SENIOR SESSION GUIDE

Welcome, Class of 2027, to your Senior Session Guide! This is a private page created exclusively for you. Inside, you'll find session details, pricing, timelines, and planning tips to help you feel prepared every step of the way.

Parents and seniors, please take a few minutes to read through this guide together and then bookmark the link to refer back to as we get closer to your session.

Cheers,

Heidi

I'll guide you through each part of the process, so you can just enjoy your session.



Studio Consultation (30 minutes)

• A planning appointment at my studio to talk through your session details
• We’ll choose the perfect location, meeting spot, review outfit ideas, and go over artwork options

Collection Pre-Purchase Option

• Pre-purchase at your session consultation and receive 10% off any collection or order of $1100 (senior session) or $1800 (senior + family).

Senior Session (Up to 90 minutes)

• Photo session at your favorite location
• Professional lighting
• Guided posing and direction so everything feels natural and easy

Sneak Peek

• Please follow along on Instagram & Facebook
• Shared about one week after your session

Gallery Viewing + Ordering Appointment (60 minutes)

• Held several weeks later at the studio
• You’ll view your gallery of professionally edited images
• Choose your yearbook photo and place your order

Yearbook Submission

• Your selected image will be sent to your school per their specifications
• Confirmation sent to you

Artwork Delivery

• Orders are completed in approximately 4-6 weeks, depending on your selections

These are just a few from a select list of outdoor locations I know photograph beautifully. Some seniors already have a favorite place in mind, while others prefer guidance. Either way, we will select a location that fits your style, the season, and overall feel of your session. I am also always open to new ideas!

Here is what you need to know before your session.

Session Timing

Arriving on time is important since the session is timed to sunset.

Weather

My motto is, if you don't look good, I don't look good!

If it's too hot, humid, rainy, or windy during our session time, we will reschedule to the next available date - this is New England after all and I leave room in my schedule for this.

Rescheduling

Session dates are reserved carefully and coordinated with my assistant in advance, so rescheduling is handled thoughtfully and should only be requested when truly necessary. If your senior becomes ill, please reach out asap so an alternate plan can be made.

Blemishes

Don't stress at all, this will be handled in retouching.

If there is bruising or swelling - please send me a photo before the session to see if we will need to reschedule.

Sunburn/Tan Lines

Please be mindful of sunburns and tan lines leading up to your session - these are hard to retouch and additional retouching fees will apply.

Apple Watches

Apple Watches/Fitbits do not photograph well and will instantly date your photo whereas a classic dress watch can complement your photo.

Lip Balm

Use in the days leading up to your session.

Bathroom Reminder

Plan ahead, restrooms are not typically available at the locations.

What to Wear

JUST BE YOU! As you start preparing for your senior year and next chapter, I want to capture you at this beautiful crossroads just as you are. I am excited for you to showcase yourself in your most authentic way and want you to feel confident about yourself and excited for the experience. For that to happen, you need to be you and only you. What better way to begin?!

Bring Up to Three Outfits

• Wear what you feel great in
• Check in with your yearbook requirements
• Clothing should complement the location

Dress for the Weather

• If you're hot, cold, or otherwise uncomfortable, it will show in your images
• If it's cool in the fall, wear layers

Details Matter

• Choose seamless, neutral under layers for each outfit
• Try on all outfits before the session to avoid wardrobe malfunctions or improper fit
• You will be photographed from all angles, including the back, so make sure no straps are showing
• Safety pins will appear in the photos and they do not hold
• Choose dress socks or no socks (avoid athletic socks)

Hair

• Wear your hair in a style that you love. If you are considering a cut before your session, allow for time to get used to it

Makeup

• Light and fresh looks photograph the best

Hands & Nails

• Hands and depending on the time of year feet will definitely show in the photos so please have nails neat and trimmed or a fresh mani/pedi

Facial Hair

• For a clean-shaven look, shave the morning of the shoot to minimize the appearance of any stubble. Make sure to use a sharp razor and quality shaving cream to reduce the risk of irritation, nicks, or razor burn. If your skin is prone to redness or irritation after shaving, give yourself enough time for your skin to calm down before the session

Silhouettes are a fun way to incorporate your sport, hobby or interests.

