Senior Portrait Photography

Since 2007 I’ve been selecting one area high school graduate to receive a senior portrait scholarship to Inspired Photography, valued around $400.

Through this pro-bono work I’ve met some of the most beautiful Inspirational young people.

Last year I was introduced to Noah through his teacher. Noah’s mother had discovered her cancer on a monday and died twelve days later. 12 short days later.

Having lost my own mother three months prior-also to cancer, I had an instant connection with Noah. He was a true gentleman. A perfect team player, a true example of what I pray my own son will be someday.

After we created his senior portraits, many of them honoring his mother, I sat wishing I could just do something more. We photographed him in the studio, on our 5 acre hobby farm and on location in the gym where his mother watched him shoot hoops.
Now It’s that time of year again to select another student. If you know a class of 2017 graduate that is deserving of free professional photography, please ask me for an application. There is no cost to apply, no cost or obligation to the student. Anyone can make a nomination. Simply Call me for your application Sherry at 507 381 8007

Being well prepared for you senior photo session can make the difference between average and fabulous photos.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to looking your absolute best.

Mindset & Arrival

Have fun! We’re going to make you look great and you’ll have a great experience. That’s why you chose Inspired Portrait Photography

Relax. Sherry is very laid back, likes to have a great time and is easy to get along with. Plus, she will help you with posing, so there’s no pressure.

Arrive about 10 minutes early to your appointment. Showing up late means you lose camera time, and I don’t want that.

Style & Clothing

You’re unique and awesome in your own way. Follow our guidelines but be yourself in how you dress.

Be fashionable. Wear clothing that’s stylish and put a lot of thought into your choices. This is a unique opportunity and we want you to look amazing!

We give you unlimited wardrobe changes, so bring plenty of options. The more outfits we have to choose from, the better. This will give us flexibility in matching your clothing to backgrounds and the surroundings.

Group your outfits together on hangers. Make sure items are ironed and ready to go.

Plan on changing quickly. The faster you change, the more time we have to photograph and the more photo choices you’ll have later.

Make sure you’re comfortable in your clothing and that it flatters you. This will ensure that you like how you look in your photos.

If you’re self-conscious about your arms, avoid sleeveless or cap-sleeve shirts and tank tops.

Bring a variety of colors and mix the level of styles. One outfit should be traditional or classic looking, while the other can be a mix of edgy and stylish. All clothing should be items you are comfortable in.

Don’t forget to dress those feet, plan for shoes to match each outfit.

I rarely will photograph you in flip-flops. Yes, they’re comfy, but they don’t photograph well.

Hair

It is hard to know what your hair “is supposed to look like.” Make sure you let the photographer know your preferences. Better yet, bring your best friend with you for the session and he or she can help. Hair style is ultimately YOUR responsibility. Any hair changes during the session should be quick and simple so you have as much camera time as possible.

Bring hair spray, clips, pins, and whatever else is needed to keep your hair out of your eyes if it’s windy. Also bring a brush and mirror for quick hair touch-ups. I have a few products in the camera room, but everyone has their own preference.

Do not make drastic changes to your hairstyle right before your photo session.

Makeup

Makeup that is well done is one of the best preparations you can make for your session.  Even if you don’t normally wear makeup or wear very little, take the time to do it well and your photos will look their best.

Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. Mascara should be clean and not clumpy. Avoid makeup with an SPF because it tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.

Finger Nails

If you paint your nails, make sure they’re done well for your session. Chipped nail paint will show and distract from you. Opt for basic or natural tones.

Jewelry

Keep it simple. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the important subject, you. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit.

All that being said, the proper jewelry can really complement your outfit. It’s nice to have a variety to choose from and it doesn’t hurt to bring numerous options with you.

Props

They’re great! Bring props that help show who you are. Some popular choices are:

• Sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball, softball bat, etc.)
• Sports uniforms
• Musical instruments
• Activity related items (dance, art, school clubs, etc.)

Glasses

Most lenses have a glare. Which with proper lighting I can usually control, The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they’ll loan you a similar pair without lenses.

Complexion

Makeup helps a lot here, but please don’t be concerned about minor breakouts. I have you covered! If your acne is more severe,  I am happy to help with some extra retouching.

Friends & Parents & Pets

Friends or parents are welcome and often can be a help. However, if they distract you, it may be best to meet them when the session is over. You’re welcome to have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, best friend, sibling, or parent at no extra charge. If you plan to bring anyone else please let me know. Animals must be brought to my attention at the time of booking.

Weather

Don’t worry about clouds because they actually even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions. But falling rain is an issue and we will have to reschedule.

any other concerns Call sherry 507.381.8007 or email me anytime at sherry@inspiredportrait.com

Class of 2015, Its not too late to book your senior portrait session. This weeks Blog’s feature is Miss L. I met her  5 years ago when I was first trying my hand at coaching volleyball for LCWM. Years later, I was able to celebrate this smile stone with her. Here are my favorites from her session this past summer!

Class of 2014 Senior Portrait Scholarships available through Inspired Portrait Photography

Inspired Portrait Photography, North Mankato MN, is offering our annual scholarship contest: Senior Portrait Scholarships for a deserving high school senior graduating with the Class of 2014. The Scholarships awarded will be valued at $300+ in portrait credit. Applications are being accepted now through June 20th, 2014. Winners will be announced on  June 29th, The information bellow describes the application process, the qualifications and the reason why Inspired Portrait Photography has chosen to give these portrait scholarships.
Class of 2014
School will be out soon and summer is right around the corner. This means different things for various students, but if you are an upcoming senior, it is time for your professional senior portraits to be taken.  Senior portraits are something that most students look forward to and start planning for years in advance.  Students wonder which photographer they will go to, what clothing they will wear, and what his/her final images may look like.
For most students it is just a matter of choosing a studio and scheduling his/her appointment. Inspired Portrait Photography understands that some students don’t have the opportunity to simply make that choice. Our professional staff grew up understanding how our families lived on a tight budget. When it was time for our senior portraits, money was scarce, and we treasured the few senior portraits we could afford to have. Sherry then made a promise she would one day give back to other deserving students that had the dream of enjoying senior portraits. There are a variety of reasons that can prevent seniors from being able to have the portraits they are dreaming of.  Because of the rising day to day living expenses, unforeseen circumstances, and various other hardships, many families are experiencing financial setbacks. Everyone deserves to feel the best they can feel through portraits. Our hope is that Inspired Portrait Photography can help our community one portrait at a time.  Our goal for the class of 2014 is that everyone has the chance to share with others through professional portraiture.
The scholarship package will include: the session fee for an indoor/outdoor session, one  wall portrait, various gift prints & wallets to share with friends and family. Applications are required to submit an essay (300 words or less) telling us why you (or the person you are nominating) deserves to receive one of the scholarships, Tell us What inspires YOU!.  Awards may be based on either financial need or personal circumstances.  Applications are available at the studio, local high schools, on our facebook fan page,  email at info@inspiredportrait.com or by calling 507.381.8007.
 Please send the completed applications to the studio or drop them off during business hours (Tues, Wed or Thursday 8 am to 8 pm) for more information please contact Sherry Schultze or send email to info@inspiredportrait.com