Senior Sessions #2: Stories
Like I mentioned in the first Senior Sessions post, "Yes, this photo shoot is about you graduating High School. But it is also a time of expressing yourself and your interests and hobbies. When your friends and family see your prints I want them to say, "That is SO YOU!"'
How do you make it about yourself? How do you show the world who you are right now?
Think of your favorite season. What do you love about it? Bernie loves winter and snowboarding the most. The beautiful sunset over the frozen lake created the most wonderful lighting.
Are you a book lover? An introvert? Extrovert? Ambivert like me? Where you do like to get lost? Where are you when you're not in school? I have been pretty successful in getting into places for photo shoots.
Collin has amazing taste in music and also loved my weirdo ideas.
You are more than welcome to bring someone with you to your shoot. I may even sneak them into a few shots.
If you're a musician I would love to have you bring your instrument! The picture below ended up being part of Collin's Graduation Stationary.
When David told me he loves to work out I had to think a minute then I asked some follow up questions. I found out where he went to the gym and talked to the owner about coming in on a down time so we didn't have to worry about having an audience or being in anyone's way.
Props include jerseys! You may have to ask your Coach to borrow one for your shoot if your school requires you to hand them in. I've known most Coaches to be very accommodating.
I hear from a lot of mom's that their son isn't one to like having his picture taken. A LOT OF MOMS. One of my biggest suggestions is to let me shoot while you set up the next outfit or keep the car running.
I gotta say, my favorite, FAVORITE thing is when I say to someone, "Just trust me." When I see something cool or different or weird as all get out I want a picture of it. Like a decrepit historical building that has an amazing couch from the 70s.
Did you put off your Senior session thinking that the yearbook due date is so far away? EEP! Don't worry. You're not the first and you definitely will not be the last. I have a Rush Fee to speed things up and put you near the top of the pile.
Bring your props. Any props. I love that Sam brought his console control. If you're a gamer, you need your control!
I dream big and I want you to dream B I G G E R! If you tell me that you have an idea about setting your drums up in the woods, well, by golly, I'm gonna cheer you on!
This is a big one. A HUGE one.
Listen.
Be in the picture with your mom. And moms, BE IN THE PICTURE! You are gorgeous and you want to be in this moment.
Gun safety must be practiced at all times, of course. I want all hobbies to be included and accepted. I was a nerd. Or a dork. Or a geek? My friends and I actually called ourselves the Normals, but that's not always what the others thought. If you're in any kind of activities that you want showcased let's talk about how to do that.
Of course, we'll also get a couple shots for the parents and grandparents. The traditional shots for the mantel.
I am so excited to see what your ideas are.
Senior Sessions #1: Tips
Senior Sessions are pretty awesome. For many Seniors this is their first big event in life.
Before I continue, I feel like I should explain that this is for High School Seniors. I actually get asked fairly frequently if I mean senior citizens. That's a completely different kind of shoot!
Perhaps the Senior had a confirmation or baptism, maybe an adoption party, or a Sweet 16 or quinceañera. But for most of the Seniors I've photographed, it's the first time it's all about them!
I'm going to share a few tips along the way through these photos of Tori.
You don't always have to look at the camera! You can be intimate and in your world. Get into what you love and enjoy. I will guide you from the sidelines if I see something, but I bet you know what to do!
Animals are AMAZING and AWESOME and I want to pet them ALL! If you want to include your four legged friends, I am game! Just know that you may need to bring bribes....er, treats...to reward your buddy.
If you know what you're looking for in your portraits tell me! I can keep my eyes peeled for a field of sunflowers. With Tori's sessions, we knew we had to wait for fall to see the giant sunflower heads. I can advise you what would be the best time to schedule a session.
For some of the coolest shots you gotta be willing to walk through a ditch sometimes. It'll be totally worth it. I am known for pulling over on the way to a location because something caught my eye.
Tori's mom Rachel had a great idea for lighting up the runway with votive candles. Bring props! Tell me your ideas even if you think they may be crazy! I like crazy!
Accessories add so much and are a great way to show your personality! Hats, earrings, ties, belts, shoes, you name it. Bring it along!
This outfit thrilled my innards. How cute is this? I always say bring it and let's try it! This screamed "Material Girl" and I just can't.
Bring extra makeup to touch up your look if needed. Powder, gloss or lipstick, a brush, a mirror. This is also a good time to mention having your nails clean, trimmed (not jagged), and have your nails polished or not. If chipped polish is your jam, go for it. Yes, I can see the dirt under fingernails and so can the camera. Hangnails need to go as well. All these tips stand for toes, too. Yes. Toes. You never know when we'll decide that this shot would be awesome barefoot.
If you want to have several themes for different outfits I'm all for it. If you need help that is what I'm for! Your Senior Session has a consultation for things like this!
Fun fact: Neither of the horses seen so far are Tori's. They were actually my friend Nancy's. During one of our consultations horses came up. I asked my friend if we could come shoot at her house and she was happy to have us! It actually created a relationship and Tori started taking lessons from Nancy and the boarded her new horse there! Seriously, I cannot express it enough: Tell me what you're looking for!
Yes, this photo shoot is about you graduating High School. But it is also a time of expressing yourself and your interests and hobbies. When your friends and family see your prints I want them to say, "That is SO YOU!"
It's okay to make faces at me. In fact, I want you to do it! Give me your sweet face, your sassy face, your selfie face!
Wear a formal dress. Get it wet. How fun does that sound?! Incredibly. It's the prom version of a Trash the Dress session in the sense that you're okay with it if something happens to it. Or you want something to happen to it.
If you've got an instrument bring them! Play for me! Bring sheet music to throw everywhere! I know how many hours you've dedicated to practicing, performing, humming tunes in your sleep, and hauling the case everywhere. Might as well bring it along one last time!
Lastly for now, be yourself. Always. I love getting to know my clients and figuring out what makes them laugh, tick, or give me the eye roll.
Next up in this mini series I will feature some male students!
Hannah & Christopher's Maternity Session
I cannot even begin to express my joy for Hannah and Christopher. Baby is their first child together and their children are so excited to meet their new sister. We were thrilled to be able to photograph with beautiful flowers and a gorgeous sunset.
Wedding Session: Tim & Aimee's Big Day!
In October Aimee and I had breakfast and discussed her vision for her wedding day. What really stood out to me was how she and Tim wanted an intimate wedding in their home, surrounded by friends and family. I really loved that. Special details that are customized to their life together. The bond between sisters. And love. Pure love.
Scholar Turns One!
I have known Scholar's mom since elementary school. Ivy is a dear friend of mine. I was honored to do her first born's newborn session, my first newborn session ever. I learned a lot that day.
Now I got to do Scholar's one year session. She was willing to share the spotlight with her three big sisters. Beautiful girls with a very strong bond. I enjoy watching them grow up and their personalities grow.
It was tough to narrow it down, trust me, but here are a few of my most favorite images from that day.