The Blog

Hey there! I’m Stephanie Dorah, a photographer based in Maryland and the Washington, DC area, and I specialize in capturing the essence of high school seniors through personalized and memorable senior photography sessions. If you’re a senior looking to create stunning portraits that reflect your personality and style, then I’m the photographer for you! In this guide, I’ll take you through the process of planning your senior photography session with me, from start to finish, so we can capture memories that will last a lifetime.

When to Take Senior Portraits

One of the first questions seniors often ask me is when the best time is to take their senior portraits. I recommend scheduling your session during the summer or early fall, before the school year gets too busy. This allows for ample time to capture the essence of your senior year, including the milestones and achievements you’ve accomplished. Plus, the beautiful scenery and warm weather during these seasons provide a perfect backdrop for gorgeous outdoor photos.

All About You

As a photographer, getting to know each client is a top priority for me. I want to capture your unique personality, interests, and style in your senior portraits, so I take the time to get to know you on a personal level. During our consultation, we’ll chat about your hobbies, passions, and vision for your senior portraits. This helps me tailor the session to your preferences, making sure we create photos that truly reflect who you are.

Who You Are

I believe that senior portraits should be a celebration of you and your accomplishments, which is why I love incorporating your likes and interests into the session. Whether you’re an athlete, an artist, a musician, or have any other hobbies or interests, we can plan the session around them. This could mean capturing you in action on the soccer field, showcasing your artistic talent in a local gallery, or playing your favorite instrument in a picturesque park. By infusing your personality and interests into the session, we can create photos that are truly unique and meaningful to you. So, let me know about your hobbies and any ideas you have about including those interests in your portraits. If you don’t have any ideas, don’t worry, I can help you brainstorm!

Clothing Choices

Choosing the right wardrobe for your senior session is crucial to creating amazing and cohesive photos. I always recommend selecting outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable, and that also reflect your personal style. Solid colors or simple patterns tend to photograph well, and it’s a good idea to avoid logos or busy patterns that can be distracting. We can discuss wardrobe options during our consultation, and I’m always happy to provide guidance and suggestions to help you put together the perfect looks for your session.

Location

Choosing the perfect location(s) for your senior session is another important aspect of planning your session. I’m familiar with the Maryland and Washington, DC area and can provide recommendations based on your preferences and style. Whether you’re looking for a natural outdoor setting, an urban downtown vibe, or a unique location that holds special meaning to you, I can help you find the perfect spot. I’ll also scout locations beforehand to ensure that we make the most of the available light and scenery, so you can have beautiful photos that stand out.

Special Person

I understand that many of my seniors have a special bond with their mom, and if that’s you, I recommend capturing that relationship in your senior portraits. I always encourage my seniors to include their mom (or another parent or special person) in at least one image during the session. This could be a candid moment of laughter, a heartfelt hug, or a simple pose that showcases your close bond. These images become treasured memories that you and your family will cherish.

Artwork in Your Home

At Blue Fire Hydrant Photography, I believe that your senior portraits should not only be lovely images but also works of art that you can proudly display in your home. After your session, we’ll work together to choose your favorite photos and turn them into printed artwork that you’ll love to showcase in your space. From framed prints to canvases to albums, I offer a variety of options to suit your style and preferences. I’ll guide you through the selection process and help you choose the best way to display your favorite images, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

Planning a senior photography session with Blue Fire Hydrant Photography is a fun and memorable experience. From getting to know you and planning the session around your interests, to providing wardrobe tips, location guidance, and capturing unique images, I strive to create a personalized and meaningful senior portrait session for you. And with my expertise in turning your favorite photos into printed artwork, you’ll have cherished memories that you can proudly display in your home.

If you’re a high school senior in the Maryland or Washington, DC, area, I would be honored to capture fun, memorable portraits that reflect your unique personality and style. Contact me at Blue Fire Hydrant Photography to schedule your senior photography session, and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime.