The Basics of Planning a Graduation Party You Will Remember Forever

Nobody knew the lasting effects coronavirus would have on our lives and many seniors have had to put their celebrations and plans on the backburner.

You deserve recognition and to celebrate this important milestone. So, until you can have the graduation party of your dreams, you can start planning out the specifics.

Here are the elements you need to focus on.

The Guest List

Deciding who you want to invite will help you determine whether you need a venue, entertainment, and a caterer. Do you just want it to be family or friends and family? How many people do you plan to invite? Will it be a grand party or something more intimate?

Set a Budget

Sit down with your parents and work out a budget for the party. Start by listing what is most important to you and allocating budget towards that first. Whatever is left over can be used to pay for small extras.

Search for Venues

Many seniors choose to have their parties right at home. If you would prefer to hire a venue, start searching for something in your area that fits in with your theme and your budget. Once you have a shortlist, find out about venue hire fees and whether you have to purchase food and drinks directly from them. Being able to supply your own food and drinks always works out much cheaper. There are some great venues in the Palmer, Alaska area.

Decide on the Food

Easy-to-prepare and eat foods are often the go-to for graduation parties, though a formal sit-down meal is also an option if preferred. For home parties, it's convenient to choose dishes that can be made ahead of time. Alternatively, hiring a caterer or opting for restaurant catering services can simplify the process.

Plan Your Décor & Entertainment

Planning the look and feel of your party is thrilling. Decide on a theme, then gather inspiration on a Pinterest board. There's a wealth of creative ideas you can explore to make your graduation party truly your own.

Remember, this is your graduation party, so you don’t need to do what everyone else does. Celebrate in style, your way!

SENIOR PORTRAITS IN A POOL

Taking senior portraits at a pool is a fantastic and unique idea! Senior portraits are all about capturing your essence and personality, and what better way to do that than with a setting that's meaningful to you? Starting with traditional portraits before making a splash adds a dynamic twist, saving the most memorable shots for last. Imagine ending your high school journey with a splash, literally! These photos would not only be incredibly cool but also a testament to a senior year that's truly unforgettable.

Using Power Poses to Get Awesome Senior Pictures

Confidence and a touch of attitude can take your senior pictures to the next level. The more comfortable you are in your skin, the more memorable your photos will be, and it all starts with your body language.

Research on body language shows that your posture and body language effect your brain. This means the more confident your stance is, the more powerful you will feel in your senior photos. With that said, the shoot style needs to match the attitude. The style also needs to be powerful.

Enter the power pose.

A power pose is any pose that exudes confidence. Examples include:

- Standing with your hands behind your head

- Posing with your hands on your hips (think Wonder Woman)

- Leaning back in your chair with your hands behind your head

- Standing tall in a wide stance with your arms crossed

- Raising your hands in a V shape and your chin lifted (think victory)

Practicing Your Power Poses

If you have never used a power pose before, practice at home in a mirror prior to your shoot. You may feel a bit awkward at first, but you will eventually feel more at ease. Plus, practicing beforehand will leave you feeling even more confident in front of the camera, which is precisely what you want.

It is important to let me as your photographer know of the specific poses you wish to incorporate into your session. By doing so, I can tailor my approach to meet your vision and also offer further creative suggestions.

The great thing is, these poses can be integrated into your daily life even after your senior session. You never know when you might need to take headshots for a job or an interview in the future.

When Is The Best Time To Book My Senior Portrait Session?

When Is the Best Time to Book My Senior Photo Session?

There is no one answer to when you should book your senior photo session—several variables must be considered.

• Availability and Season

To ensure you find a time that works for you, start by looking at your availability. You never realize just how little time you have until you try and work a photoshoot into a busy senior year. Before you know it, it’s a month before you graduate, and you don’t have a date for your session yet.

For example, many extra circular activities occur in the fall, leaving little time for a senior photo session. If you are more involved in sports such as softball, spring is a difficult season to plan around.

The main goal is not to be stressed before or on the day of your senior session – it will show in your photos. On the day of your shoot, you want to be relaxed and enjoy every second.

