Two factors determine that October through December is family portrait season in Kentucky. The first picture-perfect element is the changing seasons. Local foliage celebrates autumn in a kaleidoscope of crisp fall colors of browns, orange, burnt russet, copper, and other earth tones. Couple the colorful foliage with Kentucky’s native ponds, barns, and fields and you’ve got the epitome of the feel-good season. Plus, with cute boot and scarf season, it’s super-simple to stylize and accessorize autumn photo shoots. The second aspect of the season is the pending holidays. Many families choose to use this special time of year to have custom holiday cards made to send toward the year’s end. So, gather up your favorite peeps and let them know you’re planning this year’s phenomenal family photo session.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be an autumn season or a holiday. When you’re raising young ones, you know all too well that one year, you’re a head taller than Junior, but next year Junior is a head taller than you. Although smartphones are ideal for on-the-spot selfies and memory-makers, an iPhone can’t pose your family or engage in such a way that provokes natural smiles and playful expressions. When you don’t make it a purposeful point to document the growth of your crew, you wake up one day and realize that your little people aren’t so very little anymore.

Another bonus element to having family photos made during this time of year is a chance to make up school photos that were either missed or didn’t turn out very well. Because we include break-downs at no additional cost, you can capitalize on the opportunity to have individual images made of each member of your household. And, we cover the spectrum of head and shoulder shots, half body, three-quarter, and full body. We also work hard to capture an array of expressions from boisterous laughter to controlled smiles and everything in between.

There are ample outdoor venues in Kentucky that are ideal for family portrait season. We have our favorite popular hot spots, but we’ve also worked hard to establish healthy relationships with private property owners so we can access unique landscapes you won’t see in all the other holiday cards this year.

At Mitchell Photography, we can take your favorite images from your session and use them to custom-design holiday cards unlike any other. And, we can do it affordably.

We don’t stop at cards; we can do gifts, too. Have your favorite image transferred to a coffee mug, smartphone case, coasters, mousepad, or other objects that are both handy and become keepsakes.

In coming weeks, we’ll share with you tips for preparing your family members for your photo session, and what to expect from your experience, as well as other useful tips and tricks to get the most out of your moments with Mitchell Photography.

Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the holiday season fills up quickly. To schedule your appointment, contact us today. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

Congratulations on reaching your graduating year in high school! Whether you're just getting ready to start your senior year or you're just wrapping it up, it's an exhilarating time when you bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood. Now is your chance to shine, to be the superstar, and to announce that you have arrived on your own terms. Don't settle for any photographer, and don't get herded in with the masses for a rushed session just like everyone else's. At Mitchell Photography, we can custom-tailor a senior portrait session that's as unique as you are.

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Woohoo! With your senior portrait session scheduled and your wardrobe selected, you are well on your way to having a memorable senior portrait experience. Aside from your wardrobe selections, there are a few other items that may help picture day be a smashing success.

Chapstick: You never know when your lips are going to chap. Keep your kissers smooth.

Lotion: Flaky skin can happen to anyone, but it shouldn’t happen when you’re being photographed.

Nail file, clippers, emory board, etc.: Boys and girls alike may find themselves with a hangnail or a nail that snags on clothing, etc. Ladies, if you’ve got your nails painted, bring that polish with you to quick-fix chips that may happen on the set.

Brushes, combs, hair spray, and accessories: Whether your session is indoors, outdoors, or both, you’re going to want to have a brush, come, and other hair accessories with you. Ladies, you may want to do quick hairstyle changes between sets, so bring those bobby pins, scrunchies, clips, and cool bun-making thingymajigs.

Ladies - bring that makeup bag! You’ll want to do touch-ups as you go.

Compact mirror: There may be a dressing room or vanity when you have your pictures made in the studio, but when you’re outdoors or just need a quick glimpse, you’ll be glad to have your handy mirror with you.

Superglue, clothespins, safety pins, fabric tape: Clothespins can help make loose fitting clothes look better on camera without having to wear a belt. Safety pins can quickly fix a popped button, and fabric tape can help adhere fabric that’s gone astray. And superglue…. you never know: snagged fingernail, broken heel - you just never know when you’ll need it!

Comfy shoes & Shoe Shine: You may have planned your wardrobe choices with amazing shoes - but amazing doesn’t mean comfortable. Bring along comfy shoes to wear between sets, during head and shoulder or half body shots, but especially for walking from one area to another during outdoor sessions. Ladies, you’ll also want to bring extra pantyhose.

