Your High School Senior Portrait Experience

Everything You Need to Know to Look and Feel Your Best

Senior portraits happen once.

Our goal isn't simply to take beautiful photographs—it's to create artwork that captures who you are at this exciting moment in your life. A little preparation beforehand allows you to relax, enjoy the experience and gives us the freedom to create incredible variety throughout your session.

The good news?

You don't need to know how to pose.
You don't need modeling experience.
You don't even need to know exactly what to wear.

That's our job.

We'll coach you through every step, helping you feel comfortable and confident while creating portraits that look natural—not stiff or over-posed.

Before Your Session

Complete Your Senior Questionnaire

One of the most important things you can do before your appointment is complete our Senior Questionnaire.

We genuinely want to get to know you.

Your hobbies, personality, future plans, favorite activities, music, sports, pets, and interests all help us create portraits that are uniquely yours instead of looking like everyone else's.

Senior Questionnaire:

https://theimagery.wufoo.com/forms/q3wqcbx00et0cg/

If you're interested in adding an outdoor location session in addition to your studio session and our private Portrait Park, please let us know as early as possible so we can plan accordingly.

Planning Your Wardrobe

Don't think of outfits.

Think of different versions of YOU.

The more variety you bring, the more unique your finished collection becomes.

We recommend bringing outfits from several different categories.

Something that brings out your eyes

Colors that complement your eye color almost always photograph beautifully.

Something casual

What would your friends expect to see you wearing?

Jeans, sweaters, hoodies, layered shirts—whatever feels authentic to you.

Something dressy

Think wedding.
Holiday.
Church.
A nice dinner.
A concert.
Or even that outfit from Junior Prom.

This often becomes a parent's favorite portrait.

A seasonal look

Even if your session takes place during summer, consider bringing something that feels like fall or winter.

Sweaters, jackets, scarves, boots, and layers create timeless portraits you'll love for years.

Your passions and interests

Bring anything that tells your story:

• Sports uniforms

• Dance attire

• Musical instruments

• Letter jacket

• Books

• Art supplies

• Fishing gear

• Classic car or motorcycle

• Horse

• Gaming setup

• Hobby collections

• Anything that represents who you are

Don't be afraid to bring more than you think you'll need.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime portrait experience, and we'd much rather have too many ideas than wish we'd brought something.

Need a Little Extra Help?

Preparing for your senior portraits should be fun—not stressful.

If you'd like a little extra guidance, we're happy to recommend trusted professionals for:

• Personal styling and wardrobe planning

• Professional hair styling

• Professional makeup artistry

We've worked with many talented professionals over the years and are happy to recommend someone based on your style, personality, and goals for your session.

Just give Stephanie a call before your appointment, and she'll be happy to help you find the right fit.

The Imagery
(952) 890-7640

If you choose to schedule professional hair and makeup, we recommend planning for it to finish about one hour before your portrait session begins.

Considering an Outdoor Session?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing The Imagery is flexibility.

Unlike photographers who rely entirely on public parks or outdoor locations, we have:

• Beautiful indoor studio spaces

• A natural-light camera room

• Our own private Portrait Park

• Weather backup options

• Multiple looks without driving from location to location

If you'd also like an additional off-site location, just let us know as early as possible so we can plan enough time.

Inspiration

Need ideas?

Browse our Senior Pinterest boards for clothing inspiration, posing ideas, colors, and styling.

https://www.pinterest.com/theimagery/

Think About Where Your Portraits Will Eventually Live

Will they hang over your fireplace?

In the family room?

A hallway gallery?

Your bedroom?

Choosing clothing that complements your home's colors can make your finished wall portraits feel like they were designed specifically for your home.

The portraits you'll treasure the longest often aren't the biggest smiles.

They're the quiet expressions.

The thoughtful moments.

The eyes that tell a story.

Those are the portraits families continue to love for decades.

A Few Helpful Tips

• Bring every pair of shoes you'll need.

• Iron clothing ahead of time.

• Remove tags from new outfits.

• Bring accessories and layers.

• Solid colors generally photograph better than busy patterns.

