Alivia’s Senior Portaits - Bonneville High School - Class of 2026
Alivia - my adorable niece! Aliva is from Idaho Falls, Idaho, so I was very pleased when Aleesha asked if I could do Aliva’s senior portraits when they came through for a visit. Aleesha is my husband’s sister. Most of our extended family is in Idaho.
I asked Aleesa to go through my galleries to see where Alivia would like to have her photos taken. Alivia is allergic to grasses and pretty much anything green, so I found it ironic they pick a place that had nothing but floral and grasses. Alivia popped her pills for this one!
This session was a family outing and catching up time, so what better way to catch up and take photos at the same time. I can’t have a session these days without a little weather hiccup. We had to take cover briefly for weather, but with the delay, the weather was almost perfect according to me.
This location is always my favorite and looks different every time I go. I am absolutely thrilled with Alivia’s portraits! And grateful for family time.
Mikey - Grandview High School - Class of 2024
Street smarts for Mikey! My only guy session this season to do the Denver walkabout. I love urban sessions; especially with my guys, there’s more photo ops when there are walls, stairs, benches and a place to park your car if you want to have your car in your session. When I held their consultation, Tila (mom) opted for Castle Rock for Mikey’s urban session, that was all fine with me, but I do my due diligence and double check to see if events are happening that might encroach on our session. Castle Rock always have events going on. It turned out that their day had an event happening, so I suggested downtown Denver and OMG, the Denver vibe fit Mikey to a T.
Mikey and Tila were both such a pleasure to spend a few hours with. We chatted about all kinds of stuff and Mikey could hold the conversation too. I love when my senior clients want to talk with me. Mikey was all smiles and made me laugh.
We definitely had a surprise at the end of the session on top of the parking garage for Mikey’s car shoot. We were greeted with BOOBS - a lot of pairs. I had my 16 yr old son with me as my helper too. Poor guys were absolutely uncomfortable. Rightfully so. The boob shoot was for breast cancer awareness coming up for October. We grinned and bared it! Pun definitely intended.
Mikey - Grandview High School - Class of 2024
“Humans recognize effort, and that’s what I do. I give max effort.” - Justin Gaethje.
A quote to start the blog off with. Amy booked Max’s senior portraits with me as a repeat client. I did his big sister, Madeleine’s senior portraits. I hope I remember right, Class of 2022 for Madeleine?! I always appreciate my repeat clients!!! Thank You! Max decided he wanted the urban scene for his portraits. Denver was his top spot. I absolutely love the urban setting for the guys!
I had clients a few weeks before Max’s session, where we were so close to a shooting, yes just around the corner from us at Union Station. I felt like we were in lion or hyena territory, and the gazelles (people) fleeing for safety. I felt I needed to let Amy know the circumstance for Denver. I gave Amy the option to continue on there or elsewhere, but Max really wanted Denver. I mean really, what are the chances? I suggested that we bring a man along to our session for an extra lookout. Her husband was out of town, so my husband (kind of the jungle), with no complaints, tagged along.
I recall a conversation we had at the consultation for Max, about Amy’s upcoming trip to South Africa for a safari, and Max asked if she was scared about the lions, hyenas and zebras, oh my! Sorry no tigers or bears in Africa. Anyway, in our opinion, humans are more scary and dangerous than a lion. I don’t know about a hyena though, humans would be more like a hyena, opportunistic, rip you to sheds if they had the chance, steal from your neighbor kind. Hyenas are Africa’s bullies. Mean people suck! Man, I went on a rant! (sigh emoji) But it is really unfortunate that we have to watch our backs fearing for the proverbial ambush everywhere we go these days.
PSA: Denver is becoming a higher risk location. I will not say “NO” to this location, but extra precautions are needed. Safety is important to all of us involved. Both parents must be there! I love shooting in Denver (with a camera, y’all), but Denver is truly turning into a: Sierra, Hotel, India, Tango HOLE!
