Senior Photography – Romantic Chattanooga Session

Fall Senior Photography Session

When Reese’s mother first contacted me about scheduling a Chattanooga senior photography session, I had a feeling we were kindred spirits. Like I was at that age, Reese is very involved in the high school theatre department at Brainerd Baptist School. In fact, I had seen in the role of Belle from Beauty and the Beast with my oldest two daughters the semester before. When I had a consultation with Reese about her vision for her session, it was clear we were on the same page.

Reese wanted a session with a romantic, dramatic feel that featured outdoor, natural beauty. We first achieved this look with her wardrobe. When planning a senior photography session, don’t be afraid to wear something special. Reese brought along two dresses of her own. I supplied the white puff sleeve dress from my client closet. These long, flowy dresses were a huge element in achieving a dramatic, romantic look. Reese was a total natural in them, pulling from her theatre experience while posing in front of the camera.

We used two locations around Chattanooga, TN. The first was at Greenway Farms in Hixson where I knew I could find some trees with nice color and an overall simple, rural background. However, the second location that featured Lookout Mountain in the backdrop was the true showstopper. The fall grasses gave perfect texture to the foreground of her images. While Reese had not planned on using any “props” during her session, we couldn’t resist the wildflowers. We picked a few to make a little bouquet that she even took home as a little memento from our session.

Planning Your Senior Photography Session

Are you in the process of planning a senior photography session and wondering if we might be the right fit? Let me share some details about working with me!

What’s included in my senior photography session?

For full pricing, please contact me to set up a consult call. I offer a very custom experience to my seniors and general photography sessions. I often find that a quick phone call if easier than a wordy email. Besides, I want to hear all about your vision for your senior photography session and help you determine whether we would be a good fit!

My senior photography sessions generally last up to 2 hours. I recommend planning on no more than two locations during that shoot. I am pretty fanatically about finding good light and my favorite time is the hours right before sunset. We don’t want to spend too much time traveling when we could be making magic in front of the camera! Trust me, we can still get a great variety in two locations.

I have a similar recommendation for outfit changes. While I don’t place a limit on the number of outfits you wear during your senior photography session, I do recommend limiting yourself to 2-3 so we don’t waste beautiful light changing clothes.

As explained on my “details” page, my fees for photography sessions are set up a little differently from some photographers. I charge a creative fee which includes the design of your session and session time. I really want this session to meet your vision. Therefore, we will schedule a planning call and I will spend time scouting locations for you. This creative fee also includes access to my ever growing client closet. even if you choose not to borrow any dresses for your senior photography session, I will still be happy to provide guidance. I highly recommend checking out Chattanooga’s cutest boutique Savannah Taylor.

After your session, you will receive a proofing gallery. From this gallery you will choose your favorite images to purchase. These images will receive a full, detailed edit. At minimum, each image includes a digital file with print release and a small fine art print. Archival albums and wall art are also available! You can buy one image. You can buy all of your images. Or you can buy any number of images in-between. You only purchase the images that you absolutely love!

Can I bring a friend along?

Yes! I absolutely love doing senior photography sessions with friend groups. Let’s be honest, having your photo taken can feel a little awkward at times. Having friends around to share the experience with makes it so much more fun. You are more than welcome to split the creative fee. Images will still be purchased separately after the session, but you are welcome to share group images with each other! This can be such a fun way to document the special relationships from this season of your life. I do recommend limiting the number to 4 individuals or less. Again, we want to make sure everyone have plenty of time for their individual senior portraits. Each participating family will be required to sign and contract and model release.

Senior photography session with friends near Chattanooga TN

What If I don’t know how to pose?

Don’t worry about figuring out how to pose before your senior photography session. That’s part of my job! I will direct you and prompt you through posing. We’ll try lots of different things. Some of it may feel awkward, but don’t fret. I’ll be focusing on making you look natural and like your best self. You are always welcome to ask to see the back of my camera. Photography is a collaborate art, so if you have an idea or want to try something specific, feel free to speak up. You can even send me ideas before the session if you have a specific vision.

Baylor School senior photography
teenage holding wildflowers in field near Lookout Mountain

What if I don’t have any location ideas?

Again, this is part of my service to you! I have a variety of locations around Chattanooga that I like to use because I know that they offer beautiful scenery and light. You can see a list of a few of these locations by clicking here. I certainly have more locations up my back sleeve. I’ll let you in on a little secret, one of the fun things for me about senior photography is that we can try locations that would not be safe for my typical family sessions with young children (i.e. because they are next to a busy street or on a mountain top).

I am always open to trying new locations. Let’s talk about your vision! Before any session at a new location, I spend time scouting to make sure that it will work for our lighting needs. I want to ensure that your senior portraits will turn out beautifully, in line with my signature bright, warm style. Let’s find a location that you love, the expresses your interests or personality. Have a favorite pizza place? We can try to schedule a session there. Have you spent your high school years doing track and field? We can take some portraits at your school. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.

Senior photography session on Lookout Mountain

Do you offer any other senior photography sessions types?

I sure do! Are you looking for homecoming, prom, or cap and gown portraits? Let’s talk! Some seniors have chosen to book a senior year membership. With the membership, you pay one creative fee of $600 and can schedule up to 4 sessions during your senior year. Images will still be purchased after each session. Learn more about the senior photography membership here.

Let’s Get Started

If you are planning a senior photography session in the Chattanooga area, let’s talk! I’m located in North GA and am happy to travel to you. I would love to walk you through the process of bringing your vision to life. I love helping seniors feel natural and confident in front of my camera. Let’s make a work of art! Find out more information about sessions with me here. Contact me through the form on my website. It’s never too early to get on my schedule. I generally take on a handful of sessions a month in order to be able to provide intentional, personal service. My calendar usually fill about 2-3 months in advance.

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