1. What should I expect during my senior portrait session?
Most senior portrait sessions last about two hours and include multiple locations, outfit changes, and plenty of variety. We typically begin about 90 minutes before sunset so we can take advantage of changing light throughout the shoot and continue working as the sun gets lower.

2. What time do senior portrait sessions normally start?
We usually start about 90 minutes before sunset. The exact start time changes throughout the year, so a summer session will begin much later in the day than one in the winter. Starting later gives us softer light and lets us work through sunset.

3. How many locations can we use?
A typical two-hour session gives us time to shoot at several locations as long as they are reasonably close together. We will plan the route ahead of time so we spend more time shooting and less time sitting in traffic.

4. What should I wear for my senior portraits?
Bring several outfits that represent your style. I recommend a mix of classic clothing that will still look good years from now and a few trendier outfits that show who you are right now. Different colors, layers, jackets, dresses, jeans, boots, and other options give us more variety.

5. How many outfits should I bring?
Bring a few more choices than you think you will need. We probably won’t photograph every outfit, but having options lets us match clothing to the location, light, weather, and overall look of the photographs. Variety is much better than bringing several outfits that all look essentially the same.

6. Should I have my hair and makeup professionally done?
That is entirely up to you. Professional hair and makeup can be a nice addition, but the most important thing is that you still look like yourself. If you do your own makeup, keep it polished and bring whatever you need for touch-ups during the shoot.

7. What should I bring for hair and makeup touch-ups?
Bring anything you normally use to keep yourself looking your best: a brush or comb, hairspray, powder, lipstick or gloss, makeup for touch-ups, and a small mirror. Austin weather can be unpredictable, so having a few basic supplies along is always a good idea.

8. Should I bring accessories?
Absolutely. Jewelry, hats, jackets, boots, sunglasses, scarves, and other accessories can quickly change the feel of an outfit without requiring a complete wardrobe change. Bring things that fit your personality rather than accessories you would never normally wear.

9. Can I bring props to my senior portrait session?
Yes, especially if they represent something important to you. Musical instruments, sports equipment, uniforms, books, a skateboard, artwork, or something connected to a hobby can make the portraits more personal. Props work best when they actually tell us something about you.

10. Can I bring a musical instrument or sports equipment?
Definitely. If you play guitar, trumpet, violin, football, softball, tennis, or another sport or instrument, bring it along. We can incorporate it into some of the photographs without making the entire session about that one activity.

11. Should I bring someone with me to help?
Yes. A parent, friend, sibling, or other helper can be very useful for carrying clothing, props, shoes, water, and other items while we move between locations. They can also help keep track of belongings during outfit changes.

12. Do I need to think about transportation between locations?
Yes. We may drive between several locations during the session, so having transportation readily available keeps things moving. Try not to pack everything into multiple vehicles if we can avoid it. The less time we spend organizing cars and belongings, the more time we have to make photographs.

13. Can I wear high heels during my senior portraits?
Of course, but bring sensible shoes too. Some of the best locations require walking over grass, gravel, trails, stairs, or uneven ground. Wear comfortable shoes while we’re moving and change into the heels when we reach the spot where we’re shooting. Your ankles will thank you.

14. What are some good Austin locations for senior portraits?
Austin gives us an enormous variety of options. The Long Center, Butler Park, Lady Bird Lake, Mueller Lake Park, and downtown Austin can all work beautifully for senior portraits. We can combine architecture, skyline views, greenery, water, and urban settings depending on the look you want.

15. Where are your favorite places to photograph senior portraits?
I have photographed seniors extensively around the Long Center, Butler Park, and downtown Austin, and I also love working around Georgetown’s historic square. Rather than automatically choosing the same location for everyone, I prefer to pick places that fit your personality, clothes, interests, and the kind of photographs we want to create.

16. How do we choose the locations for my senior portraits?
We’ll talk about the look you want before the shoot. Some seniors want downtown architecture, some want parks and open spaces, and others want a mixture of both. Your personality, clothing, interests, travel time, and available light all help determine which locations make the most sense.

17. What happens if it rains?
We reschedule. Texas weather does not always cooperate, and there is no reason to force a session when the conditions are miserable. If the weather looks questionable, we’ll keep an eye on it and make a decision as the session gets closer.

18. What happens if I get sick before my session?
We reschedule. Senior portraits are supposed to be enjoyable, and nobody looks or feels their best when they are sick. Let me know as soon as you can and we’ll find another date.

19. What happens if I’m late?
It depends on how late you are. Being a few minutes late usually isn’t a major problem, but daylight doesn’t wait for us. Because our sessions are often scheduled around sunset, arriving significantly late may reduce the number of locations, outfits, or photographs we can fit into the remaining light.

20. I hate being in front of the camera. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Most people are not professional models and have no idea what to do when a camera is pointed at them. That’s my job. I spend a lot of the session talking with you, getting to know you, giving direction when you need it, and occasionally subjecting you to my unique sense of humor until you forget quite so much about the camera.

21. How can I look natural in front of the camera?
You don’t have to figure that out before you arrive. I’ll give you direction, but we will also spend plenty of time talking, moving around, and letting things happen naturally. The more comfortable you become, the less you think about posing. Conversation, movement, and a little well-timed wit tend to work better than telling someone to “look natural.”

22. I don’t like how I look in pictures. What if I don’t like my senior portraits?
A lot of people come into a session convinced they don’t photograph well. You haven’t seen yourself photographed like this yet. Good lighting, location, posing, timing, expression, and experience make a huge difference. My job is to make photographs in which you look like yourself on a very good day.

23. Is there something about myself I’d like hidden or minimized. Can you do that?
Tell me before the session. If there is a feature, scar, birthmark, side of your face, or anything else you are self-conscious about, knowing in advance allows me to consider it when choosing angles, posing, clothing, and lighting. If we can photograph around it naturally, we will.

24. How long does it take to get my senior portraits back?
Typically about one week. Your finished photographs will first be presented in an online proofing gallery where you can view the images and decide what you would like to order.

25. What can I do with my images, and do you offer prints and albums?
If you purchase the digital images, you can use them for your personal, non-commercial needs, including printing, sharing with family, graduation announcements, and social media. We also offer professionally printed products through the online proofing gallery, including traditional prints as well as luxury products such as photo books, metal prints, and canvases. Your photographer for the session will always be Travis.