Instruments, trophies, sports balls, pom poms, keepsakes, or other tidbits to help you capture the achievements from your academic career.

Pets may be an important part of this stage in your life’s journey. If you choose to bring a pet along for a few snapshots, consider bringing along someone who can tend to your furry friend during your shoot, or who can take your animal companion home for you while your shoot is finished.

Friends can help you feel relaxed and have fun during your session, and you may choose to have your bestie in a few shots with you. However, friends can also be a distraction - and the more people that are around, the more chaotic your session might be. If you’re going to bring friends, limit yourself to one or two.

Don’t forget Mom! Yes, you’re on the cusp of adulthood and ready to cut those apron strings, but your parents or parental guardians aren’t done coddling you just yet. Give them the benefit of being an active part of your senior portrait session.

Mitchell Photography would be honored to be your photographer of choice for your senior portraits in Kentucky. Please feel free to explore our senior portrait gallery and get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have. You can call or text us locally at (859) 444-5229, or call us toll free at (855) 243-7604. If you prefer, you can shoot us an email at MitchellPhotography@MitchellMoments.com.

We specialize in photography that emanates classic elegance with a modern edge. With more than twenty-years experience, we’re confident we can create images you’ll be proud to show to your friends and family, and share on your social media profiles. All images are professionally retouched.

Through Mitchell Photography, you can order prints, prints on canvas, specialty items, or obtain a CD of all of your images with a print release. We can also design unique custom graduation announcements.

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know about new blog posts, upcoming events, and specials.

Wondering what to wear for senior portraits is a dilemma many high school graduates face. The good news is, it doesn’t need to be complicated. The better news is that we don’t limit our photography clients to a certain number of wardrobe selections. We believe that more is better. Let’s face it, on picture day you might not be in the same mood you were in when you were planning your senior portrait session and choosing your outfits, so bring a variety of clothing that allow you to have options. However, there are a few basics to use as guidelines.

Your fashion choices should fit into three main categories: casual, dressy, and formal. Additional options include uniforms such as sports, band, or ROTC.

Casual outfits may include shorts, jeans, summer dresses, tee shirts, or other items that show off your every-day-wear style. Try to avoid outfits that are overly trendy so you can capture truly timeless images. Also be aware of what does or doesn’t photograph well. Oversized shirts may be all the rave, but are terribly unflattering on camera. Shoes matter. Avoid flip-flops. Sneakers should be clean and free of scuff marks, although a “slightly worn” look is acceptable.

Dressy outfits should be along the lines of what you might wear to church, for a job interview, or out for dinner with the family. For your dressy look, shirts and blouses should have sleeves that are 3/4 length or full. This is not the time for spaghetti straps or polo shirts.

Formal outfits can be along the lines of (or exactly the same as!) what you wore to prom. The formal look demonstrates your transition from child to adult in celebratory style.

You can also bring uniforms or accessories that show off your academic, athletic, and artistic accomplishments from your high school interests. ROTC uniforms, sports uniforms and accessories, instruments, and trophies are fabulous add-ons to your basic outfit categories.

Don’t be afraid of texture. Silky. Frilly. Furry. Ruffled. Feathered. Fringed. Texture translates extremely well on camera, provided it’s not over-done or unnatural for you. If you wouldn’t wear it any time other than pictures, leave it out. Diversify your looks.

Think about your undergarments. Bra straps do not translate well in senior portraits, neither do exposed underwear.

Solids work better than prints.

Make sure that no matter what you wear, it fits comfortably. You may be asked to kneel, bend, squat, or bend your body in a variety of ways. Clothes that are too tight or dresses that are too short make it difficult to pose in various positions. Select outfits that show off your figure, and that make you feel confident.

When you’ve made your fashion selections, make sure your clothes are ironed, on hangers, and ready to wear. Removing wrinkles is easier done by iron that by photoshop.

Don’t over-accessorize. Keep jewelry simple and classic. Over-done accessories can distract from rather than enhance your presence in pictures. However, there’s always room to show off your favorite hat.

If your pants have belt loops, a belt looks best.

If you wear glasses that are not anti-glare, consider popping out your lenses for your shoot. You might also be able to borrow a pair of frames without lenses from your eyewear provider. Glass glare can be a detriment in photographs.

If you have braces and prefer not to show braces in your pictures, we can photoshop them out for an added fee. Don’t worry!

