High School Senior Session Guide

What to Bring to your High School Senior Session

High School Senior Photography

High School graduation is a huge milestone in your life and it deserves to be celebrated. One of the ways to remember your high school experience and the achievement is with a senior portrait session.

This guide is here to make sure that everything goes correctly for your senior photoshoot. We want the day to be laid back and fun with no stress or anxiety.

Wardrobe

Wardrobe is one of the most important aspects of your senior session. You want to wear what feels most comfortable to you and what you feel the most confident in.

Think about what kind of looks or styles you like the best, classic? edgy? sporty? boho? Your style should be your own, don’t forget to be you!

Some outfit ideas could include:

• ones that you love the way you look and are comfortable

• ones that could represent your time in school

• ones that are more formal

Props

Props are one way to have fun in the photoshoot and commemorate and showcase any activities, sports, hobbies, or clubs that were a part of your high school experience.

Bring your cap and gown!

Other items could include sports jersey and equipment, dance shoes, musical instruments, books, sentimental items like a family heirloom. Any items that represent things you love to do that are special to you, and shows off your personality

Make-Up, Hair, Cosmetics

Bring a small bag of make-up with touch-up essentials! Mascara, foundation, concealer, chapstick/lipstick/lipgloss, blotting papers, and a small mirror. Bring hair essentials to do any touch-ups needed. Such as a hairbrush, hairspray, bobby pins, and clips.

Nails will potentially be visible in the photographs so make sure they are clean and trimmed and/or painted if you’d like.

Day of Session Checklist

• Outfits

• Shoes

• Jewelry

• Props

• Makeup Bag

• Chapstick

• Hairspray

• Lint Roller

• Stain Remover

• Hair Brush

• Deodorant

• Bobby Pins

• Mirror

Final Tips

• Choose outfits that make you FEEL beautiful.

• Your hair and makeup should match your style.

• Don’t fret those blemishes.

• Make sure you are comfortable in front of the camera.

• Personalize your photoshoot.

• Have fun!

Why Book an Engagement Session?

Why You Should Book an Engagement Session

Engagement sessions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the love, joy, excitement and anticipation in the days leading up to your wedding.

5 Reasons to Book an Engagement Session

To Celebrate and Have Fun!

You said YES! Let’s celebrate.

This is such n exciting time in your life and some celebration is in the cards. Planning a wedding can be stressful, there’s a bunch of decisions to be made. This is the time to set that all aside and spends some time having fun and celebrating together, before all the craziness.

Announcement

An engagement session gives you unique and beautiful professional photos to share with all your friends and family. Use these to announce your engagement and share your love story! You can use them for any digital or printed materials for the wedding like save-the-dates or invitations.

Create Memories

This is special time and season for you. Having these photos to look back on and reminisce in 10, 20, 50 years is so special. The power of photography allows you to document and have these memories of specific times in your life that you can look back on. The location for the shoot can contribute to this. Choose a location that has some meaning or connection to your love story and relationship.

Ice Breaker

This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your photographer and they can get to know you as well! It gives the photographer a chance to figure out what works best for you. Establishing a relationship with your wedding photographer is key. The more familiar, the more relaxed and comfortable.

Finding Comfort & Easing Fear

This is the time to experiment, learn and find comfort in being in front of the camera. Not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera and that is okay. This is the opportunity to see yourself in pictures, get practice in before the big day and allows you the time to ease the nerves when you are not the center of attention.

Spring Mini Sessions

Spring Mini Sessions 2023

Spring mini sessions have specific locations & dates so pay attention to that when booking. These sessions are for the whole family. For these sessions, i bring kids props and things to sit on. I wont have a specific set up for them, its like a regular family session in a park.

Session fee is $200 & you will get all the images from session. I dont put a specific number on this because some families are bigger. The images that look good are the ones that you will recieve. Average will be around 50. That being said, it will take me longer to edit these. I have added an add on so that you can jump the line. It will be first come first serve on that.