• Vary your fabrics, colors, and styles from outfit to outfit.

• Darker shoes usually keep attention on your face.

• Guys generally photograph best in long pants.

• Bring more outfits than you think you'll use.

• Relax—we'll guide you through everything.

After Your Session

About one week after your portrait session, you'll see your images posted in a private gallery online. Narrow down at your leisure.  Then a few weeks after that you'll come in for your viewing and ordering session in person.

This is where you'll see your portraits projected large on our showroom screen, compare your favorites, and begin designing artwork for your home.

Whenever possible, we recommend that everyone involved in making purchasing decisions attend together.

Seeing these portraits at life size is often one of the most emotional parts of the entire experience, and something parents tell us they never expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many outfits should I bring?

Most seniors bring 5–8 outfits. It's perfectly fine to bring more—we'll help choose what photographs best.

Should I get professional hair and makeup?

It's completely optional, but many seniors love the extra confidence it provides. If you'd like recommendations, we're happy to help.

Can I bring my pet?

Absolutely! Pets are family too, and we love including them whenever possible.

Can I bring sports equipment or props?

Yes! Bring anything meaningful—from instruments and uniforms to dance shoes, books, artwork, fishing gear, cars, motorcycles, or anything that helps tell your story.

What if I'm awkward in front of the camera?

Almost everyone says this.

Don't worry.

We'll coach you through every pose, expression, and movement. Most seniors tell us afterward that the session was much easier—and much more fun—than they expected.

What if the weather is bad?

One of the advantages of photographing at The Imagery is that we have beautiful indoor studio spaces and our own private Portrait Park, giving us flexibility that many photographers simply don't have.

How long until we see the portraits?

Your view onlie is about a week after your session, and your Design & Ordering Appointment is usually scheduled about three weeks after your session.

Can we purchase digital images?

Yes. We offer both printed artwork and digital image options depending on the collection you choose.

When should we schedule senior portraits?

Earlier is almost always better.

Scheduling during the summer gives you the greatest flexibility, beautiful greenery, and plenty of time before yearbook deadlines.

We Can't Wait to Meet You!

This is an exciting milestone—not just another photo session.

Our goal is to create portraits that feel genuine today and become even more meaningful twenty years from now.

Thank you for trusting us with such an important season in your family's story. We can't wait to create something extraordinary together.

Stephanie & Rod Oman
The Imagery Portrait Photography
11804 Kennelly Road
Burnsville, MN 55337

(952) 890-7640

www.theimagery.net

Our Portraits, Like Our Clients, Last a Lifetime.

Why We Built the Senior Experience Parents and Seniors Deserve

Senior year only happens once.

For nearly 30 years, we've photographed thousands of seniors, and every season has taught us something new. We listened to what families loved, what they worried about, and what they wished every senior photography experience could be.

So instead of simply finding beautiful places to take pictures, we built an experience around the people in front of the camera.

An experience that's easier.

More comfortable.

More flexible.

And capable of producing incredible variety—all in one session.

We believe parents shouldn't have to worry about the weather, crowded public locations, long walks between outfits, or whether a once-in-a-lifetime session will go as planned.

We believe seniors deserve to relax, have fun, and feel confident enough to let their real personalities shine.

That's why we created professional indoor studios alongside our private Portrait Park. It's why outfit changes are simple, why we can adapt to Minnesota's unpredictable weather, and why every session is designed to create a collection of portraits that feels uniquely you—not just another afternoon at a public park.

Everything we've built has been shaped by one simple question:

"What would create the best possible experience for our families?"

The answer has been refined through nearly three decades of listening, learning, and improving.

Because beautiful portraits matter.

But an unforgettable experience—and the memories that come with it—matter even more.

That's the difference.

That's why we built the senior experience parents and seniors deserve.

What Most Parents Don't Think to Ask Before Booking Senior Pictures

Your senior only graduates once.

Long after graduation parties are over and yearbooks are tucked away, these portraits become part of your family's story. They hang on walls, fill albums, become treasured keepsakes, and one day remind you of exactly who your son or daughter was during this exciting season of life.

