Everything You Want to Know About Senior Pictures Near Cranberry Township, PA!
Getting senior portraits near Cranberry Township can be a daunting task. As the end of high school approaches, seniors are faced with a difficult decision: what options do I have for a senior portrait photographer? More than that, what do I wear? Where should I go? How do I pose?
Parents are left with a bevy of similar questions: how much does senior photography near Cranberry Township cost? How does the whole process work? In this guide, I will detail some of my industry secrets, favorite locations, and ins and outs of senior portraiture.
As a senior photographer who specializes in photographing seniors in spectacular natural locations, I love that Cranberry Township has so much to offer. From what to wear to where to go, I’ve rounded up everything you need to know about senior pictures near Cranberry Township, PA.
Senior portrait of a senior kicking a soccer ball mid-air
Getting Senior Photos near Cranberry Township? Here’s my Process.
I like to break my process down into steps, making it easy for my clients to tell exactly where they are and what to do at any time during their portrait journey.
Step 1: Preparation
Once you’ve decided to go with me as your Cranberry Township senior photographer, you’ll fill out a basic contract and make your retainer payment. This secures you as a client on my busy senior portrait calendar and covers the fee of shooting, editing, and delivering your session. Together, we’ll decide on a date for the session and I’ll send you a location guide. Once you pick your location, I’ll send you a session prep and style guide that covers everything you’ll need to know about before the session and the day of.
Step 2: The shoot
This is the fun part! It’s time to create some amazing portraits together. If you’re nervous, that’s normal, but I promise this will be the easiest thing you do all year.
Some people are naturals, but if that isn’t you, you’d be in the majority! I’ll walk you through organic posing prompts and tell you jokes so bad you’ll have no choice but to pity laugh. Don’t worry, you can’t tell through pictures.
Step 3: Review, package selection, delivery, and artwork credit
Sit back and relax. It’s time for me to work my magic.
Within a few weeks, you’ll receive a preview of your full gallery, and you’ll get to see every image from the session prior to selecting your package. Once you’ve made a decision, I’ll send an invoice for the package you select, then send the package via an online gallery. Finally, you’ll use your complimentary artwork credit to get those memories on the wall!
Senior tossing her graduation cap into the air in a field near Cranberry Township, PA
How much does senior photography near Cranberry Township Cost?
My sessions begin with a session retainer, which pays for your reservation, time to shoot, edit, and deliver your session. Sessions typically last one to one-and-a-half hours, depending on the location. Typically, this length of shoot gives my clients over 100 photos to choose from!
Packages are selected after the shoot, once you have reviewed your gallery. These packages vary by the number of digitals, as well as the amount of artwork credit for prints, albums, and the like.
For more information on pricing, please contact me for a pricing guide! As of the time of writing, clients typically spend $500-800 on their senior session.
What about travel?
I love to travel! If you have some place more exotic in mind, I would love to hear about it. That being said, my session fee also covers any travel for senior portraits within 30 miles of Cranberry Township.
What do I wear? Check my Style Guide!
Don’t overthink this one! Senior portrait photography is all about capturing YOU, and that means wearing something that suits you. For more guidance, check out my complementary style and session guide!
This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of the session, and I provide it to every senior portrait client before their session.
Portrait of a Seneca Valley senior playing his trumpet at McConnell’s Mill State Park
Where should we go? The Best places to get Cranberry Township Senior Pictures
Here are some of my favorites!
1. McConnell’s Mill State Park: My Favorite place to take senior pictures near Cranberry Township PA
- What my seniors love: The towering rock formations, the covered bridge, and the spectacular fall foliage
- What to keep in mind: To capture everything I described, this session can take a while. Depending on the time of year, we can discuss the best order and timing to ensure gorgeous lighting in every location! It’s also a good idea to bring a second pair of shoes to this location, especially if you plan on wearing heels or boots.
Check out more info on this park!
2. Moraine State Park
- What my seniors love: the lake, and the sunset portraits we can capture next to it
- What to keep in mind: It’s a great idea to bring an extra pair of shoes to this location, especially if you plan on wearing heels or light colors. The fall rain can make the ground a little soft!
Check out more info on this park!
3. Frick Park
- What my seniors love: It’s the perfect blend of open fields and stone architecture, and it isn’t a far drive for most Pittsburgh residents
- What to keep in mind: I like to get to this location a little earlier than my typical hour before sunset, just because there is so much to see
4. Hartwood Acres Park
- What my seniors love: The blend of stone architecture and the mansion (of course!)
- What to keep in mind: Because this is also a wedding venue, Hartwood Acres has limited availability on weekends. I’ll take care of calling ahead on your chosen day to make sure everything runs smoothly!
5. I.S. and Gertrude Sahli Nature Park
- What my seniors love: the unique, quaint, and serene portraits taken here, as well as the spring flowers and mossy lake
- What to keep in mind: This may be a drive for some of my Pittsburgh seniors, and if you’re looking for more variety, McConnell’s Mill might be a better investment in driving time. However, this is a fantastic location to get a ton of variety in a short walk!
Senior portrait of a senior posing with her cap and gown
What should I bring for my senior photo session?
Props, sports stuff, jerseys, uniforms, instruments, special interests, you name it! Bring anything that exemplifies YOU. Oh, and don’t forget about a few outfit changes to mix it up. Here are some popular items my seniors tend to bring along:
- Instruments
- Sports Jerseys and uniforms
- Cap and Gown and Cords
- Sports Equipment (ball, hockey stick, cleats, pole vault stick, baton)
- A “nice” outfit for a few fancy shots
- Letterman Jacket
- Class of 20xx signs
- Trophies and Medals
- Special interest items (bow and arrow, deck of cards, etc.)
Why I Love Taking Senior Photos Near Cranberry Township
In all, the surrounding Cranberry area has some of the most incredible outdoor senior portrait locations. These locations have a little something for every senior. Outdoor senior portraits have a beautiful, naturalistic quality about them that other locations just can’t match. Capturing seniors is my personal specialty, and I look forward to sharing it with you!
Let’s have a conversation about senior portrait photography! View my work: https://Michaelfrickephotography.com
Other related blogs:
University of Pittsburgh Grad Photos
5 of the Best Outdoor Senior Portrait Locations Near Pittsburgh PA
