Milwaukee

senior photography

CELEBRATE YOUR JOURNEY

There is no other time in life quite like being a high school senior, with much of your educational life completed, yet on the precipice of all that is yet to come. This time in life deserves to be commemorated with a photoshoot that celebrates what makes you uniquely you. A senior photo shoot is so much more than just photographs, it is a celebration of who you are at this moment in time, in a place that you love.

Senior portrait of girl smiling in fedora with sunset backdrop - shot by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy sitting on a high ledge and hugging his knees and looking down taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy standing in an alley with his hands in his pockets taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a girl leaning out of a building and looking at the camera taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a girl leaning on a gray wall looking over her shoulder in the fall taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy sitting at the top of a stairway and looking down taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy sitting on a bridge taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy standing in a field of purple flowers with hands in pockets taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a girls sitting on rocks at sunset with water behind her taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy in starting blocks on a track with smoke and lights behind him taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy leaning on a stone arch with the sunset behind him taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy leaning in front of a window with a geometric design behind him taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a girl backlit in a field looking over her shoulder taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy standing with his hands in his pockets and smiling taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy sitting in front of a tunnel taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Black and white senior photo of a girl sitting and  leaning on a fence taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy sitting with his arms on his knees on the beach at sunset taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy leaning on a fence wearing his sunglasses taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a boy at sunset taken on a boardwalk with water behind him taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.
Senior photo of a girl looking over her shoulder and smiling in a natural setting taken by Milwaukee senior photographer Rachel Dickman.

Everyone is unique and fabulous, you deserve senior portraits that make you feel that way!

FAQ

How Do you approach senior photography sessions?

I truly believe a photograph is a moment in time and the best approach to getting natural looking photos of you is to make you comfortable. If you have a lot of ideas and want to be heavily involved in the planning of your photo shoot, I will be thrilled to collaborate with you on ideas and locations. If you want me to pick one of my favorite tried and true locations and just show up to have your photo taken, I'm OK with that, too! I always try to mix some creativity and fun in to every session so everyone gets a little something different.

who should I bring to my senior photo session?

It’s totally up to you! Some seniors prefer to come alone to focus on their session and feel more relaxed, while others like to bring along a friend, parent, or sibling for support. If you bring someone, they can help with carrying props, adjusting your outfit, or just being there to keep the energy fun and positive. Just remember, the focus is on you, so it's best to keep your group small and distraction-free to get the most out of your session. If you're feeling a little nervous, bringing someone you’re comfortable with can help you feel more at ease in front of the camera!

where are you based and do you travel?

I am based in Downtown Milwaukee, and anywhere in the metro area and western suburbs is included in my pricing. I am happy to consider a location that is further away, but there may be a travel fee included.

When will we get our photos?

It usually takes me two weeks to complete an online proofing gallery for you to make your selections from. Once your selections are returned to me, I make every effort to have your final gallery turned around in a week.

How many pictures will I receive?

About two weeks after your session, you will receive a link to an online proofing gallery with approximately 50 - 100 images depending on your session. You will select your final images (determined by your package selection) from that proofing gallery. There will be a variety of crops as well as black and white images included.

What should I wear for my senior photo session?

Do you have a favorite color that is really flattering on you? How about a favorite pair of jeans that make you feel awesome? Do you have a special shirt that connects you to someone you love? Yes to all of these!

For your senior photos, the goal is to look and feel your best while showcasing your personal style! Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect outfits:

Be Yourself- Choose clothes that reflect who you are and make you feel confident. Whether it’s casual, trendy, or a little more formal, your outfit should feel authentic to your personality.

Coordinate, Don't Match- If you're bringing multiple outfits, try to choose clothes that work well together in terms of color and style. Stick to a color palette with 2-3 complementary colors, and avoid wearing too many bold patterns at once, as solid colors tend to photograph beautifully.

Dress for the Season- Make sure your clothing is appropriate for the time of year and the location of your shoot. If it's a chilly day, consider layering with jackets, scarves, or sweaters. If it's warm, lightweight fabrics and comfortable clothing will keep you cool.

Keep Comfort in Mind- You’ll want to feel relaxed and natural during your shoot. Make sure your clothes fit well and you can move comfortably in them—nothing too tight or too loose.

Footwear- Shoes should complement your outfits, but they should also be practical, especially if we’ll be shooting outdoors. Consider stylish yet comfortable options that won't distract from your overall look.

Accessories- A few simple accessories like jewelry, a watch, or a hat can add a unique touch to your look, but don’t overdo it. Keep it simple to ensure the focus stays on you!

Where should I have my senior photo session?

Your senior photos should reflect who you are, so think about locations that hold special meaning to you. Whether it’s your favorite park, a downtown area, or a place tied to your hobbies or passions, choose a spot that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Don't be afraid to think outside the box—locations can be anywhere that expresses your personality! Also think about a location that matches with your personal style and has a matching ascetic.

Some locations such as Villa Terrace or Mitchell Park Domes require an advance appointment and permit fee. It is best to let me know far in advance if you would like to shoot in a location that requires a permit so I have enough time to secure a permit at an optimal time for our shoot.

*Permit fees are not included in session prices.

should I have my hair and makeup done?

It’s totally up to you! If you feel more confident with your hair and makeup done, go for it! Many seniors choose to have their hair styled and makeup applied professionally for a polished look, but you don’t have to go overboard. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Hair- Whether you choose to style it yourself or have it professionally done, make sure it’s something that feels like you. You want to look like your best self, but still feel comfortable. If you're doing it yourself, make sure it's styled in a way that will last throughout the session.

Makeup- If you usually wear makeup, feel free to do so for your photos. A little extra foundation, mascara, or lip color can help your features pop on camera. If you don’t typically wear makeup, that’s perfectly fine too! The goal is for you to feel like yourself, so choose what feels right. If you want to try something new or special, I recommend keeping it natural and timeless, so your photos stay classic for years to come.

If you decide to have professional hair and makeup done make sure to communicate exactly what you are looking for with your makeup artist so you are happy with your photos. Make sure to schedule your session with plenty of time to spare afterward so you can feel relaxed and ready for your shoot.

Ultimately, it’s all about you feeling confident and comfortable in front of the camera!

can I bring props to my senior photo session?

Absolutely! Props are a fantastic way to personalize your session and showcase what makes you unique. Whether it’s your favorite book, sports equipment, musical instrument, or something that reflects your hobbies and interests, props can help tell your story in your photos. Just keep in mind that less is sometimes more—choosing a few meaningful items will ensure the focus remains on you while adding an extra layer of personality to the shoot. Feel free to discuss your ideas with me beforehand so we can plan how to incorporate them seamlessly into your session!

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, please! Pets are a beloved part of many seniors' lives, and incorporating them into your photos is a wonderful way to showcase your bond. Whether it’s your dog, cat, or other pet, we can make sure they are included in your session. Just keep in mind that pets can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to bring along someone who can help manage them during the shoot and maybe limit the amount of time they spend with us during your session. Let me know in advance if you plan to bring your pet so we can plan locations and timing accordingly (and so I know to pack treats)!