That's why choosing a senior photographer isn't just about finding someone whose photos look beautiful on social media.

It's about choosing an experience that fits your family.

As photographers, we encourage every family to ask these questions—whether you choose The Imagery or someone else.

1. Where Will the Session Take Place?

Many photographers create beautiful images in public parks, downtown areas, open fields, or other shared locations. Those places can absolutely produce stunning portraits.

But they're also public.

Before booking, ask yourself:

• Will there be other photographers there?

• Will there be crowds?

• What happens if there's a wedding, festival, or event?

• What if the weather suddenly changes?

At The Imagery, we've taken a different approach.

Instead of depending entirely on public locations, we've created our own private Portrait Park and professional indoor studio, giving our seniors an experience that's relaxed, comfortable, and full of variety.

2. What Happens If the Weather Doesn't Cooperate?

Minnesota weather has a mind of its own.

Extreme heat. Wind. Rain. Smoke. Cold.

Ask your photographer what happens if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.

Because we offer both indoor and outdoor portrait spaces, we have options. Your session doesn't have to be defined by the forecast.

3. How Much Variety Can We Really Get?

One of the biggest misconceptions about senior portraits is that creating lots of different looks requires driving all over town.

It doesn't.

Our private Portrait Park includes waterfalls, gardens, stone pathways, rustic settings, architectural elements, vintage pieces, natural landscapes, and countless portrait opportunities—all in one location.

Then, just steps away, our indoor studio offers timeless classic portraits, dramatic lighting, and contemporary looks.

And if there's a place that's meaningful to your senior—a favorite lake, dance studio, sports field, family cabin, or downtown location—we're happy to include that too.

You don't have to choose between studio portraits and outdoor portraits.

With us, you can have both.

4. How Much Time Will We Spend Creating Portraits… Instead of Driving?

Driving between multiple locations can easily take a large portion of a session.

We'd rather spend that time creating photographs.

Because our locations are together, your senior enjoys more variety, more outfit changes, and more creativity without spending the afternoon in the car.

5. Will My Senior Feel Comfortable?

This may be the most important question of all.

Most seniors have never been professionally photographed before.

They're nervous.

They're worried they'll feel awkward.

Our job isn't simply to take photographs.

Our job is to help every senior relax, laugh, gain confidence, and simply be themselves.

When that happens, authentic expressions naturally follow.

6. Is There Privacy?

Let's be honest.

Not everyone enjoys changing outfits in a public restroom or having strangers watch while they're being photographed.

Our private property allows seniors to relax, change comfortably, and enjoy the experience without feeling like they're on display.

Parents appreciate that too.

7. Will We Be Rushed?

Senior year is busy enough.

Your portrait session shouldn't feel rushed.

Because everything is thoughtfully designed and close together, we can move naturally from one look to the next without constantly packing up, relocating, finding parking, or waiting for crowds to clear.

8. Who Will Actually Photograph My Senior?

Photography is about much more than owning a great camera.

It's about experience.

For nearly three decades, Rod and Stephanie Oman have had the privilege of photographing thousands of Minnesota families, creating portraits that celebrate life's biggest milestones while preserving what matters most.

Every senior receives personal guidance, encouragement, and an experience designed to help them look—and feel—their very best.

A Quick Comparison

We Didn't Build a Portrait Park to Be Different.

We built it to create a better experience.

Most photographers take you to beautiful places.

We decided to build beautiful places, so your senior session could be more comfortable, more creative, and more enjoyable from beginning to end.

It's not about replacing meaningful locations.

It's about giving families more choices.

More variety.

More flexibility.

More comfort.

And ultimately, more portraits you'll treasure for a lifetime.

We'd Love to Show You Around

The best way to understand what makes The Imagery different is to experience it for yourself.

Come tour our private Portrait Park.

Walk through the studio.

Ask questions.

See the variety firsthand.

Whether you're planning for the Class of 2027, 2028, or simply beginning your search, we'd love to help you create senior portraits that celebrate exactly who your senior is today—and preserve those memories for tomorrow.

