top of page

Senior Sessions

I simply love working with seniors. My portrait sessions are designed to be easy-going and relaxing — with plenty of time for us to get comfortable and capture your unique qualities. My goal is that you enjoy every aspect of your senior-portrait experience.

 

Jen Kochmer Photography is a custom portrait studio. I perform every task personally — from scheduling the sessions to working with you to decide what products you will cherish forever, to putting the final touches on each order

​

All sessions are conducted at location(s) of your choice, include unlimited outfit changes, and editing/retouching of photos.

​​

​Session fee of $250 includes:

​

  • Pre-session consultation

  • Up to 2 hour session at location(s) of your choice

  • Up to 4 outfit changes

  • Editing and retouching of photos

  • In person reveal session and assistance in ordering products

  • $50 print credit

  • Many options for preserving the memories from your session

  • Yearbook photo submission 

​​

​​

Here are some tips to help you get ready to capture those amazing shots you’re hoping for.  First and foremost, you want to be comfortable during your session and let your true personality shine, so be sure to choose options that reflect your style. Be on the lookout for poses and styles of photos you like. Email some samples that you like to me.  It’s better to have an example than to try and explain what you are thinking.

​​

CHOOSING OUTFITS

​

Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision.  If you accidentally wear something that isn’t flattering on camera or something that you don’t feel confident in…it can ruin the experience for you!

 

Spend some time putting together a few outfits that you will want to wear. Prepare a few different looks, but do not wear shirts with a lot of busy patterns or words or sayings. We want your senior pictures to be about you, not a cute or edgy saying. Try each outfit on in its entirety so you know what shoes and/or accessories you will need for each to complete the look you want. Be sure there are no loose buttons, torn hemlines or seams, stains, or holes on your clothing.  Be sure to iron out any wrinkles as well.

 

Here are some of the best ways to choose what to wear:

 

1. Be COMFORTABLE:

​

If you don’t like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!

​

2. Be BRIGHT + THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX:

 

When choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Neutrals and light colors are fantastic as well! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing beautifully on camera!

 

3. Add LAYERS:

​

Adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer) you can add these layers + dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress! Adding layers also means that we can REMOVE layers to create multiple different looks with just one outfit.

 

4. Play with TEXTURES

​

Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered “daring” or “over the top” but, in portraits, they can work very well! Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs!

​

5. Don’t be afraid to ACCESSORIZE:

​

During a senior session, or any photo shoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes and other add-ons can make an outfit spectacular!

 

6. MIX it up:

​

When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks, such as casual, cozy, dressy, school-related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks dramatically different! 

​

HAIR + MAKEUP

 

This is a huge part of a senior session that can completely alter the overall outcome of your images!  I recommend professional hair and makeup, as they can truly make you look amazing and will know what will photograph well.

​

If professional hair + makeup is simply not in your budget or your style, that is okay, too!! I just recommend doing your makeup slightly heavier than normal, making sure to add a pop of color on your lips + a little more mascara than usual. Those little details will make the biggest difference!

 

I retouch blemishes at no extra charge, so don’t fret about a breakout!

 

A few weeks before your scheduled session, get your hair trimmed. This is not the time to go for a new style or to try out the latest fad. Just a simple trim will do. Getting your hair cut a few weeks before gives your hair time to relax a bit and avoid that just-been-cut look. 

 

Guys, be sure to shave the morning of your session.

 

Be sure you cover up tan lines - they WILL show. Avoid tanning or getting sunburned right before your session.

 

Don’t Neglect the Nails!

​

In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!!

​​

PROPS

Don’t forget to bring props that tell us who you are and what you are interested in, such as:

​

Favorite Book

Musical Instrument

Sports equipment

Letterman Jacket

Jersey

Any hobbies that you enjoy

 

PETS

​

Pets are good, just make sure you bring someone with you that can control them while we are busy taking the rest of your pictures.

​​

EYEGLASSES

​

Glass Glare on certain types and shaped lenses is nearly impossible to avoid, so we ask that you bring a second pair with the lenses removed, if possible.

 

The day of your photo session, leave yourself plenty of time to get ready. Be sure to eat something, you don’t want to get all light-headed in the middle of the session! Dress in one of the outfits you have selected, then pack up the rest, along with your sample ideas, if any, and any other props you would like for your photos. Arrive a few minutes early for your shoot so you can check your look before you get started.

 

Now, take a deep breath and relax. Get ready to have some fun!

​

I will do everything in my power to make your photo session an enjoyable one!

​

And, the more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be!

​

bottom of page