Hunting for a Senior Photographer - Part 1

Hello Seniors!

For the next few days we will be discussing the hunt for your Senior Portrait Photographer. There is so much advice I can give you, and a lot you should know about Senior Portraits.

1. Shop Around – If you have siblings then the odds are that you will be going to the same place your older siblings went for their Senior Portraits. This isn't a bad thing - if it's what you want. But make sure to ask yourself, Did you like your brother's/sister's portraits? Does the photographer represent a style you are comfortable with?

I know what it is like to want to be comfortable. It is easy to go to the same photographer over and over again because you get to know them and we love our loyal customers but if they aren't for you then you need to speak up and shop around!

Here is some advice on the subject from the Professional Photographers of America:

It’s important to at least have an idea of the photography style you like the best, and that comes from researching and looking at photos! Michelle Moore of Michelle Moore Photography in Seattle, Wash., says simply, “Look for images that speak to you.”

Some photographers’ styles are more retro, some may be more “sexy,” some edgy like in a magazine, some photojournalistic, some more classic and clean…which appeals to you? That is how Beth Forester, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, of Forester Photography in Madison, W.Va., says you should think as you research possible senior photographers. “Really look at the person in the photograph,” she adds. “You may think, ‘Oh, that’s a pretty good picture,’ but would you be happy if it was YOUR image?”

Looking at others’ senior photos will also help you notice the differences in photographers’ skills. “Quality is in the eye of the viewer,” says Eric Anundi of Eric John Photography in Salem, Ore. “You need to shop around so you can see the difference in quality…and you’ll appreciate your final decision much more.”

Good luck on your hunt for Senior Photographers that speak to you... make sure you check us out too!

Pam Kastner
Portrait Artist
Timber Creek Studio

Summer Senior Portraits - The Smartest Scheduling Decision

Summer Senior Portraits - The Smartest Scheduling Decision
Why your Senior Portrait Session should be in Summer
We live in a state that has a wonderful variety of colors and seasons and I consider this a blessing. Not every state in the U.S.A. is so lucky. Sure, sometimes the cold can be a drag, but at least we can go snowboarding, sledding, and ice fishing while it's chipper outside. Although I love all of Wisconsin's seasons I would encourage you to get your Senior Portraits taken in the Summer.

Why not Spring? Spring is wet. Period. Our sessions allow us to go on location, if you want to go downtown wearing high heels or flip flops good luck navigating around every puddle looking like an idiot. We won't be able to take portraits on grass because it will be like a swamp. Basically we will stand in a wet road while your hair gets frizzy and take your portrait in the rain. Boo-Hoo!

Why not Fall? Fall is gorgeous, and it is the runner-up season for good portraits, but there is a reason why it is in second place. We will explain later.

Why not Winter? Are you kidding me? So many Seniors book their Senior Portrait Sessions in Winter and then regret it, re-schedule it, and eventually forget it. If the weather is severe we cannot go outside, plus this season allows little to no variety in clothing choices. It's either a sweater or a coat. No heels, no flops, no shorts, no tanks, no tees, no nothing. Yack. Plus, the sun sets so early you will have to skip school to come to your appointment. Yea, that sounds like a great idea, but it seems like nobody's parents allow them to skip. And don't tell me your parents are cool with it. We had nearly 100 seniors last year and maybe ten were allowed to skip school!

Why Summer? Glad you asked.

1. Your Schedule. This is a big deal. During the school year you have School, Sports, Clubs, and a Job. When exactly do you plan on getting your pictures taken? At midnight? No one seems to realize just how busy their schedules are until it is too late. Allow me to let you in on a little secret: unless you book months in advance, you will not be able to get a weekend appointment here in the fall. Usually all the Autumn weekends are booked by the beginning of August. This means you will have to skip school, work, or soccer practice to come to your appointment because our Saturdays are swamped. However, during the Summer your sports schedule is clear, School is out, and clubs aren't meeting. The only thing you have to worry about is your work schedule and your social life... and your Senior portraits!

2. Your Outfits. I love sweaters too, but they add pounds on camera (you think I am kidding? This is only good for guys who want to look more buff). In Summer you can wear anything and everything to make your portraits unique. If you have five outfits they can actually be five different outfits. Shorts, capris, dress pants, skirts, and jeans. Tees, tanks, long-sleeved, half-sleeve, and vests, swimsuits or sports gear. Flops, Sandals, Heels, tennis shoes, and cowboy boots. Baseball caps, Fedoras (back in fashion), beanies, etc! If you come in Fall or Winter think about the variety of clothes/shoes you CANNOT wear.

3. Your Skin. I personally look better with a tan. In fact, I hardly wear makeup in the Summer. A tan makes you appear pounds thinner, and much healthier. In Fall and Winter you WILL look white unless you want to pay to tan (which is a great idea for other seasons but it's free from the sun in Summer).

4. Your Body. You are more active in Summer, thus you are thinner. You are less active in Winter, thus you may appear a few pounds larger. If it doesn't bother you it doesn't bother us but don't say I never warned you.

5. Weather. The Grass is greener, the sun is out, the flowers are in bloom, and the temperature is perfect! Autumn is hit or miss. Cold, Hot, then cold again, lots of wind too.

