You’ve done it! Your daughter has reached her final year of high school. As she prepares for her final year and begins touring Universities and imagining life leaving the nest you have so beautifully built, photos to commemorate this beautiful transition become so important. I have been left teary eyed more than once during a shoot. Two of my favorite mother daughter moments:

Last summer, I was working with a senior girl in St. Anthony Main, Minneapolis. Her mom was waiting nearby at a coffee shop…Wilde Roast.

I was chatting with her mom during an outfit change, and she asked me how her daughter was doing. Makaila was truly killing it, and we were having a blast. We scrolled through a few photos on my camera, and she was ecstatic. She was worried that Makaila would have a hard time opening up and enjoying her shoot. Watching her daughter bloom in front of the camera was a special moment for both of us!

I always ask my seniors moms to hop in for a couple of quick shots towards the end of their shoot. As the sun was just about to hit the horizon, Grace and I were finishing up her shoot in a meadow of wildflowers. We waved her mom over, and as soon as she walked up, she started tearing up, realizing how independent and beautiful her daughter was. I was sneakily wiping tears behind my camera… such a beautiful moment, and I know that they will cherish these photos forever.

I created this guide below to help answer the questions that moms have going into their daughters senior sessions…and I’ve filled it with little tricks for an evening of pretty pictures and life-long memories.

 
 
 

A Parent’s Guide to their Daughter’s Senior Photos

 
 
 
Excelsior High School Senior Photography
 
 

Virtual Planning Session

After inquiring, we will set up a date for a virtual planning session to set the tone for an amazing session.

I encourage parents to pop in for this meeting. Let your daughter do most of the talking and decide which locations/style/look she wants to incorporate into her shoot, but feel free to chime in with any logistical questions you might have.

Outfit’s

The best number of outfits for a senior shoot is almost always 3! It’s not a hard rule, but it get’s stressful for both the senior, and her mom, when there are more than 2 outfit changes during a shoot…and really, her session is more about HER than her outfit! Let your daughter express her style in her outfit changes. During our virtual meeting, I will help her pick out colors/looks that look amazing and would love you to chime in with any suggestions or ideas you might have.

The Day of Her Shoot

  • It’s wonderful when parents come with for their daughter’s senior shoot - it really is such a special day, and just so fun!! However, no one feels comfortable really letting their modeling skills shine when other people are watching. Definitely come with - you can grab coffee, rosé, or even have a little picnic - be close by, and there for your daughter to help with outfit changes/carrying things/and driving from location to location.

  • Towards the very end of your daughter’s shoot, I always love to have you join in for a quick 5 minute Mom/Daughter session. These are my favorite shots!! You don’t have to worry about looking perfect before her session… just be you! It’s fun, and sweet, and I bet she will look back at these photos some point during college when she’s feeling a little bit homesick ;)

  • Make a day of it! Go out for dinner nearby after her session…reflect on the shoot, laugh about silly things that happened during the session..reflect on her favorite memories from high school and your favorite memories of her in high school! Let me know if you need any restaurant recommendations near your shoot!

Gallery Delivery Day!

  • The gallery has hit your inbox!! Your patience has paid off :). I know your anticipation levels are high to click it open the second you receive it, but wait to look through everything when you and your daughter are together. She will be so happy you did.

  • Ordering prints - if your collection comes with a print credit, make sure to order those at least two months before her graduation party so you aren’t rushed to decide and receive them last minute.


 
Sunset High School Senior Session in Minneapolis

Senior session include pre-session custom styling, a beautiful senior session, and a cloud based gallery filled with photos from your daughters session. Pricing begins at $950.

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