Equipment

• If it's a sport, bring all your gear
• If it's your passion, bring anything related (instruments, books, uniform, etc...)

The day is here, and I promise it's going to be fun & relaxed. You'll have time for up to three outfit changes, and I'll guide you through natural posing so you can simply enjoy the experience.

Session Day Checklist

• Eat beforehand and hydrate well
• Brush your teeth
• Arrive at your scheduled session time
• Arrive with dry hair
• Change into your first outfit at the location to avoid wrinkles
• Bring a brush/comb and any hair products
• Bring lip balm/product for touchups
• Bring water
• Bring a large blanket or towel for outdoor clothing changes
• Keep ironed clothes on hangers for easy transport
• Parent should plan to carry and manage the blanket and outfits
• Bring bug/tick repellent (especially for grassy locations)

Parent Pro Tip: Sneakers are recommended for you since you'll be carrying clothing.

Tick Check: Everyone who is at the session should do a thorough tick check after.

Friendly pets are always welcome at senior sessions! Since the focus of the session is on the senior, pets are typically included for a few portraits at the beginning. Please have an additional family member/friend join us to handle your pet and take them home afterward. Below are tips for bringing your dog. If you want to be photographed with another type of pet, we will discuss that separately.

Dog Tips

• Choose your outfit that complements your dog's coat color best
• Consider matching their collar to what you're wearing
• Leave flea/e-collars at home
• Walk your dog before the session to bring their excitement down
• Bring HIGH VALUE treats, water & waste bags

After your session, I will share my favorite image in my signature senior magazine style, with your name and class year. Sneak Peeks are shared only for seniors who opted in on their questionnaire.

• Please share the sneak peek on your pages
• Please tag heidi harting photography :)

This is the exciting part, when you'll see your photos for the first time and select your favorite images!

Ordering Appointment Checklist

• Decide where your favorite portraits will be going
• Measure wall space - IMPORTANT!
• Do you need prints for a desk/bookcase?
• Do you need gifts for grandparents and extended family?
• Review the attached price list below so you can plan what you would like to order before you arrive for the appointment

Your Session Includes

• Yearbook image sent to your school per their specifications
• A 5x7 mounted print of yearbook image | client appreciation
• High-resolution digital file of the yearbook image with printing rights

Ordering Appointment Details

• Seniors and decision-makers should attend this appointment at my studio
• You will see your complete gallery of beautiful, professionally edited images in both color and black & white
• We will chat over your favorites and your "Oh My Goodness, HAVE-TO-HAVE" images!
• After we get your favorites and have-to-haves, you will select your yearbook photo, and we will walk through your print and product options
• This is your dedicated time to place your order, ask questions, and finalize everything you need
• Your order will be put together and payment is due at this time
• Payment plans are available

Wondering how you'll see and access your images after your appointment? The Mobile Gallery App makes it easy to view and share your photos online, with family and friends.

Mobile Gallery App (Web-Friendly)

• Included with every collection
• Features the images you have purchased
• Web-friendly, low-resolution files for sharing
• Not intended for printing

High-Resolution Digital Files (For Printing)

• Full-resolution files with printing rights
• Available as an add-on in collections or à la carte

Your portraits are designed to be enjoyed as finished artwork and displayed in a way that feels meaningful to your family.

• Wall Art
• Books
• Acrylic Blocks
• Gift Prints for family
• Graduation Announcements

Thank you for choosing me to photograph this milestone. I'm looking forward to working with you and creating portraits you'll love for years to come. If you have any questions, please reach out anytime.

See you soon,

Heidi