Because your senior only graduates once. Let's make it unforgettable. Call us at 952-890-7640 or visit our website at www.theimagery.net

Beat the Minnesota Weather: Professional Business Headshots for Lakeville, Eagan, and Apple Valley

Let’s be honest—living in the Twin Cities South Metro means dealing with some of the most dramatic weather on the planet.

This week? It is a blistering 100°F out there. In a few months? It could easily be 20° below zero a few months from now--time flies by before you know it. While our gorgeous Minnesota seasons are great for weekend plans, they are absolutely brutal on your hair, your makeup, and your professional wardrobe. Nobody wants their modern digital handshake to feature melting makeup or a wind-chilled shiver.

If you’ve been searching for professional business headshots in Lakeville, Eagan, or Apple Valley, South Metro, you don’t have to pray for a perfect 70-degree day to update your profile.

Your Weather-Proof Professional Update

At The Imagery, we have the ultimate local lifehack for professionals, real estate agents, and corporate teams in our neighboring communities: complete climate control.

No matter what craziness the Minnesota skies are throwing at us outside, step inside our comfortable, professional camera rooms. We offer:

• Perfect 74° Comfort: Leave the humidity, sweat, or parkas at the door.

• Flattering, Controlled Lighting: No harsh midday sun squinting or sudden downpours to ruin the session.

• Effortless Convenience: Located right here in Burnsville, we are just a quick 10-to-15 minute drive up the road from Apple Valley, Lakeville, and Eagan. You can pop in, get your premium headshots taken in total comfort, and head right back to the office looking flawless.

Elevate Your Brand in Comfort

Your professional headshot is your modern handshake. It tells your clients you are reliable, capable, and polished—and looking comfortable in your skin is a huge part of that equation.

Whether you need a quick, sharp LinkedIn refresh or a comprehensive personal branding session for your business website, our indoor studio is ready for you. Let us handle the lighting, the angles, and the AC (or the heat!) while you focus on looking your best.

Why Your Corporate Headshot is Your Modern Handshake (and How to Elevate It)

In today’s digital-first business world, your professional introduction rarely happens face-to-face over coffee anymore. Instead, it happens on LinkedIn, your company’s website, a Zoom profile icon, or a conference speaker bio.

Long before a client speaks to you, they see you. That means your headshot isn’t just a profile picture—it’s your modern digital handshake.

If you are a professional, entrepreneur, or team leader in the Burnsville or Twin Cities south metro area, your image needs to carry the same authority, warmth, and credibility that you bring to your actual work. Here is why a quick phone selfie or a cropped vacation photo isn’t doing your career justice, and how a professional session can shift the narrative.

1. First Impressions Happen in Milliseconds

Psychological studies show that people form opinions about an individual's trustworthiness and competence within a fraction of a second of seeing their face. A professional corporate headshot ensures that immediate reaction is a positive one. It signals that you take yourself, your career, and your business partners seriously.

2. Matching Your Image to Your Expertise

You’ve spent years building your expertise and reputation. If your online presence features an outdated photo from a decade ago, it sets a mismatched expectation. Your headshot should reflect who you are today—confident, approachable, and ready to lead.

3. Beyond the "Stiff" Corporate Look

A lot of professionals dread getting their photos taken because they assume it will feel rigid, clinical, and uncomfortable. At The Imagery, we don't believe in assembly-line photography.

Led by Master Certified Craftsman Photographer Rod Oman and client experience expert Stephanie Oman, our goal is to create a relaxed, tailored experience. Whether we are using our indoor camera rooms or utilizing the natural, custom settings of our private outdoor Portrait Park, we know exactly how to guide your posing, lighting, and expression so you look completely natural—never forced.

Beyond the Headshot: Personal Branding

Sometimes, a single headshot isn’t enough to tell your full professional story. If you are a business owner, real estate agent, consultant, or creator, you need a library of authentic images that show you in your element.

Our Personal Branding Sessions create a customized suite of images—showing you collaborating, working behind the scenes, and letting your unique personality shine. These are perfect for dynamic website designs, email marketing, and keeping your social media content fresh and engaging.