Chicago Senior Pic Ideas for Guys

seniors

The cure for your Senioritis

Woohoo! Yeet! Yay YOU!!!

Do you know what a big freaking deal it is that you made it this far?!

Maybe you do and you’re shouting right along with me. But if you haven’t given yourself an enormous congratulatory high-five, headstand or backflip, please do so now. 

I’m a teenager/senior mom, but I’m not YOUR mom. 

So just know that I know the ups and downs you’ve been through all these years (and this last year especially!) and the excitement you’re feeling as you look out at the horizon. But since I’m not your mother, you won’t have to worry about being over-mommed at your Chicago senior photo shoot. 

You just worry about rocking your senior year and show up as yourself. I’ve got the rest.

“Seriously, I’m the awkwardest!”
- Every senior ever

I’ve got a little secret to share. Whether you’re 17 or 70, very few people are 100% comfortable in their own skin. We all feel awkward, struggle with self-confidence, and don’t know what to do with our hands.

When you’ve got a camera in your face, all this discomfort tends to get magnified. 

But I’ve got another little secret. I can make you look good no matter how much you claim you “Hate taking photos!” And, hey, if you don’t believe me, just take a look at my portfolio. None of them thought they were perfectly photogenic, but look at how I captured them.

I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about posing and perfect the “I just woke up like this” look. I’ll show you what to do with your hands and help you feel confident and handsome/gorgeous just as you are. We can talk hair and makeup, outfits, you name it. I got you!

By the end of the session you’ll wonder why you ever worried in the first place.

Shalimar made me feel comfortable even though I really hate getting my picture taken. She made me feel confident and beautiful and it shows through in the pictures she took. She let me make suggestions and followed my lead, and really humored me but it was her style and direction that really made the photos. 🙂
~ Kate
What to wear for Chicago Senior Pictures

how it works

What To Know About Working With Shalimar B Photography

I pride myself on my customer service. The number of clients I’ve had return to work with me through the years is additional testament to my dedication, so let’s talk about working together! Here you can learn all about your first session with me.

First: A Phone Call

When we initially connect to schedule a session, we’ll have a phone call so I can get to know you a bit and answer any questions you have for me before we meet. I want to hear all about you or your senior (if a parent is calling,) and any initial ideas for the session. This first call will help me get and give some basic information about my senior sessions, but I’ll also send out a questionnaire specific for the senior that asks a lot of questions – so we can figure out the best locations for your sessions (I’m always happy to make suggestions!) and all the ideas you have for your session to make it an amazing experience and collaboration!

Pricing

Senior Session Fee: $350

Important note about session fee: The fee includes the time and talent of the photographer, 2-3 locations for shooting and unlimited outfit changes for the senior. It does not include any prints, images or products. The session fee is due at the time of booking in order to reserve a session date. 

Important note about cancellations: If your senior becomes sick, please call me as soon as possible to reschedule the session. For all other cancellations or reschedule requests, please provide 48 hours notice. Otherwise, the session fee is non-refundable.

Print Fees:

  • Custom albums start at $575/each
  • Digital/Print collections starting at $1650

*  Complete pricing guide available upon request

Frequently asked questions

So many options! Of course I’m happy to make suggestions but I want to know if there are any spots in the city that are meaningful to you? A spot you and your friends frequented? That you want to remember forever? This is an area we will brainstorm! Full senior sessions include up to 3 locations.

This is another area where there will be much more information headed your way, but to start, this is the time to pull out all the stops!! Most seniors bring about 3-5 outfits for their sessions. Full senior sessions include unlimited outfit changes. Outfits range from really dressy (think prom dresses!) to super casual (like skateboarding attire.) It all depends on your style. The #1 rule is to stay true to your personal style. Always.

A full senior session will last approximately 3-4 hours (starting with and including hair/make up application.) I like to continue to shoot until the sun sets

I’d say that 99.9% of the people that come to me say that they feel awkward in front of the camera, before we start. But I will help you with posing, I will show you what to do, and how to do it. I will tell you what to do with your hands – which is always the most awkward part!!! Once we get going, you won’t feel awkward, you’ll feel (and look) like a pro!!! I’ve got you!!

Approximately two weeks after your session you will receive a link to view all of your image proofs in a slideshow set to music.

I place a high value on customer service, and my goal is to make things as easy and seamless for you as possible. As a busy, working parent myself, I understand that your time is valuable. Any spare time you have, you want to spend it with your family. For that reason, I have recently adapted my business to an online ordering system that upholds the standards of Shalimar B Photography. However, many of my families may still prefer the in-person ordering service that I offer, and I am still happy to provide that.

Prints and products are ready four to six weeks after your order has been placed.