My goal, in every type of session I do, is to make sure that everyone has an easy + stress-free experience. I’m also pretty laid back – which is totally not everyone’s cup of tea and see you Type-A’s and I value you and respect you. The world needs organized people. I used to be one. Okay, okay, okay… I gotta get back on track. Senior sessions are quickly gaining ground as my most favorite thing to photograph. They’re this wide open world of creativity and personal expression and I love that there are literally no rules for what your senior session can look. However, my most successful senior sessions have all had these things in common:
- TRUST – My shooting style is very collaborative and spur of the moment. I draw inspiration from everything that is happening around us – from the textures, to the way the breeze is moving your hair, to the way the light is creating an interesting shadow. I shoot with the end result in mind. Not everyone is used to thinking or working that way so, when you trust that what we’re creating together + what I might ask you to do is to create something beautiful or to best capture your essence + personality, then we are going to have a great session!
- LIGHTHEARTEDNESS – Newsflash: We’re not all professional models. Who knew, right?! It can feel mega-awkward to be in front of a camera + it is totally my job to break that down and to help you feel confident and comfortable. I usually try to put the awkwardness back on myself – I joke, do silly things, trip all the time… but removing a bit of your self-awareness, and knowing that you don’t look silly to me, or even if a pose feels strange, I may be using it to help to create a more flattering angle – this lightheartedness reads on camera + embracing the silly feelings will help produce images that are joyful and radiant – plus, its just a bit more fun when we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
- PREPARATION – There are two sides of self-awareness. One is related more to the ego and feeling embarrassed or silly (refer back to point #2 for my thoughts on that) and the other has to do with knowing yourself and your body. I highly recommend spending some time in front of the mirror and practice some facial expressions. Open up Pinterest and try out some of the looks that catch your eye. In our session, I will help with these things, of course, that’s my job, but I think we can all use a bit of practice in understanding the way we physically express ourselves + our own, unique body language.
- LOCATION – I will always recommend locations. I have my favorites, of course. But, ideally, I want locations to be meaningful to you. I want everything in the image to be an expression of you, your story, your journey, your goals. Places that sweep you away with inspiration or fill you with emotion – these are the best places for us to shoot (regardless if they are “pretty” or not). I’m a firm believer that we can shoot anywhere + you can be wearing anything, and we can still capture stunning photographs.
- ATTITUDE – This is maybe more of a summary but just generally speaking, attitude is everything. If you come into a session with excitement + open-mindedness, we are going to have an incredible time. Having your picture taken does not usually rank high on people’s list of things they like to do, I get it. But, for a few hours, out of your entire life, be open + present. A senior session is really capturing the culmination of your childhood. It’s the bridge to the adult you. Soak it in. Enjoy it. Celebrate it! You deserve this moment!
My session with Taylor (above) was a literal masterclass in how to have an amazing senior session. Actually, all of my Seniors have been amazing! I cannot wait to see what the class of 2021 brings!
Want to see more of my Senior Sessions? You can check them out HERE.
Not sure where to start on Pinterest? Check out my Senior Inspiration Board!