Studio Location

Studio Location

The studio space is in the prime location of Clarence, NY. A charming and historic town and suburb northeast of Buffalo. The address is 8500 Roll Rd. Site B Clarence Center, NY.

Site B is located right when you first pull into the parking lot on your right. The site is indicated with a letter B on the top window of the door. On the front of the door and next to it is a sign indicating Richele Renea photography. HS Senior, Family, Wedding, and Boudoir, by appointment only.

The Space

Studio Photoshoot One Year Set Up

It is a spacious open studio with windows for natural lighting. On one side when you walk in there is a huge space for a studio set up with various backdrops and props. On the other side is a boho themed bedroom.

Various backdrops and props can be used for a photoshoot. This one was for a one year old boho photoshoot.

Boho Aesthetic

The studio set up is a free-spirited boho theme with a bed and two wicker chairs that fit the theme perfectly. The room is filled with neutral tones of browns, creams, whites, and muted yellows and pinks. Boho decor including fluffy pillows, blankets and plants that complete the look.

The iconic egg chair is a new addition to the studio space. It has become a major decor trend fairly recently. It elevates the space and brings it to a whole new level. A boho dream.

Sunshine

When the sun comes out, it is like a heavenly dream in here. The way the light shines through into the studio onto the wall, and the furniture is stunning. The windows provide the perfect amount of natural lighting and the sun shining through provides amazing illumination.

Visitor Point of View

I was extremely impressed when I first walked in. The space is very inviting and welcoming. It is a very comfortable space with a couch for visitors to sit and place their belongings. The boho decor is beautiful and there is a lot of attention to detail. My favorite part of the space is the windows that provide the natural light and when it shines through the window, it is incredible.

If you end up at the granite place, you are at the wrong location.

Mommy + Me Mini's

Mommy + Me Mini’s 2023

MOMMY + ME

Mommy + me mini sessions has to be my favorite! Probably because im a mom!!

Using my studio atmosphere, boho style, i am offering these sessions for $200 and it will include a whole gallery of images. Yes, like all the photos. The only photos you wont see are duplicates and test shots. I dont EVER do this so this is the one to book! That being said, turnaround time will be closer to 2-3 weeks! Just in time for Mothers Day! HINT: if you want them done faster, book a sooner session time than anyone else! I go down the list when editing.

COME ON IN MOMMAS! Bring those kiddos!

Outdoor Boudoir

Outdoor Boudoir 2023

OUTDOOR BOUDOIR

Outdoor Boudoir... What else do i have to say?

These sessions are my most popluar, super adventurous sessions. I usually have a full schedule with these ones.

How they work - I set up stations in the woods/creek area at the campground i grew up at. Im picking a Sunday because its less populated. (not that its very populated any day) Don’t worry, we wont be disturbed. i make the locations places off the path a little bit. The only issue i had last year was someone unfortunetly stole my peacock chair while i was going to get a new client. Im going to have someone staying with my things this year.

Outfits - You provide your own attire, if you want my opinion or help im always here!

How we get around - Fourwheeler.. so must be confortable riding as a passenger with me.

Packages - Package 1 is $400 and it includes the hair and makeup, 1 hour shoot, and all the digital images. Package 2 is $600 and it includes hair and makeup, 1 hour shoot, 30 image Little Black Book, and all digital images. The pricing here is different than a regular boudoir session.

Due to including all the images, turnaround time will be around 4 weeks.

Flower Mini Sessions

Flower Mini Sessions-Boudoir

FLOWERS MINI SESSION

"Flowers" mini session is a type of boudoir mini session for women to hold flowers in front of their chest. I got the inspiration from Mileys new song "flowers". If you are going through something and need an uplift or you just want some cool looking photos, this is for you!

See The Shoot: Nick + Brenna

A Mystical Wedding

Getting Ready

Ceremony

Nick and Brenna picked the perfect location to express their love for one another. The location is so beautiful and enchanting. The trees were absolutely breathtaking. I wish all my weddings were at this lovely location in Naples, NY. The Cummings Nature Center is the place to say I DO!

