High School Senior and Graduation Photographer in Rochester, MN
If you’re seeking a photographer for high school senior or graduation portraits in Rochester, MN, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re a student compiling a shortlist of photographers or a parent wanting quality portraits of your child, I’ll address both perspectives.
First, let me introduce you to my studio and my approach to photography. Next, we’ll explore what to expect and how to plan for your upcoming session.
Table of Contents
French Touch Photography: Who I Am and Why Rochester, MN
Clients often ask, “Why Rochester?” The answer is straightforward: my wife has worked at the Mayo Clinic since 2015, so in 2016 I relocated from Paris to the Med City, bringing years of wedding, fashion, and commercial photography experience.
Since then, I’ve opened a boutique portrait studio. In addition to weddings, I photograph families at every stage, maternity, newborn, and toddler, family sessions, graduation portraits, weddings, and professional headshots when your child is ready to enter the workforce.
What Styles Do I Offer for Senior Portraits?
I offer two complementary styles: posed studio images with professional lighting and candid, lifestyle-inspired portraits.
Posed Images with Flash
These shots are carefully posed against a selected background, with or without props, and are professionally lit, usually using studio flashes for a polished look.
That’s the creative ones where we can show the model’s universe.
Natural, Candid Images
These lifestyle images focus on capturing genuine personality and emotion with softer lighting to emphasize natural expression—the kind of portraits you see in boutique storefronts.
Studio session
Those are the more classic types of portrait. They are clean in a timeless style.
How a Typical Senior Session Works
A senior session unfolds in four phases: preparation, photoshoot, editing, and printing.
Preparation
Effective communication before the shoot ensures we capture your vision. Key elements include:
- Outfits: Send me photos of your planned looks and I’ll advise on any adjustments.
- Props: Choose items that showcase your favorite sports or hobbies.
- Locations: We’ll select venues and secure permissions as needed, which also defines the session timeline. Need ideas? I have a list of Rochester’s downtown top spots.
- Hair: Book a hairstylist visit within a month of the session.
- Skin and Makeup: Keep skin fresh and apply minimal makeup for a natural look.
- Forecast: Lighting matters greatly; if rain is expected, we can reschedule for clear skies.
- Inspiration: Feel free to share images you love so we can recreate or adapt them.
On the Day
Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the experience. I’ll guide you through poses or suggest simple movements. Parents or friends are welcome to join briefly for support or to help with outfits.
Editing
I’ll review all files, select the best shots, and retouch them. This process typically takes a couple of weeks, after which you’ll receive a link to your online gallery.
Printing
If your package includes prints, you’ll choose your favorites, and I’ll handle printing and framing if included. Soon you’ll have a cherished portrait to display.
Pricing for Senior Sessions in Rochester, MN
Senior sessions feature flexible pricing. While rates vary by photographer experience, the Minnesota average (including digital files and prints) ranges between $X and $Y (contact me for current rates).
Many studios charge a session fee and price images à la carte, which can add up if you select many photos. I prefer a simple model:
What We Offer
At French Touch Photography, all hourly rates include every retouched digital image, watermark-free in high definition, with full print release.
Print Services
You may print locally (though I recommend professional labs) or order prints directly through our pro lab for guaranteed quality.
Session Duration and Cost
Each additional location or outfit increases time in both shooting and post-production, so we charge by the hour. A single setup often fits within one hour; plan two to three hours for multiple looks and venues. Remember, great photography is an art; it takes time to create outstanding images.
Please contact me for my current pricing and availability.
Other Points to Keep in Mind for your Senior High School Photo Session
Mindset on the Day
Feeling nervous is normal, but on shoot day, you need to relax and be yourself. I have techniques to help you feel at ease, but your attitude ultimately shapes the outcome. Practice expressions in front of a mirror at home.
First-Time in Front of the Camera
Based on my wedding photography experience—from formal ceremonies (like this one in Mazzepa) to laid-back outdoor weddings (like Quarry Hill)—I use conversation and lighthearted prompts to keep your mind occupied and expressions genuine.
What Are Senior and Graduation Photos?
If you’re from another country, you might wonder: senior photos are American high school portraits featured in yearbooks, a tradition akin to an early social media in print form. Unlike digital posts, these physical books often last for generations, making professional portraits all the more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Senior & Graduation Photography
Booking & Scheduling Your Session
Q: When is the best time to book a senior photo session in Rochester, MN?
A: The most popular seasons are late spring, summer, and fall. May and June offer lush greenery and blooms, while September and October provide rich autumn colors and beautiful golden light. To meet fall yearbook deadlines, we highly recommend booking your session during the summer before your senior year begins.
Q: How far in advance should I schedule my session?
A: It is best to book 1 to 2 months in advance, especially for sessions during the peak seasons of summer and early fall. My calendar fills up quickly, and booking early ensures you have the best choice of dates and allows ample time for planning outfits, locations, and potential weather rescheduling.
Q: Do you offer last-minute graduation photos or cap & gown sessions?
A: Yes. I offer “cap and gown” mini-sessions in the spring, which are perfect for commemorating your achievement. These can be scheduled on a separate day from the ceremony for a more relaxed experience, and can include family members. Please book at least 2-3 weeks in advance as graduation season is very busy.
Q: What’s your privacy policy?
A: I am asking your parents to sign a model release. That’s a waiver that gives me the authorisation to publish your photos on my website if I want (such as this article, for instance). Your names are never mentioned, so nobody will find your picture by googling your name.
Your Photography Session
Q: What is your photography style?