I absolutely enjoyed my session with Max and catching up with Amy. Max had an infectious smile and like his sister before him, worked the camera! I loved how Max looked so cool, casual in his layered outfits.
Dylan - Cherokee Trail High School - Class of 2026
Dylan - OMG! I am totally crushing on Dylan’s photos! When everything comes together, it’s like a Chef’s Kiss!
I was very excited to hear from Pamela again for Dylan’s Cherokee Trail High School senior Portraits! I had photographed her older daughter Olivia’s senior portraits back in 2022. I was so pleased they kept me in mind for Dylan.
Dylan’s consultation was a bit more thought proving especially to location. Dylan absolutely wanted the nature scene which knocked out the the Urban/ city location. Pamela inquired about the same location that Olivia had, but had to inform her that, that location wasn’t the same as it was 4 years ago. Location do change year to year and not for the better. They went through my location page and had asked about another location, and unfortunately that location has become a Challenge to get to. I had suggested two other spots that are a bit out of our territory, but are worth the drive. They settled on a spot outside of Morrison.
We had perfect weather and perfect lighting. Timing is everything in photography and we timed it just right.
Dylan was such a pleasure to photograph. He was so easy going and all smiles. Dylan’s outfits fit the scene perfectly and were well thought out. GO MOM!
Portraits vs Lifestyle Photography
You’re searching for the perfect portrait photographer, but you come across a “lifestyle” photographer. What is the difference - and does it even matter? Understanding the difference can help you choose a photographer whose style best fits your vision. I am here to help clients choose the right style for their session - whether it’s for senior portraits or family.
What is Portrait Photography: Portrait photography is intentional, posed and more formal, simple put. The photographer controls the environment with lighting, background and posing. The photographer guides and directs client(s) poses and expressions. A portrait photographer will also focus on clean and timeless composition, background is not the main focus, the subject is. Portraits are often studio-based or carefully chosen outdoor spots which leads your eye to the subject. Editing is often more clean, classic and sometimes dramatic. The ultimate goal for portrait photography is to show the person at their best.
What is a lifestyle Photographer: Lifestyle photographer is candid involving real - life moment and storytelling. A photographer will put emphasis on connection, movement and the environment. If there’s any posing, its loose, but designed to feel natural. Lifestyle captures more of the scene with less emphasis on composition and less of the desired bokeh (blur) that you see more in a portrait. Lifestyle edits are more airy, bright and soft. The ultimate goal is storytelling and relaxed branding.
Okay. Which one is right for you? If you’re a client who wants a polished timeless image, who prefers the photographer to take control of the environment and person in the environment, you simple want a portrait photographer vs a lifestyle who capture real-life moments and connection. The photographer has less control on the environment and the subject(s)
Can you blend the two? Like me, I can blend both styles, depending on the client’s preference. I bring the best of both worlds. You’ll get your posed classics and the candid gold that happens in between.
For example: In a senior session, we might start off with formal shots, then switch to relaxed shots walking downtown.
Choosing the right photographer is about your style and personality. Still not sure which one’s your style? Let’s Chat!
Chloe - Eaglecrest High School - class of 2025
Oooo - Chloe - petals to the metal. When I received Chloe’s booking for senior portraits with the Denver Botanical Gardens - Yes! Yes! Yes! I absolutely love the Gardens for the Girls! Note: I do not make extra off this location. The BG requires a permit to photograph there, and the permit is at the cost of the client. But well worth the extra cost IMO. There are a plethora of spots to shoot. If you want flowers, this is the location!
I loved Chloe’s outfits. Simple, easy, black and white with a splash of her letter Jacket. She looked very feminine and sweet with her bare feet as a NO shoe choice. Birkenstock to walk around in only.
We started our session in sunshine with a down pour in the middle, and clearing skies for the end. The rain made for an ethereal fee. The rain made the ground and vegetation pop.
During our rain break, we talked about our travels. Both of our husbands work for United Airlines.
OMG! I absolutely Love Chloe’s photos!