Family / Wedding Party

Reception

This wedding is unique in that they decided to do family traditions. Cutting a log instead of a cake is a German Tradition. “Baumstamm sägen” or “saw the tree trunk” is a wedding tradition that requires some arm work as a representation of the first obstacle that the couple must overcome, they must express willingness and the abilities to master the hurdles that arise in marriage.
Also, Shrek was a special guest!

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Andrew + Sara

Love + Family Backyard Wedding!

Getting Ready/Details

First Look

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Reception

Family

Bride + Groom

See The Shoot: Roger + Rockie

May 21, 2023

The Details

Details are important. Check out the details from the day! They are just a small clip of the story, but dang are they beautiful images.

The First Look

As I tell all my brides… just do it. It’s an imitate moment where you can share together and not have to keep it together in front of all your guests. This groom was BLOWN away!

Wedding Party

Although they had a small wedding party, they knew how to have fun!

The Bride and Groom

Okay, I have a lot to say here. Hang on tight.
Roger and Rockie are the PERFECT match. They had their engagement session at the same location we went to the above images. It’s important to them. They are so passionate with a side of goofy. I love it. They were my ideal client. Rockie has a special surprise for Roger on the day of their wedding. She also booked a boudoir session and decided to get a black book to gift to her man! He LOVED it (maybe not the opening it in front of the camera part.. but we wanted to get the reaction)

The Ceremony

Short and Sweet! It was such a beautiful ceremony. But let’s talk about the location for a minute!
Niagara Crossing is the location, its balcony works so well for wedding ceremonies! The only complaint was a man mowing his lawn during the ceremony but i’m sure he does that for all the wedding they do just to be that guy. When I got there, my phone said “Welcome to Canada” as we were just across the river in Lewiston.

The Reception

Time to PARTY! They had some amazing moments. If you know me, you know I LOVE getting moments with the older folks. The reason I have such a passion for those images is because those people will more than likely not be in your life a whole lot longer. There was also a moment where they got grandma out of her wheel chair and held her up to dance and I thought that was so special.

Mommy + Me 2022

Mom + Me Sessions 2022

Every year, I do mommy and me sessions right before mother’s day. They are a fan favorite to say the least.
Mommas RARELY get photos with their babies because they are the ones taking all the photos!

FAQ’s

Is it just one backdrop?

I have a lifestyle set in my studio with a boho vibe. Within that set, there are many different options for posing and backgrounds. I also will have the outdoor option available if the weather is good.

What should we wear?

Neutral Colors are the way to go! Black, White, or Cream are the real winners!

Can I celebrate breastfeeding during the session?

YES!

I have multiple children, is that ok?

Yes, They will fit.

Fall Mini Sessions

Fall Mini Sessions 2021

This year, I have only a couple weekends available due to the high demand of weddings. Because of Covid, I have more weddings than ever before — not complaining, but I will only have mostly week nights available for fall min sessions this year. They will still be amazing and I am so excited to photograph all the beautiful families in the Fall. The will include 10 digitals — It’s usually only 8! Im also gifting a print to each client. It’s definitely worth it!

HS SENIOR SALE!!!!

High school Senior SALE

I had a set back. My senior sale was pushed back to JUNE 24th. CALL ON JUNE 24th to get 75% off the session fee of choice.

Let’s talk about this sale.
ONE DAY ONLY. Im only giving away the 75% off to those who call on June 24th. If people call after that date, the sale no longer applies. There are limited weekends left for the summer. Bookings will mostly be weeknight evenings. The sale does not apply to product packages, ONLY THE SESSION FEE.

7 Facts About This WNY Photographer

7 Facts About This WNY Photographer

1. I LOVE drama / Romance Movies. I will sit and watch all day long. I like to think that is why I love capturing love. My All time Favorite is Love & Basketball.

