Booking senior portraits doesn't need to be complicated. I've tried to make the process as straightforward as possible — no confusing packages, no pressure to decide everything upfront, no automated email sequences that feel like you're dealing with a corporation. You reach out, we talk, we shoot, you get your photos. Here's exactly what that looks like.
When Should You Book?
This is the question I get most often, and the answer for Tampa Bay specifically is: earlier than you think. The best light in Florida for outdoor senior portraits happens in two windows — September through November, and February through April. These months give you cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and the kind of afternoon light that makes senior portraits look like they belong in a magazine.
Summer sessions are doable but challenging. The heat is intense, afternoon thunderstorms are common, and the humidity affects hair and makeup in ways that require planning. That doesn't mean we can't shoot in summer — we just plan earlier in the evening and account for the conditions. But if you have flexibility, the fall and spring windows are where I'd aim.
For timing your booking: I'd recommend reaching out 6 to 8 weeks before you want to shoot. That gives us time to plan the session, you time to sort out outfits and any props, and enough flexibility to pick a date with good weather in the forecast.
Senior year timing matters
If you need photos for school yearbooks, check your school's submission deadline before booking. Most Pasco and Pinellas County schools have submission windows in the fall of senior year. Work backward from that deadline when planning your session date.
The Process, Step by Step
You fill out the inquiry form
Tell me a little about your senior — their personality, what kind of photos you're hoping for, any locations or session styles you're drawn to. The more I know upfront, the better I can tailor the session. Short is fine too. There's no wrong answer here.
I reach out within 24 hours
Usually the same day. I'll come back with thoughts on location, timing, and session style based on what you've shared. We'll land on a date and a plan that works for everyone. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a conversation to figure out what fits.
$100 retainer to lock in your date
Once we've agreed on a date and plan, a $100 retainer holds your spot. The retainer applies to your total session investment of $495, so you're paying $395 on the day of the session. The retainer is non-refundable but transferable — if you need to reschedule, it rolls to the new date.
Session prep guide
After booking I'll send you a prep guide covering outfit recommendations for your specific location and session style, what to bring, what time to arrive, what to expect during the session, and any other specifics that apply to your shoot. No surprises on the day.
The session
60 to 90 minutes. We move through the location at a relaxed pace with guided prompts that produce natural expressions and real moments. Most seniors say afterward that it was way more fun than they expected. The remaining $395 balance is due at the start of the session.
Gallery delivery within two weeks
Every edited image from the session is delivered to a private online gallery. Full resolution, ready to download, share, and print. No picking a limited number of favorites — you get everything that meets the standard. The gallery link doesn't expire.
"The goal is for you to walk away with photos that actually feel like your senior — not a version of them that performed for a camera."
What's Included at $495
Everything. No hidden packages, no upsells, no "you have to upgrade to get digitals." The $495 session fee covers the full session, all professional editing, and digital delivery of every image that meets the standard. You get full resolution files that you can download immediately from the gallery and use however you'd like — print through any lab, share on social, send to grandparents, use for yearbook submissions.
The only things not included are print products, but there's no obligation to order through me. You're free to print anywhere you'd like with the files in your gallery.
Coverage Area
I'm based in New Port Richey, FL and shoot senior portraits throughout Pasco and Pinellas County with no travel fee within 40 miles. That covers New Port Richey, Trinity, Odessa, Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, and most of the Tampa Bay area. If you're farther out, just ask — we can usually work something out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the weather is bad on our session day?
Florida weather is unpredictable, especially in summer. If there's lightning in the forecast or active rain at session time, we reschedule at no cost. Overcast days are actually great for portraits — soft, even light that's very flattering. Light cloud cover is not a reason to reschedule.
Can we shoot multiple locations in one session?
It depends on how close they are. If two locations are within 10 minutes of each other, yes. If they require significant travel, that eats into shooting time and usually isn't worth it. For most sessions, one great location with multiple spots within it gives more variety than two separate locations with drive time in between.
What if my senior is nervous about being photographed?
This is the most common concern I hear, and it's almost never still a concern by the end of the first 15 minutes. My guided-candid approach means I'm giving prompts and direction the whole time — you're never just standing still waiting to be told to smile. Movement produces natural expressions. By the second half of the session most seniors have completely forgotten they're being photographed.
Can siblings or friends join the session?
For a few shots, yes. For the full session, no — the focus needs to stay on the senior. If you want a session that includes group shots as a significant portion of the time, that's a different conversation and a different session structure. Just mention it when you reach out.