You may spend a considerable amount of time and energy making your wardrobe selections. Nonetheless, from the outfits you pick you’ll still have a favorite and a not so much. Plan to wear your least favorite outfit first. This helps build confidence as you progress through your photo shoot.

Wear your hair! If you’re going to get a hair cut, color or new style, consider having that done about two weeks before your portrait session. That way, you’re used to managing the style and have time to grow into the look. Ladies may choose to bring hair accessories to switch up looks or do touch ups between outfits.

Also consider wardrobe malfunctions and bring along safety pins, extra pantyhose, fashion tape, clothes pins, and other “fix-it-quick” tools.

Above all, have fun celebrating you!

Mitchell Photography would be honored to be your photographer of choice for your senior portraits in Kentucky. Please feel free to explore our senior portrait gallery and get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have. You can call or text us locally at (859) 444-5229, or call us toll free at (855) 243-7604. If you prefer, you can shoot us an email at MitchellPhotography@MitchellMoments.com.

We specialize in photography that emanates classic elegance with a modern edge. With more than twenty-years experience, we’re confident we can create images you’ll be proud to show to your friends and family, and share on your social media profiles. All images are professionally retouched.

Through Mitchell Photography, you can order prints, prints on canvas, specialty items, or obtain a CD of all of your images with a print release. We can also design unique custom graduation announcements.

 Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know about new blog posts, upcoming events, and specials.

Reaching the beginning of your senior year in high school is exhilarating! You can finally see the light at the end of the homework tunnel. Soon, you’ll find yourself in the throws of college campus tours, end-of-year events, and social activities. That’s why now is the time to start planning for your high school senior portraits.

Senior portraits are usually conducted at the end of your junior year in high school, before entering the new school year. Having your portraits made before senior year allows you to use your images in your high school yearbook as well as graduation announcements. However, it’s not uncommon for graduating seniors to seize their opportunity before it’s too late. Whether you’re going into your senior year, or completing it, this is your golden opportunity to capture memories of an important milestone in your life’s journey.

In Kentucky, the senior portrait season begins in June and ends around October before the holiday season. The beginning of June is best because you’re fresh out of the junior-year gate heading into your summer agenda. June is also ideal because Kentucky hasn’t yet been overcome by summer temperatures and sticky humidity. For the greatest experience and best results, you may wish to begin shopping photographers in May.

While many schools may try to enforce specific photographers, you’re free to choose the photographer you feel represents your style, your price-point, and your personality. Finding professional and amateur photographers is easy, but finding the right photographer for you is a key element in the portraits you’ll have as keepsakes for this special time in your academic career. Carefully examine the work of photographers in your area. Be cautious not to trust your senior portrait experience to someone who lacks experience.

You may choose to divide your senior portraits into two sessions. Your first session could be an outdoor photo shoot at your school, popular venues in your area, your favorite hang outs, or other natural-light settings. In your outdoor session, your clothes can be on the casual side, or feature sports uniforms. Your second session could be in a professional photography studio with formal backgrounds, lighting, and fancier attire.

By booking your sessions early, you have a better chance of scheduling appointments that are convenient for you. When you wait, it may be difficult to find a photographer who isn’t already booked for the season.

It’s best to give yourself a few weeks before your scheduled appointment to explore venues, plan outfits, and discuss details of your shoot with your photographer - which is another reason you may benefit from scheduling your appointment early in the season.

Take a few moments away from the hustle and bustle of your academic and social life to reflect. Who are you becoming as an adult, and how do you want this time in your life to be captured? Then, start surfing the web for images you love - identify your style of portraiture. Next, research photographers in your area and examine their work carefully. Chances are, you’ll know instantly when you find the photographer who takes the kind of pictures in which you can envision yourself.

Above all, have fun and celebrate! You have every reason to be proud of your accomplishments.

Mitchell Photography would be honored to be your photographer of choice for your senior portraits in Kentucky. Please feel free to explore our senior portrait gallery and get in touch with any questions or concerns you may have. You can call or text us locally at (859) 444-5229, or call us toll free at (855) 243-7604. If you prefer, you can shoot us an email at MitchellPhotography@MitchellMoments.com.

We specialize in photography that emanates classic elegance with a modern edge. With more than twenty-years experience, we’re confident we can create images you’ll be proud to show to your friends and family, and share on your social media profiles. All images are professionally retouched.

Through Mitchell Photography, you can order prints, prints on canvas, specialty items, or obtain a CD of all of your images with a print release. We can also design unique custom graduation announcements.

 Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in-the-know about new blog posts, upcoming events, and specials.