### 10 Wins in Portrait Photography: Celebrating the Small Victories 

 As a portrait photographer, there are countless moments that make this job incredibly rewarding. While capturing beautiful images is the ultimate goal, there are many small victories along the way that bring immense satisfaction. Here are ten wins that make my heart sing: 

 1. **Weather Cooperates**:
Nothing feels better than not having to cancel a shoot due to weather. Planning and preparing for a session only to have it disrupted by rain or extreme conditions can be disheartening. So, when the skies are clear, it’s a definite win! 

 2. **Perfect Light**:
There’s something magical about that perfect blend of cloudy and sunny conditions, creating soft, diffused light. It’s like nature’s own studio lighting, and it helps me capture stunning, flattering photos. 

 3. **Making Toddlers Laugh**:
Getting toddlers to smile can be a challenge, but when they think I’m funny, it’s a huge victory. Their genuine laughter and joy make for the most heartwarming and authentic photos. 

 4. **Dads Singing Along**:
Music can set the tone for a shoot, and seeing dads mouthing the words to the playlist, especially when they’ve had input on the song choices, is a delightful sight. It shows they’re engaged and enjoying the experience. 

 5. **Teenagers Enjoying the Shoot**:
Teenagers can sometimes be a bit reluctant during photo sessions. Hearing them say, “Is that it? We are done? That wasn’t bad at all,” at the end of the shoot is a win. It means they had a good time and felt comfortable. 

 6. **Capturing Outtakes**:
Sometimes, the best shots are the unplanned ones. Capturing outtakes like kids sticking out their tongues or making funny faces adds a genuine, playful touch to the collection and often ends up being cherished by the family. 

 7. **Jumping Shots**:
Why not? Jumping shots are fun, dynamic, and full of energy. They break the monotony and bring a lively element to the photos. Plus, clients love the spontaneity and joy these shots convey. 

 8. **Laughter and Fun**:
Seeing people laughing and having fun together during my shoots is a major win. It means they’re relaxed, enjoying the moment, and their true personalities shine through, resulting in more natural and heartfelt photographs. 

 9. **Repeat Clients**:
When clients come back for more sessions, it’s a testament to the trust and rapport we’ve built. Repeat clients are a sign that they value my work and the experience I provide. 

 10. **Referrals**:
Word-of-mouth referrals are golden in this industry. When clients recommend me to their friends and family, it’s the highest compliment I can receive. It means they’re happy with my work and want to share it with others. 

 These wins might seem small, but they are the moments that make portrait photography so fulfilling. Each one is a reminder of why I love what I do and motivates me to keep creating memorable experiences and beautiful images for my clients.

When Should You Schedule Your Senior Portraits? 

 As summer rolls around and the excitement of senior year begins to build, one important task on the to-do list is scheduling senior portraits. You might be wondering, “When is the best time to book these photos?” 

The answer is simple: sooner rather than later! Here’s why: 

Yearbook Deadlines First, it’s essential to check your child’s school yearbook policies. Many schools allow students to submit their own senior photos for the yearbook. If this is the case, you’ll want to book your session now. Yearbook image deadlines typically fall in October, and you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to get the perfect shot. By scheduling early, you ensure you have plenty of time for the session itself, any necessary reshoots, and selecting the best image for submission. 

Personal Use and Family Keepsakes Even if the yearbook photo isn’t a concern, having senior portraits done early in the year is still a wise move. Senior year is a whirlwind of activities, milestones, and memorable moments. Having professional photos ready means you’ll have them on hand for announcements, invitations, graduation parties, and social media posts. Plus, these photos make wonderful gifts for family and friends. By getting the portraits done early, you’re prepared for any unexpected needs that may arise throughout the year. 

Availability As a professional photographer, I aim to provide the best possible experience for each of my clients. To ensure I can give you the time and attention you deserve, I encourage you to book your senior portrait session as early as possible. My availability for July, August, and September is open, and these slots are filling up quickly. 

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute Senior portraits are a significant part of commemorating this milestone year. Don’t leave it to the last minute and risk missing out on capturing these precious memories. By booking early, you’re giving yourself the peace of mind that comes with being prepared and the opportunity to enjoy the process without the pressure of looming deadlines. 

Let’s Create Memories Together I am here to help make your senior portrait experience unforgettable. With a variety of packages to choose from, including the comprehensive ‘Graduate Over-the-Top’ package, we can create a unique and personalized session that reflects your child’s personality and celebrates their achievements. 

Book Your Session Today! Get in touch to schedule your senior portrait session and ensure you’re ready for all the excitement that senior year has to offer. I look forward to capturing these special moments with you! 

#SeniorYear #HighSchoolMemories #NeverForget #OakRidgeHighSchool #ElDoradoHills #ClassOf2025 #SeniorPhotos #SeniorPortraits #ORHSTrojans #Graduation2025 #SeniorPhotography #SeniorPictures #SeniorSession #HighSchoolSenior — 

A Silly Guide to Shooting Prom Pictures for a Group of 13 Teens 

 Welcome to the ultimate adventure in capturing prom magic! 

Picture this: 13 teens, all dressed to the nines, ready to strike a pose and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. But hold on to your camera straps because this isn’t your average prom photoshoot – it’s a whirlwind of fun, silliness, and maybe a touch of awkwardness. But hey, that’s what makes it memorable, right? 

 Let’s set the scene. You’ve got your camera, your lenses, and your enthusiasm turned up to eleven. Your mission? To wrangle a group of teens who are equal parts shy, sweet, and full of that special brand of teenage silliness. But fear not, because armed with a few tips and tricks, you’ll have them cheesing for the camera in no time. 

 First things first, break the ice. Remember, teens may have changed in some ways, but deep down, they’re still the same shy, awkward, and endearing creatures they’ve always been. So, start with some silly icebreakers to get the giggles flowing. Trust me, there’s nothing like a round of “two truths and a lie” to loosen everyone up and get those authentic smiles shining. 

 Now that everyone’s feeling a bit more relaxed, it’s time to get creative. Encourage the teens to strike their goofiest poses – the more outrageous, the better! Think jazz hands, funny faces, and maybe even a spontaneous dance-off or two. After all, prom is all about letting loose and having a blast, so why not capture that spirit in your photos? 

 But amidst all the silliness, don’t forget to snap a few sweet moments too. Whether it’s a stolen glance between friends or a group hug that’s just too adorable to resist, these are the moments that will truly make your prom photoshoot special. 

 And speaking of special, don’t be afraid to get a little unconventional with your shots. Sure, the classic group pose is a must, but why not mix things up with some candid shots or creative angles? Get down low, climb up high – the world is your photoshoot playground, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment! 

 As the prom photoshoot comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the whirlwind of fun you’ve just experienced. Sure, there may have been a few awkward moments and maybe even a couple of camera-shy teens, but in the end, it’s those imperfections that make the memories all the more precious. 

So, here’s to the sweet, silly, and downright unforgettable adventure of shooting prom pictures for a group of 13 teens. It may have been a wild ride, but one thing’s for sure – you wouldn’t have it any other way. Cheers to capturing memories that’ll last a lifetime!