You might have a high school junior right now, but planning for the senior grad year is already underway. Yes, we know there is a TON you will need to do over the next 15 months, but there are small, easy steps you can take now with high-level planning and preparation that will ensure a smoother journey ahead.
As one of the first things you'll need to worry about...
Where are you at with your grad-year portrait plans?
Don't wait too long! Why do we say this? Because it happens every year. Parents don't think about portraits until summer comes, then realize they are too late to get a date. The best photographers book up solid first. The good weather does not last.
This isn't just a photo or snapshot. If it was that easy, you could do that yourself, right? Really, this is about a right of passage that commemorates the biggest achievement and transition your son or daughter has ever experienced in their life.
Who is your son or daughter becoming? A "right fit" photographer is key for their style or personality. Even better, an expert photographer will take the time to understand who they are and design a vision for their portrait session that brings out the very best. We believe that amazing portraits people cherish for a lifetime show a little about who they were, feature who they are now, and hint at who they are becoming.
When is the yearbook deadline for your school? It might be far earlier than you think! Guess what? The schools are really bad at communicating this info to you. It is not that they mean to be, they just get busy. DON'T WORRY! We are tracking that for you here.
What are YOUR goals as a parent for the portraits? Are they a little different than what your grad had in mind? Don't worry, we've got your back! We know what it is like to be a parent and how much these portraits represent all the love and support you have poured into them to get them to this point. We know what they want your child wants too. We are really good at blending the goals on both sides in a way your grad may not even notice! (We are sneaky like that - they don't have to know!)
What are your son or daughter's goals for portraits? Let's be honest here, your grad probably thinks you are totally out to lunch with your portrait goals, right? (Shhh! remember, we've still you got covered here!) Your grad is most concerned about feeling seen as a special individual with unique passions, personalities, or qualities. They want to showcase their personal style/brand in a way that sets them apart through clothing, interests, and location that fits their identity. We've got things covered for them too!
Tomorrow is Saturday! Use the opportunity to have a high-level conversation with your upcoming grad about some of these points above and just see where they are at. What are you on the same page about? What things were you not expecting to differ so much on?
We know life is busy and overwhelming, but this piece really does not have to be. We know what to do. We are here to help. We've got this!