Grad Essentials
Client Experience Guide
A guide to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your MWallen Photography experience.
Welcome
I'm so glad you're here, and I can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you. 💜
Whether this is your first Grad Essentials experience or you're returning to celebrate another milestone, this guide has everything you need to prepare for your session and know what to expect along the way.
Before Your Session
Before your Grad Essentials session, we'll plan the details that make your experience feel personal and uniquely yours.
Questionnaire
Your questionnaire helps me get to know you beyond the basics. Share your interests, accomplishments, personality, and any meaningful details you'd like to include in your session.
Planning Your Experience
Need a little extra help planning your session? Every Grad Essentials experience includes the option for a complimentary pre-consultation.
Whether you'd like to talk through outfits, locations, meaningful details, or simply ask questions before your session, we'll create a plan that helps you feel prepared and excited for your experience.
Preparing for Your Session
A little planning goes a long way! Here's everything you need to feel prepared before session day.
Outfit Planning
Your Grad Essentials experience includes up to two outfits, giving you the opportunity to create a variety of images while staying true to your personality.
Outfit One: The Classic Senior Portrait
A timeless, elevated look you'll love for years to come.
Ideas:
- Favorite dress or jumpsuit
- Blazer or button-down
- Polished version of your everyday style
Outfit Two: The "This Is Me" Look
A more relaxed look that reflects your personality and interests.
Ideas:
- Jeans and a favorite top
- Cozy sweater or cardigan
- School colors or college gear
- Sports, dance, music, art, or hobbies
A Few Outfit Tips
✨ Wear outfits you feel confident in.
✨ Choose pieces you can comfortable move in.
✨ Layers and accessories add variety.
✨ Neutral colors and classic styles photograph beautifully.
Looking for color inspiration?
Explore the Style Guide for thoughtfully curated color combinations to help plan your session wardrobe.
Personal Details
Bring anything that helps tell your story, such as:
- Cap & gown
- Letterman jacket
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Awards
- College gear
- Books
- Hobbies or meaningful activities
These personal touches help make your gallery uniquely yours.
A Few Days Before Your Session
48 Hours Before
You'll receive a final reminder with your confirmed location, timing, and any last-minute details.
24 Hours Before
I'll check in one last time before session day. If any questions come up, don't hesitate to reach out.
During Your Session
Relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience! My job is to guide you through the session so you can focus on celebrating this exciting milsetone.
What To Expect
During your session, we'll:
📸 Move through your planned outfits
📍 Visit your selected location(s)
🎓 Incorporate any meaningful items you've brought
😊 Capture a variety of natural and classic portraits
No modeling experience is required - I'll guide you every step of the way.
Your Legacy Letter
During your session, you'll receive your Legacy Letter - a special keepsake designed just for you.
Take it home and, when you're ready, write a letter to your future self about this season of life: your accomplishments, your dreams, and the journey ahead. It's a meaningful way to preserve not only how this chapter looked, but how it felt.
After Your Session
Your session may be over, but the excitement is just beginning! Here's what you can expect next.
Editing & Gallery Timeline
Your images are carefully hand-edited and your proofing gallery is typically ready within 2-3 weeks after your session.
Sneak Peeks
Would you like a small preview while you wait? Just let me know! I'd be happy to share a few favorites before your proofing gallery is ready.
Selecting Your Images
Once your proofing gallery is delivered, you'll be able to:
✔ Select your included images
✔ Add additional favorites
✔ Upgrade to keep the full gallery
After your selections are complete (and any upgrades have been paid), I'll prepare and deliver your final gallery.
Graduation Cards & Artwork
Your Grad Essentials experience includes:
🎓 Graduation cards
🖼️ A professionally framed 8x10 print, ready to display
📷 Your selected digital images
If you'd like additional artwork or keepsakes, you'll have access to the online print store within your final gallery. You can reference the Grad Essentials Artwork & Keepsake Guide for a complete overview of available products once your final gallery is delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring someone with me to my session?
Absolutely! Having someone there who helps you feel comfortable and confident can make your experience even more enjoyable.
Whether it's a parent, friend, or someone who helps you feel like yourself, they're welcome to join you. We'll simply keep the focus on celebrating you and making sure we capture all of the images planned for your Grad Essentials experience.
Can my family be included?
Your Grad Essentials experience is designed to celebrate you and this important milestone, so the majority of your session will focus on capturing your personality, accomplishments, and this exciting next chapter.
If including a family image is meaningful to you, I'd be happy to set aside time at the end of your session for a few special portraits together after we've captured all of your planned senior images.
What happens if it rains?
I'm always keeping an eye on the weather leading up to your session. If weather conditions require an adjustment, I'll be in communication with you so we can determine the best next step.
Every effort will be made to accommodate a rescheduled session date when needed.
How do I create my graduation cards?
After your final gallery is complete, you'll receive instructions on how to access and create your graduation cards using your selected image(s).
Do I need to order prints separately?
Your Grad Essentials experience includes a professionally framed 8x10 print, ready to display.
After your final gallery is delivered, you'll have access to the online print store within your gallery if you'd like additional artwork or keepsakes to preserve your favorite images.
Thank You
Thank you for trusting MWallen Photography to be part of such an important milestone. 💜
Graduation is more than an achievement - it's a moment to celebrate the memories that brought you here, the person you are today, and the exciting journey ahead.
It is an honor to help capture this season of life and create images and keepsakes that allow you to look back on this chapter for years to come.
I can't wait to celebrate you and create something truly special together.
Questions?
I'm always happy to help with outfit ideas, session details, or anything else throughout your Grad Essentials experience.
📧 makita@mwallenphotography.com
📱 321-526-3210