GETTING READY
So, you’re ready to book! What’s next? I’ll probably have said some of the following wherever we’re communicating because I hate to be robotic and just direct you to a page, but because I tend to over-explain and never shut up (especially since Instagram loves to cut me off because of how much I end up typing…), I’m giving you a link with all of this information so it’s easier to refer to! Let’s make your amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before Verde Visual Media experience the best it can be! And the clearest it can be! I’m a Virgo if that tells you anything.
STEP ONE: PICKING A DATE.
Send me a list of dates you’re free, and I’ll let you know my availability so we can find a time that works! Lighting depends on the time you want to shoot – shoots at night have an entirely different feel and lighting situation than golden hour, and we also need to consider how many locations you’re shooting in. Don’t worry, I may not have a college degree, but I can at least google when the sun is going down. I can always suggest a time!
STEP TWO: LOCATION & FEEL.
Now, we gotta discuss what you want for your shoot. This shoot is all about you, your personality, and your accomplishments. Do you prefer a more traditional graduation shoot? Something more creative and artistic? Something more editorial and high fashion like the photos of your fave celebrity in a magazine? If you find pictures that inspire you, send them my way! I want to make sure we’re doing what you want (and what your parents/guardians want, but you’re the one who has to live with these photos being posted all over Facebook). It’s also time to pick out your location(s). Here are some suggestions if you don’t have any ideas yet. Keep in mind the date and time of your booking because the hours of a particular location may conflict!
STEP THREE: YOU.
I couldn’t think of a title for this step that wasn’t lame. Sorry for settling for a very creepy Joe Goldberg title, but one of the most important steps is telling me a little bit about yourself! Your extra-curricular activities, favorite bands, favorite Netflix shows… It might help inspire some ideas for your shoot. (During my high school years, I was obviously an AV kid, founder/president of the Indie & Foreign Film Club, loved the 1975, Harry Styles, & Paramore, and Stranger Things season one had just come out). Even if it doesn’t, I’ll get to know you a little better which will overall help me deliver the best possible photos to you! We can keep talking over messages, or we can meet up at Starbucks (I will forever love pink drinks and will never pass up the opportunity to get one) and talk it out in person along with your parents. And if you’re shy, guess what – I am super shy too. We will conquer our fear of people together.
STEP FOUR: BORING STUFF.
Next, I’ll send over a contract for your parents to sign with all the details about the package you selected. If we all meet up in person for the last step, we can sign the contract there! Along with the contract, I require a deposit to secure your date on my calendar. It’s typically around 50% of your rate. If you’re planning on a discount, please let me know at this time! The contract is a formality to protect us both so that I don’t skip out of town with your deposit and you don’t skip out of town with my time. Not that I don’t trust you! Again, it’s just a formality! That way we both know what to expect moving forward!
STEP FIVE: THE LAST DETAILS
We’ll probably have gone over this in one of the other steps, but I always get asked what should I wear? I hate to give you the worst advice of all time, but…whatever you want to wear! Wear something you love and feel comfortable in. These photos are completely what you want them to be, so if you want to dress up or dress down, that’s all your choice! These should be a reflection of you. Remember your cords, cap and stole, gown, and nice shoes! Think of the props you might want to bring! When it comes to the day of your shoot, feel free to bring a friend with you! It can be awkward to start taking photos when you’re not used to it, so having a friend there for moral support can help a lot!