6. Locations. We can go anywhere in Summer. Anywhere. Downtown? You got it. The beach? No problem! The track? Yes, please!

7. Last, OUR Schedule. In Wisconsin the Senior photo trend is different than anywhere we have been. Right now, Seniors across the country are getting their portraits taken. Our photographer friends have their Summer schedules jam-packed with Seniors but not in Mauston. It is our Fall and Winter schedule that is so busy!

From August to December you will be LUCKY to get an appointment unless you call months in advance and skip school on the day of your appointment. Why? Because you are not only competing for a slot against other Seniors, but also against all the families in Mauston who are getting their Thanksgiving and Christmas portraits taken. We don't mind if you want fall portraits, and the colors ARE pretty but consider calling us early for an appointment, or else be prepared to skip school to get an appointment because the weekends and afternoons will surely be booked. We love fall portraits, we just want you to know about our schedule so that you aren't disappointed!

I hope I have convinced you that Summer is a good option for Senior Portraits!

Pam Kastner
Portrait Artist
Timber Creek Studio

Timber Creek at the Mauston Prom

Timber Creek at the Mauston Prom
May 2, 2013



We had an amazing time at the Mauston Prom this year.  Thanks to everyone who made us feel welcome and made the night go smoothly.  And without further adieu, here are our favorite images from the night!















































Thanks for letting us be a part of your night, Mauston!  And remember, it's not too early to be thinking about Senior Portraits.  Feel free to check out our Senior Gallery, and see why so many seniors choose us for their portraits!

An Enchanted Evening at the Hillsboro Prom

What an amazing night at the Hillsboro Prom!  Thanks to everyone who helped make it such a great night!
Here are some of our favorite shots from the "Enchanted" evening.







Samuel and Carmen made such an adorable pair!  
It was Sam's birthday that night too.  Happy Birthday, Sam!




Here's last year's King and Queen - all smiles and looking great!




Gotta love the expressions in this shot!  The court was definitely enjoying themselves here.




Time to crown this year's Queen!




And finally, the whole 2013 Prom Court, looking absolutely fantastic.
Thanks again for making it such a great night!

Timber Creek Rocks Out at Richland Center's Prom

We had such a blast at the Richland Center Prom last weekend!  Thanks to Nellie and Laura for making us feel welcome.  It was great seeing all the beautiful dresses and handsome tuxes.  This was one of our first glimpses of the gorgeous attendees.  
The "bouncers" were a nice touch to the theme, Club 14.  They did an awesome job!







Here's a look at the festive decorations.  Those cupcakes were delicious!







Here comes Prom Court 2013!














And here's the 2013 Prom King and Queen!  Looking great, guys!




Finally, the entire court of Prom 2013.  What a great bunch!  



Thanks again for letting us be a part of your night!  And remember: it's not too early to be thinking about senior portraits.  
Contact us to schedule your senior session today!

Dancin' the Night Away at Necedah Prom

Timber Creek had so much fun being a part of the Necedah Prom this year!  
Here are some of our favorite shots of this year's court.







Here's Prom 2013's King and Queen looking absolutely wonderful.  What great smiles!







And now for the whole court...beautiful dresses, beautiful smiles, and simply a great group of kids!







One last shot of the entire court.  Thanks to everyone involved with Necedah Prom.  It was a great night!

The Top 5 Don'ts of Your Senior Portrait Session

Here at the Creek, we're committed to creating amazing senior portraits that become lasting pieces of art for years to come.  It's important to us that you take as much care into preparing for your senior portrait session as we do.  To help you look your best, we've compiled a list of things to avoid during your portrait session.

• Forgetting to wear makeup - Makeup is essential for our senior ladies.  Be sure to wear foundation that matches your natural skin tone, and experiment with different makeup looks prior to your session.  We've discussed makeup within other blog posts, so feel free to read more about how makeup can impact your senior session.  Timber Creek now offers professional hair and makeup services as an add-on.  Contact us for more info.
  

• Getting a spray tan - We advise our seniors not to spray tan.  In fact, for a few days prior to your session, it's a good idea to avoid getting too much sun.  Your friends and family want portraits that represent how beautiful you are every day.  Unnatural skin tones are very difficult to edit, and can impact the overall quality of your portrait.
  

• Glare from eyeglasses - This can be a major hassle during a senior portrait session.  There are a few ways to avoid it.  If you have contacts, wear them.  You can also remove the lenses from your glasses for your session (see previous blog post), or ask your optometrist if they lend out frames with the lenses removed.  
  

• Neglecting your fingernails - Chances are, your nails will be very visible during your portrait session.  We recommend our senior ladies come to their session with their nails freshly polished.  Our senior men should make sure their fingernails are appropriately groomed for their session as well. 
  

• Forgetting about accessories - Accessories can add so much to a senior portrait.  Necklaces, rings, scarves, and hats can act as an extension of your personality, which is the most important aspect of your senior portrait.  We love creating portraits that reflect how wonderful you are, inside and out.  Help us by bringing these items with you on the day of your session.
  

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to make the most out of your senior portrait session.