A: I specialize in two complementary styles to give you a diverse gallery of images. First, we create posed, polished portraits using professional studio lighting for a timeless and creative look. Second, we capture natural, candid “lifestyle” images with softer light that focus on genuine emotion and personality.
Q: How long does a senior photo session last?
A: Session duration depends on your goals. A simple session with one location and outfit can often be completed in one hour. If you want multiple locations and several outfit changes, I recommend booking a two to three-hour session. Great photography is an art that takes time, and we want to ensure we create outstanding images without rushing.
Q: What locations in Rochester do you recommend for senior photos?
A: Rochester offers a wonderful variety of backdrops. Some popular and effective spots include:
- Quarry Hill Nature Center for wooded trails and prairie landscapes.
- Silver Lake Park for beautiful water and bridge shots.
- Downtown Rochester for urban textures, murals, and modern architecture.
- Plummer House for historic charm.
- A Parking Rooftop for a modern environment.
During our preparation call, we will select the perfect locations that match your vision and personality.
Q: What should I wear? Can I change outfits?
A: Yes, multiple outfits are encouraged to add variety! I suggest planning for:
- A Classic or Formal Outfit: Timeless and perfect for the yearbook or for family prints.
- A Casual Look: Something that shows off your everyday style and personality.
- A Personal Outfit: A sports uniform, a band t-shirt, or something related to your favorite hobby.
Send me photos of your planned looks beforehand, and I can advise on what will photograph best.
Q: Can I include props, pets, or family members? A: Absolutely. Props that showcase your hobbies, like musical instruments or sports gear, are highly encouraged. Pets are welcome for a portion of the session (usually 10-15 minutes) to capture some fun, candid shots. Also, feel free to bring props such as high school jerseys (Century, John Marshall, Mayo, or Lourdes) to showcase your school pride.
Q: Can I come with my Parents or Friends
A: Yes, Parents or friends can join briefly for support and to help with props or outfits and can have a few photos if desired.
Q: Can I bring my own Music?
A:Yes, Music helps set the mood: bring your favorite playlist.
Pricing & Packages
Q: What is the cost of a senior photo session?
A: My pricing model is simple and transparent. I charge an hourly rate that includes the photoshoot, my time selecting and professionally retouching the best images, and the full gallery of high-definition, watermark-free digital files. You receive a print release, allowing you to print your photos wherever you choose. Please contact me directly for my current pricing and availability.
Q: How is your pricing different from other photographers?
A: Many studios charge a session fee and then require you to purchase photos or digital files à la carte, which can become expensive. I prefer an all-inclusive model. My hourly rate covers everything, so you know the full cost upfront and receive every great image from our session without having to choose or pay more later.
Q: What is included in your fee? A: The session fee covers:
- Pre-session consultation and planning.
- The photography time on the day of the shoot.
- Professional editing and retouching of the final images.
- A private online gallery with all your high-resolution digital photos, ready for download.
- A full print release.
Q: Do you offer prints?
A: Yes. While you can print your photos locally, I highly recommend ordering through my professional lab partner directly from your online gallery. This guarantees the highest quality color accuracy, paper, and finishes that consumer labs cannot match.
After the Session
Q: How many photos will I receive?
A: The number of photos depends on the length of our session, but my focus is on quality over quantity. For a typical one-to-two-hour session, you can generally expect to receive between 40 and 80 fully retouched, high-resolution images.
Q: How long does it take to get my photos?
A: After the photoshoot, I carefully review all the files and professionally retouch the best images to perfection. This artistic process typically takes about two weeks. Once complete, I will send you a link to your private online gallery.
Q: What kind of retouching do you do?
A: My professional retouching service includes the edition and color correction of the image and basic skin cleaning for a polished, vibrant look. Deep skin smoothing while retaining natural texture, and blemish removal are not included. If you have a specific request, please let me know during our consultation.
Q: Can I share my photos on social media?
A: Yes, please do! I encourage you to share your new portraits online. I only ask that you give credit to “French Touch Photography” when you post.
About French Touch Photography
Q: You’re based in Rochester, MN, but your business is “French Touch Photography.” What is your background?
A: The name reflects my story. I brought my wedding, fashion, and commercial photography experience from Paris, France, to Rochester when my wife began working at the Mayo Clinic. My European background influences my artistic style, blending timeless elegance with authentic, modern portraiture.
Q: Why should I hire a professional photographer instead of using a friend with a nice camera?
A: The difference is quality and experience. A professional not only has superior equipment and technical knowledge but also understands posing, lighting, and how to make you feel comfortable and confident. A senior portrait is often a once-in-a-lifetime event that will be preserved in a yearbook and cherished by your family for generations. My goal is to create stunning images that you will be proud to look back on for years to come.
Q: What is your service area?
A: I am based in Rochester and serve clients throughout southwestern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, Pine Island, Byron, Stewartville, Plainview, St. Charles, Hayfield, Grand Meadow, Chatfield, Preston, Spring Valley, and other surrounding communities.
Conclusion: Book your session with your Photographer for Senior High School Photos Today. Those Portraits are important!
In the end, these senior portraits aren’t just for you. They’ll live on forever in the high school yearbook, and neither your school nor your child wants “just okay” images on those pages.
You don’t want your graduate to look back and feel disappointed, and as a parent, you’ll cherish a stunning, oversized print hanging in your living room for years to come.
Let’s make sure your senior moment is captured with the care, style, and quality it deserves. Contact me today and let’s discuss your next photo session.