2. I LOVE Coffee. My husband and I are coffee obsessed. We can not function without it. I prefer a vanilla iced coffee.

3. I LOVE all music. BUT my favorite is pop/punk/metal. I have always listened to alternative music. I went to Warped Tour, wore skinny jeans, vans, and had crazy colored hair.

4. I went to college for a degree in photography. I just knew what I wanted to do with my career. My career choice has already taken me on a wonderful adventure.

5. I have a beautiful daughter. She is my WORLD. She’s almost 3 and she’s got her daddy’s attitude. (That’s not a good thing lol) She is sweet but also spicy.

6. I have two pup kids. Oakley & Bailey. They know how to get under my skin, but they are just too cute to be mad at. They are definitely a good kind of challenge.

7. My favorite snack while I am editing is carrots with ranch. When I am busy plus munching, I look down and the whole bag is gone.

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Vaughn Wedding

Photographing Friends..

I love it. I can enjoy your wedding while I photograph it. I don’t mind.

A lot of people in my circle have hired different photographers so that I can enjoy the day.
In my head… It kills me. I end up staring at the photographer the whole time and totally judging them.
On the other hand, I do respect the fact that my friends would like to have me there as a guest.

My friends hired me for their elopement in October! It was great knowing my client already. I think I prefer having my camera in my hand anyways because i’m always so awkward.

Check out this Fall elopement.

The elopement was at Allegany State Park. It was pretty nice out. The sun was high during the ceremony and totally shining right on the couple. We took a trip to the stone tower to get some great couple photos for them. That area of the park totally brought out the fall colors.

What you should know about Easter Mini Sessions

Easter Mini Sessions

Easter is coming soon. Will it be better than last Easter when everything was shutting down?
Probably not. But I do believe that my studio will be open! That means I can have a successful year of Easter Sessions. Check out this image below to learn the details of this years Easter Sessions.

What should you bring to your Easter Session?

Typically you see various Easter outfits come through the studio doors. Last year, I only had a small amount of sessions due to the pandemic. I would love to give you some ideas while you are looking for the perfect outfit this year. Check out the links I have provided below.

Girl Idea

Amazon is a great place to find super cute outfits.

View

Boy Idea

Boutiques are also great places to shop.

View

Head Piece

Etsy… Need I say more?

View

Show up with the best dressed family. Avoid too much match matchy and bright colors. Stick to a more pastel, simple outfit. Add something EXTRA! Don’t afraid to get some head pieces to go with the extra cute outfit. Bunny ears, hats, bonnets, and crowns just add to an image. Make your session worth it by dressing your family in the right attire.

Pandemic Weddings

2020 was a disaster, to say the least.
The rescheduling, the cancellations, and the thought in the back of your head… WHEN CAN WE GET MARRIED?!?! I managed to get married October 2020 BUT we ended up eloping and only having our parents in attendance. It was small and simple. In September 2021, we are planning to have our family attend our reception to celebrate. I feel like this is a trend right now. Small intimate weddings are allowed so we will just celebrate later. I photographed a handful of weddings in 2020, but also sad that I had multiple cancellations.

Will 2021 be better?
We all have hope that this year will be better. We all hope to celebrate with our friends and family.
I have a handful of dates still open. I want to assure you that you will get your money back if we have to cancel due to the pandemic. I want you to feel comfortable to plan your wedding the way you have always dreamed. Have faith that all of your dreams will come true. You can not live in fear - you will get your day. Let’s hope for this vaccine to get to as many people as possible this year.

Helpful tips for a pandemic wedding:
- Don’t Fear
- Relax
- Use your own property

I photographed a wedding in 2020 that was a quick church ceremony and the reception was at the couples home. It was absolutely beautiful. You can make your wedding beautiful without stressing over the biggest venues that are most likely going to follow strict rules and probably won’t even have your date open.

If you’re looking for a photographer this years would love to help you have the best day and create amazing memories.