You also need to consider the seasons in Alaska. If you have your heart set on being photographed with the wildflowers in Alaska, think about the different wildflowers are blooming at different times. Lilacs, daisies, and Lupine bloom in June. Fireweed and peonies bloom in July. Clover blooms in July and August. If you love fall colors, be sure to get on my schedule asap, as fall sessions are super popular.

• The Theme

You most likely already know the types of photos you want to take to commemorate your senior year. Outfits play an important role in the overall style of your shoot. If you want to wear a beautiful boho outfit for your senior session, shooting in winter isn’t quite going to work. If you love warm chunky sweaters, then fall would be a great time to shoot. Get a clear idea of your preferred style before choosing a date for your photo session.

• The Location

Your location will also fit in with the theme of your shoot. However, not all locations and settings look good at certain times of the year. Want an urban shoot? This works at almost any time of the year. Would you prefer to take photos at a local park? Spring and fall create the best backdrops.

There is no right or wrong time to schedule your shoot; you just need to plan for it. When you have an idea of the season you want to shoot in, start selecting a few dates and contact me – you won’t be sorry.

A Guide to Senior Portraits for Parents in Alaska.

Senior portraits aren't just a tradition anymore; they've evolved significantly in the past twenty years, embracing more creativity and personal expression than ever.

Nowadays, seniors can choose from a variety of styles. It's an ideal chance for them to highlight their individuality, interests, and spirit, all while capturing memories that will stand the test of time.

Yet, the sheer number of choices can make selecting the perfect portrait session daunting for seniors and their parents.

Here are a few quick tips to help you prepare for your child’s upcoming senior session.

1. Make a Note of the Yearbook Deadline

Knowing the yearbook deadline is a great motivator for booking a senior photo session early rather than delaying it. My sessions offer a diverse portfolio of images. I take pride in capturing the stunning Alaskan scenery alongside your graduating senior, crafting photos tailored to your child. Typically, the turnaround time for the final images is at least two weeks, so it's wise to schedule with that in mind. Also, please keep the weather in mind! It might be fun to get a couple of photos in the snow, but my hands can’t take the cold anymore. So most of my senior sessions happen in the spring, summer, and fall.

2. Keep Your Senior’s Schedule in Mind

As a parent of a senior, you already know how frantic their schedules can be. Before you go ahead and schedule a session, sit down with your senior to discuss a good time. They should be just as involved in the planning as you are—even the time of day matters when scheduling a senior session. Ideally, you want to take photos just after sunrise and before sunset, as this is when the lighting’s the best. However, the right photographer can make any time of the day work. Midday should be a last resort, though, as the lighting is far too harsh.

3. Compromise with Your Child

You may have a specific idea about the photos you want to see, but this is about your child and what makes them feel confident and comfortable. Most senior sessions allow for several outfit changes, so use this as an opportunity to find a happy balance between what you want and what your senior wants. Be patient and hear them out before you brush off their ideas. Their portraits should represent who they are and what they love.

4. Encourage Sharing

Before a senior session, get your child to open up about their ideas for the session. This information will help guide the shoot and ensure the most authentic photos. Knowing what your senior wants these photos to represent will also guide their outfit and location choices.

Don’t forget to include your senior in the search for a photographer – a photographer’s style needs to fit in with the images you hope to create.

Nathan and Sally Engagement Photos

Nathan and Sally were up visiting Alaska for a friend’s wedding. While they were here, Nathan proposed to Sally in Hatcher Pass! They wanted their engagement photos done in Alaska, so they reached out, and we made it happen before they left town. It was so cold, but they managed to get through it! It was worth it in the end, and their photos came out beautifully.

Vintage Truck Senior Portraits

Meet Hunter and his dad's vintage truck – a photo that's both raw and heartwarming. It's the perfect shot to remind Hunter of the times he spent with his dad working on the truck. I had a great time making this photo, as his mom helped me spray the smoke around. So, if you're thinking of taking graduation pictures, consider choosing a location that holds a special place in your heart.

Anchorage LDS Temple Wedding Photographer

Wildflowers…