GUIDE

Your Final Lesson!!

Finally! Well, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve finally made it! You are a senior! Congratulations on your life long journey to this point. Thank you for considering Violet Lace Photography to be a part of this milestone. I hope you have thought about how you want your senior portraits to turn out and they end up being everything and more! I like to think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty laid back and easy to work with, so please be up front and open with me with anything you need. I will do my best to accommodate you!

~ Lindsey ~

my ultimate goal is to make sure your pictures don’t look like the rest of your classmates, to make sure I capture your own unique personality and style, and that you have fun in the mean time! That being said… I only take on a select number of seniors each year so I can give you my very best.

Niagara, WI

ALL my sessions are done in the evening after 5:30 pm when the lighting is the best. That said, you will notice there’s no squinty eyes, harsh shadows, sweaty faces, and the sun is beautifully golden.

The best advice I am going to start you off with is simply following these guidelines to make your portraits amazing and exactly what you pictured in your own mind. The #1 rule is to be completely honest and open with me of anything that you do and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want.

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… Bare with me for a minute because I have to be up front in this next part. There’s those select seniors that truly dread getting their portraits taken. They are only getting them taken because either their mom is making them, they need some just to get them over with, or they just need a picture for the yearbook. Whatever the reason, the point is they really don’t care what they look like or who does them as long as they are cheap and you are trying to please mom. If that’s you, then VLP will likely not be the right photographers for you. I need all my seniors to be completely on board with following this guide and really preparing for your photo session. I promise you this, when you get your proofs, you’re going to be glad you did. Those ones that didn’t care how they turned out, or what they are wearing at the session, or didn’t care about the dirty tennis shoes they put on---- suddenly they cared when they got their proofs! Remember, you only have to do this once. These are your portraits and my work, which is also my reputation. Which I’m sure you understand! THANK YOU!

This is perfect for the senior who just needs the basics. •30-45 minutes •1 outfit •One location spot in the city of Chilton •20+ previews for your choosing •Fine art editing, dedicating 10+hours to your senior portraits.

Final Payment is due at the session. Cash or check only. Check payable to: Violet Lace Photography

•The graduate gets an on location photo shoot that lasts 1.5-2 hours •On location, outdoor •2-4 outfit changes •60+ previews •One hobby/sport. We encourage your senior to show off his or her passion, whether it be a sport, hobby, instrument, collection, etc... •Fine art editing, dedicating 20-25 hours to your senior portraits

1 Hobby/Sport: $50 2 Hobby/Sports: $75 3 Hobby/Sports $100 Travel Fees will apply to certain cities/towns to accommodate time and travel. If I'm photographing 2 seniors on the same day, then the travel fee is voided. Sheboygan or Sheboygan Falls: $42 Menasha/Neenah De Pere: $43 Appleton/Neenah: $36 Kiel: $10 Elkart Lake: $25 Chilton: $0 Niagara: (No Charge. Must be booked at the specified dates) Madison: (No charge, but may do session with more than one senior.) Large Animal: $50 (What's considered a large animal? ...You cannot pick it up. This would include a barn or herd of animals.) Small Animal: $25 (You can pick it up) Underwater: $100 (this is geared for swimmers who want me in the water. I have a waterproof case that allows me to go under water. This could also be for an artsy portrait in a dress or even for a dancer. This session may likely have to be on a different date than your senior session since we need the pool to ourselves. Its doable in Chilton. Below is an action shot of a Chilton swimmer from last year. No photo manipulation was done other than color correcting and artist effects.

To view the Senior Portrait Prices go to: http://www.violetlacephotography.com/seniorportraitprices.pdf

Kiel, WI

Eau Claire, WI

Kiel, WI

One of ALL TIME favorite part of photography is THIS part because it represents a part that you have dedicated most of your life at doing and being passionate about.

Tara | 2016 Valders Graduate Session Location: At Night in the back yard

Caleb | 2016 Chilton Graduate Session Location: Engler Center for the Performing Arts

GET FULL UNIFORMS BEFORE SCHOOL CLOSES!!

Montage $75 Printed on a 11x14 print. Custom Montages created just for your senior. You choose the pictures, I pull them together to create your montage. We will do action and still shots at your session if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested in the montage.

Underwater: $100 (this is geared for swimmers who want me in the water. I have a waterproof case that allows me to go under water. This could also be for an artsy portrait in a dress or even for a dancer. This session may likely have to be on a different date than your senior session since we need the pool to ourselves. Its doable in Chilton.

Here is an action shot of a Chilton swimmer from last year. No photo manipulation was done other than color correcting and artist effects.

Here is an action shot of a Chilton swimmer. No photo manipulation was done other than color correcting and artist effects. I was photographing her from under the water as she dove in the water. Here is an action shot of a Chilton swimmer from last year. No photo manipulation was done other than color correcting and artist effects.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a guy, then the next group of pages regards around you preparing for your session.

Note: I do not Photoshop anything that could be preventedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;if you choose to not follow these guidelines, an additional fee of $25 per portrait will be added for anything needing to be Photoshopped (extra editing) that could have been prevented .

