Julia E: Phipp's Conservatory Broderie Room Senior Photos

Say hello to Miss Julia, who is a part of the class of 2022! Julia plans on studying Psychology after high school, and has such a sweet spirit! She loves reading, writing, and baking.

It was such a treat to be able to photograph Julia a few weeks ago at Phipp's Conservatory in the Broderie Room! If you didn’t know, the Broderie Room at Phipp’s is modeled after a formal French garden, and (in my opinion) it’s easily one of the most beautiful rooms they have!

Phipp’s ended up working out perfectly for Julia’s senior portrait session - her photos needed to be completed with enough time to use them for senior announcements this summer, so they couldn’t be scheduled too late into the Spring. But Julia also wanted some beautiful greens and florals as a backdrop, which usually begin to pop up in the Spring timeframe. So when I suggested renting a room at Phipp’s for her senior photos, I was so excited when she and her mom jumped on the opportunity!

Did you know that you can actually rent a room at Phipp’s? It’s true! Click here to find out more about a room rental at Phipp’s. A room rental at Phipp’s might be a great idea for a senior session for you if…

• You don’t want to have to worry about inclement weather the day of your shoot! Phipp’s is a covered, enclosed greenhouse, making it a great indoor option - which would mean that you wouldn’t have to worry about rain, cold, or snow!

• You want to have a more private space for your session. Public spaces & parks can be busy during the summer months. Phipp’s is a private space where people won’t be able to interrupt!

Renting a room is actually the only way to have a professional photo session take place there (just so you know!). But it really is a fantastic option, even a great backup rain plan!

Congratulations on your senior year, Julia! It was such an honor to celebrate this season with you!

Erin G: Phipp's Conservatory Senior Photos

How absolutely gorgeous is Erin?! She's a lover of Stranger Things, cheesecake, and Moe's, an outfit coordinating extraordinaire, and a soon to be senior this fall at Butler! And we had the most perfect evening for her senior portraits - bright and beautiful, with just a little breeze in the air! Congratulations on your senior year, Erin!! 💛

Megan G: Oakland Senior Photos

When I heard that Megan was a Disney fan, I knew we were going to get along just fine 💛 But for real. Photographing another Disney lover always results in WAY too much geeky side-talk about favorite rides and meals in specific parks. And I can never get enough of it!!

Besides being a Disney-lover, Megan is graduating THIS MONTH (May 2019, if you’re reading this in the future!), and is planning on studying Psychology at Chatham University! She hasn’t cut her hair since 8th grade (hence the gorgeous long locks!), her favorite Disney ride is Haunted Mansion (you knew we’d circle back around to Disney!), and her favorite place to eat is Chick-fil-A. And during the session, she told me that she mostly wears black, which might seem like a random detail, but it’s one that I can totally relate to because I do the same! I’m pretty sure 90% of my wardrobe is black, so one I meet someone else with the same tendency… I love it!

Megan, you are beautiful inside and out and I know you’re going to do amazing things! Congratulations on your last month of school!!!

Four Ways to Add More "Umph" to Your Senior Photo Outfits!

It’s hard enough to get dressed in the morning, but getting dressed for senior photos is a whole ‘nother story - am I right?! Trying to find the perfect outfits that your mom will lovingly adorn her walls with for the rest of time - no pressure, right?!

Well, the good news is this: even though there’s no “one size fits all” formula for choosing outfits for your senior session, there are four tips I love to share with my seniors (and anyone for that matter!) who are trying to narrow down and/or decide what to wear for their senior photos. I recommend incorporating these four things:

1. Textures

I always LOVE to encourage my seniors to opt for unique textures in their clothing choices. Textures add additional dimension to photos, and all around more visual interest! They can also be a great (more subtle) alternative to a patter

Lace texture on her sleeves

A sweater pattern texture

A subtle line pattern

A subtle polka dot texture on Angelica's pants

2. Layers

Layers are anyone’s best friend during senior photos! You could: layer a skirt and a shirt, a shirt and a jacket, a jacket and a dress, a sweater and a collared shirt - the possibilities are endless! Layers, much like textures, will add more visual interest to your photos.

3. Accessories

Accessories can totally make an outfit! Hats, belts, necklaces, bracelets, rings, flower crowns, earrings, and scarves can add more visual interest to any outfit - plus, bringing a clothing accessory (like a hat or scarf) helps add some variety to your photos!

4. Subtle Patterns

A subtle pattern can take a boring outfit and make it come alive! I personally love a tasteful, subtle pattern in photographs. Try choosing a scarf, shirt, skirt, or dress (or, if you're a guy, a tie!) to add a little more interest to your outfit!

So, how do you put these four suggestions into action? For your senior photos, choose three outfits:

1. One outfit focusing on texture.

2. One outfit focusing on layers.

3. One outfit focusing on a subtle pattern.

4. *Incorporate one to three unique accessories into each outfit!

And there you have it - the formula for three unique and distinct outfits that will offer variety throughout your entire senior session! If you’re looking to add even MORE variety to your photos, choose one casual outfit (jeans and a blouse), one nicer outfit (sun dress, maxi dress, or a skirt - I’m partial to maxi dresses/skirts for the way they flow gorgeously in photos!), and one wild card outfit (Something totally unique that represents you!) - or, just repeat a casual or “nicer” outfit!

Casey T: Phipp's Conservatory Senior Photos

Oh how I love this sweet girl and her family! If you've been following the blog for the last few years, your might recognize Casey from her family's mini family portrait session following her sister Maddie's senior photos at Hartwood Acres! My how fast three years flies by!

Casey is talented in so many different ways, including theatre, filmography, and art, but has a particular love for storytelling. She incorporated some elements into her session to represent her personality, including a book titled "Story," an old camera, and a suitcase! I also busted out my favorite gold & rose vintage chair for the occasion - it fit perfectly with Phipp's warm toned flowers and buildings!

Casey, I am so excited to see what you accomplish in your next adventure! Congratulations on your last year of high school!

Megan C: Phipp's Conservatory Senior Photographer

Megan was an absolutely joy to photograph! We had so much fun walking around Phipp's Conservatory mid-October taking her senior photos. I've known Megan for quite a few years through our church, Grace Community Church, and photographed her brother's senior photos almost three years ago! Time really does fly. You're beautiful from the inside out, Megan! 

Lindsey B: Phipp's Conservatory Senior Photographer

Lindsey's family lived across the street from mine for quite a few years growing up - it's so hard to believe that she's finally a senior! Lindsey has always had a sweet, light spirit, which made her so easy to photograph for her senior session! We spent a beautiful Sunday evening at all of the best spots surrounding Phipp's Conservatory in Oakland. It was so hard to pick just a few favorites for this blog post, because Lindsey looks stunning in every single photo! You are lovely from the inside out, Lindsey - it was such an honor to take your photos!