A collection of transformation, identity, and the stories that shape who we become.
THE BOOK of BECOMING
a living collection
When I do a senior photo shoot, I want the parents to look at the photos and say “he’s had that look since he was two!” or “that look is totally from his grandfather” or “that is Justin, right there, you caught my Justin”.
And I especially want Justin to see the photos and recognize himself and his personality. We’ve all had our photo taken when we got the results and questioned whether or not that was really us in the picture. 🙂 When you do Senior Photo Shoots, think “documenting the detailed expressions that tell the story of this person”. You are not there to capture their hobbies and the same smile with changing outfits. You are there to capture the spirit of who they are and the many faces that their spirit has. Does that make sense?
I hope you’re okay if I post this one Justin…:). He’s dating a beautiful girl named Natalie. She was such a sweetie, and I loved her big brown eyes…you could get lost in them. So I had to take a shot with her blurred in the background because I felt like it would make her eyes stand out even more. (Aperture: 2.8)
Another side tip, suggest having the senior bring a parent or friend (or both) with them to help them relax, make them laugh, etc.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:42 am
I love the pics! I hope I can acquire at least 1/8 of your “eye” within my journey. Great background!!! You must have been up early this morning if I am reading this in DC at 8:30am. Have a great day!
January 10th, 2008 at 6:44 am
LOVE that one with Natalie in the background…really different!
January 10th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Great timing, I have a senior photo shoot this Sunday. (In FREEEZING weather. Yikes!) Thanks!
Now how about that engagement shoot at the Getty? I can’t wait to see it!
January 10th, 2008 at 7:34 am
in the first couple of shots, did you use an ‘action’? if so, could you let me know which one… i LOVE the look…
January 10th, 2008 at 8:55 am
i love the picture that focuses more on the eye! just stunning work! love it as usual!
January 10th, 2008 at 8:56 am
i love the second shot of his right eye! i see so much in that picture.
mera…i loved how you put capturing the different faces in senior shoots. you put it perfectly!
January 10th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Thank’s for this post. I’ve been thinking about doing Senior/highschool pictures. It’s a great business opportunity becuase there are so many of them 😉
You get great referrals once they show thier pictures off, they are so much fun to work with and are open to getting really creative shots!
January 10th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Me Ra!
How fun to see Justin’s pictures on your blog and to see everyone’s comments! We love them sooooo much. You have really captured who Justin is!
You are amazing!!!!!
Thanks again! 🙂
Sue
January 10th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Seniors are great to work with and so much fun. Great tips!
January 10th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Could you tell me where I’d go to find out the workshops you have scheduled for this year? I’m eager to see if I could beg my husband for one too.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Great tips!
Is it wrong that I am addicted to your blog??? 🙂
January 10th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Thanks you guys for all the comments! I’m so glad you liked this post. Senior sessions are so fun and in some ways easier than family shoots. You should try it for sure if you’re thinking of portraits!
Here’s answers to the different questions asked in today’s comments.
Gina–there wasn’t an action on these shots. I just adjusted the Levels in Photoshop for a little more color saturation. I also added some vingette affects when the image was still in a RAW format.
Alissa, for workshop info, go to http://www.refusetosaycheese.com. We would LOVE to have you at one of our upcoming workshops!
Michelle! I’m so glad you’re addicted! 🙂 You’re so great!
January 10th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Me Ra,
Thank you for such great tips! I am just getting ready to do my first session with a senior, and you gave me some great ideas! You have amazing timing!
Sara
January 11th, 2008 at 10:36 am
love this post!
January 14th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
MeRa,
So, I logged on to your site to see what’s new and realized that I know Justin! You did such a great job taking his photographs (as I am sure you did with Brittany’s wedding)! I wish you were around when I was a senior in high school (10 years ago!).
Angie
May 16th, 2008 at 7:22 am
Ephedra….
Ephedra….
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