… Styles Ideas A suit or suit coat and tie, a nice dress shirt and tie, polo with a sweater over, etc… These are usually the yearbook portrait. If a tie is not your style at all, then don’t do it.

A sweater, nice jeans, kaki pants, long sleeve polo, etc…

This style is something you’d wear any day to school or hanging out with friends. Jeans, jean shorts, nice T-shirt, etc….

My Pinterest page has many boards to help you!

Click Here!

Sports, hobbies, instruments, etc... Whatever interests youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had in high school. Bring anything that has to do with your hobbies.

Jacob is a 3 sport athlete, but soccer is his passion. At the end of our session, just before the sun was ready to set, we headed to his hs soccer field. P.S. The skies are not photoshopped!

Jacob | New Holstein Graduate Session Location: New Holstein HS Field

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Alex | 2016 CHS Senior Session Location: His family farm

Session Location: Kiel •

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You can change up to 2-4 times for regular attire, but you will need to bring extra outfits. These clothes should be new or close to new. Nothing faded, stained, ripped, shrunk, or worn out (unless it was bought this way). Make certain your clothes fit appropriately. Try clothes on before the shoot. Avoid bright colors (no neon color tones) and busy patterns or any wording on clothes (GAP, Abercrombie, etc…)--which are distracting in photos. It’s not that you can’t wear these items, they are just suggested to avoid. Iron in advance, bring all attire on hangers. Session Location: Chilton Make sure you have black socks on or along. I do not edit in black socks. Session Location: Chilton

Okay okay. I get that guys don’t wear make-up, but any studio is going to actually put it on you. I won’t to do that to you. If you have blemishes that you do not want in your pictures, acne, oily skin, etc.…you need to wear some sort of foundation to even your skin tone and hide your blemishes. It’s a must. It’s not supposed to look like you have it on. It’s just a touch up. That’s it. If you have a lot of break outs, don’t worry that you can’t cover it completely. The foundation is a base for when I process your photos. No base makes you look plastic. If you’re skin is pretty flawless, then I will an exception.

Have a manicure 1-3 days before the shoot. I get it— guys don’t do manicures either. I’m not saying you have to have it professionally done, BUT if you have dirty hands/nails, it’s highly suggested since I can’t Photoshop that. Just a nail file, clippers, and a good scrubbing and some lotion will do wonders!

A fresh shave is important. I can see black heads on my lens from 30 feet away, so I can certainly see hair growing in your face.

Practice posing. As silly as it sounds…. the more natural your shoot feels for you, the better your pictures will turn out. Look at other senior portraits on Pinterest and see how other men pose, so you know what you do and don’t like...and you will feel more comfortable.

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If you have heavier acne, tanning beds can be really good for your skin. Start about 3 weeks before your session. Avoid putting any oils that will make your skin break out more. Tan skin does always look nicer, but avoid over-exposure to the sun or tanning bed. Redness can be difficult or impossible to remove. Do not sit at the beach the day before your shoot! Watch for tan lines.

These are just as important as your shirt. Worn out shoes are not allowed. Tennis shoes should only be worn if they go with the outfit. If you’re wearing a shirt and tie, please have dress shoes. Bare feet are an option as well...even if you have not-sopretty feet. I don’t get close up on those anyway. Again, don’t forget dark socks.

Schedule a hair cut about a week before the shoot. Being photographed too soon after getting a fresh style can prevent you from looking like yourself.

Session

Location:

Ladies....the next group of pages regards around you preparing for your session.

Lauren Mortimer, Chilton High 2017 Valedictorian

This style is something you’d wear any day to school or hanging out with friends. Jeans, jean shorts, nice T-shirt, cute coat, etc… A sweater, nice jeans, kaki pants, long sleeve blouse, sundress, etc… That could be your prom dress or another fancier dress. Let me know in advance of this and maybe an idea of what you were thinking to do. Sports, hobbies, instruments, etc.. Whatever interests you’ve had in high school. Bring anything that has to do with your hobbies. (Make sure you have informed me of what your hobbies are so I can prep for different ideas.)

You can change up to 3 times for regular attire (4th if you have a ‘hobby’) These clothes should be new or close to new. Nothing faded, stained, ripped, or worn out (unless it was bought this way). It doesn’t matter what size you are since even the skinniest of girls have clothing concerns. Make certain your clothes fit appropriately. Wear your clothing that brings out your best features, but not inappropriately. If a girl has cleavage and/or short shorts, we will be limited on poses, since it has to be appropriate. Try the outfit on and pose from EVERY angle in the mirror…not just for Instagram. Sit, lay, squat, turn your back to the mirror, etc… Bring extra outfits!

Wear make-up, even if you don't usually. If you don’t normally wear it, there’s salons that offer this. If you’d like help, please text or email me. Make up is a requirement for your senior portraits. Session Location: Chilton

Mascara, eye shadow, foundation, and blush are important. Keep coverage natural, Decide your look before the day of your shoot, and bring make-up along for touch-ups. Stay away from glitter -which may show up as white spots -- and SPF products, which can make you look shiny. Make sure your eyebrows are touched up and you have a fresh wax (not the day of so you won’t be red.)

Session Location: Chilton

Session Location:Niagara

Do not change your hairstyle for pictures (hair cut). If you have hair that is frizzy or out of control, I suggest setting up a hair appointment with a stylist to help with this so your hair is soft and full. You can change your hair style during the shoot as long as it doesn’t take more than five-10 minutes.

Tan skin does always look nicer, but avoid overexposure to the sun or tanning bed. Redness can be difficult or impossible to remove. Do not sit at the beach the day before your shoot! Watch for tan lines.

Have a manicure 1-3 days before the shoot. Chipped polish will show, so clear polish or French manicures are ideal. No bright colors or textures. Odds are likely I will have you take off your shoes so make sure your feet are done, too.

A fresh shave is important. I can see black heads on my lens from 30 feet away, so I can certainly see hair growing in on legs, above the lips, and the eyebrows.

Visit your eye doctor, if you wear glasses and cannot wear contacts. Have your lenses removed, or borrow a pair of similar frames without lenses. Even glare resistant lenses reflect light, and removing distortions is costly when possible at all.

Practice posing. As silly as it soundsâ&#x20AC;Ś. the more natural your shoot feels for you, the better your pictures will turn out.

Get everything together no later than the day before your shoot. Bring extra items including outfits and shoots in case something isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working with the scene. NOTE: I will be messaging you a few days prior to send me pics of your ENTIRE outfit. I will tell you to put the outfit on a hangar, jewelry in a baggie attached to the hangar, with the shoes hooked as well. That way everything is together and nothing is forgotten. ;)

Practice posing. As silly as it soundsâ&#x20AC;Ś. the more natural your shoot feels for you, the better your pictures will turn out. Research other senior portraits and see how they are posing!

Here’s one outfit with 3 totally different looks. 1. 2. 3.

Haley is wearing everything. Coat, dressy top, tank top. Took off the coat. Fun, casual look by the way she is posing. Formal pose. This is the image we chose for her yearbook image, gifts to grandparents, and for a canvas on the wall. It’s her. The first thing you see is her hair or face. That’s what most would see anyway. No distractions. The shirt is not distracting, yet the entire picture is colorful. My favorite part is the ONE thing that has not changed at all…that one dimple. ;) Removed the blouse and put the coat back on. We also had some without the coat, too.

Choose suitable jewelry, accessories, socks, stockings, shoes, bras and underwear (nothing that shows lines or can see through.) Iron in advance, bring all attire on hangers.

Avoid bright colors (neons are not allowed, sorry) and busy patterns that are more distracting from your face. Do not wear loose styled clothing like tunics. They are not flattering to your waist line in portraits.

ELKART LAKE

Sheyboygan Falls

Questions/Answers 1.

Does my mom or dad have to come along or can I bring a friend? Who you bring along is completely up you, EXCEPT you need to consider who you will be comfortable posing in front of the camera. So, if you wouldn’t be comfortable with mom watching you, then mom can’t come. I want you to be completely comfortable.

2. Do you have a studio? I have a children’s studio, so I have limited space. I can do formal head shot in the studio if you’d like, but we can do them outdoors as well. 3. Do I have to wear make up? (girl) Yes. Reason being is that no one has every regretted it. You can get airbrush make up done in Potter that looks very natural. Make up doesn’t have to be caked on. Just enough to accentuate your features. These are senior pictures, not everyday pictures. 4. What if I want summer and winter sessions? You can have both, but the summer session is the same charge. A winter fee is $95 for a one hour session. 5. What if it rains? Strong winds, rain, high humidity and/or heat index over 90 degrees, I reschedule. High humidity makes your hairline wet and sweaty. As for rain, sometimes I can sort of wing it and see what the weather decides to do. You will be sitting on the ground, so it can’t be wet. So if its rained all day and it decides to clear up, but the ground is still wet—we reschedule. Cloudy weather is my favorite in terms of lighting, so a little rain isn’t a big deal. I can deal with that and work around it. 6. Where do I change? If we aren’t near a place to change, usually people change in a vehicle. My vehicle has a lot of space and has tinted windows. I keep my car running during sessions when its really hot so the air conditioning is constantly on. No worries, I am outside of the vehicle while you change. ;) Girls typically wear spandex and a cami tank for easy changes. 7. How much money do I need to bring? The final full payment is due at the time of the session. If you know you want a montage, you can pay for that at the session as well or after your portraits are done. 8. Can I do a family portrait or my children’s portrait at the same time? No. Unless you’re traveling from out of state, I may make an exception. The focus is the senior and this is a very special time for them. 9. AFTER YOUR SESSION...what comes next...... Expect 7-14 days for digital proofs to be online. I will send you and your parent/s the link and code to view them with further instructions on how to choose them. It’s super important to NOT skim read instructions. ;)

www.violetlacephotography.com Text: Lindsey 920.418.4455 Email: violetlace@live.com