Samuel - Elevation high school - 2025
Samuel - right on task. Sam’s mom, Teresa booked a senior session in January. When I spoke to Teresa on the phone for Sam’s consultation, location was top priority, especially in January. I admit, I steer clear of nature location this time of year - It’s just not pretty. So, I always suggest the urban setting, but Sam didn’t want my tradition locations for his shoot. I suggested a library. Sam and Teresa really liked that idea. Teresa suggested the Denver Library. I am born and raised in Colorado and have never stepped foot in the Denver Library. They decided to do the last half of the session outside around the capital building and city Park.
I was absolutely crushing over Samuel’s outfits. Way to go MOM! Yes, I like my kiddos dressing the part. He looked so sharp, classy and timeless. No trends here. I always appreciate the thoughtfulness and planning when it comes to clothing. Sam asked me if I felt inspired by clothing. I said, “Yes and no.” I can be uninspired by clothing choices. Clothing can make or break the image.
Well, once outside, we felt the chill in the air. Samuel was a trooper walking around in just a light jacket. Me, I dress like a burnt marshmallow ( black snow gear).
I love Samuel’s Images! Teresa and Sam were so pleasant to work with. everything flowed nicely from beginning to end.
Max - GHS - 2025
“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.
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!
Ashley - Grandview High School - Class of 2025
Porter and Ashley - double shooting in the city. Porter’s mom, Lisa, booked Porter and Ashley’s session with downtown Denver for their location. Denver has a lot of goodies as far as spots to shoot, so I give clients plenty of time to do our “walkabout” and with two of them, we definitely needed the time.
So who’s shooting who in Denver. Literally, I’m shooting my client’s with a (camera), while someone else is shooting others with a gun. Seriously, just around the the corner from us, 8 or more rounds go off. We all stopped and paused thinking it was fireworks until we saw a bunch of people flee from around the corner, then you realize.
With that, our session was shot short. I never cut my client’s short on time and Porter really wanted his car with Denver in the Background. So, not only did we get nervous with the shooting situation, the pistachio Ice-cream had turned (weather) on us. RAIN!
I rescheduled another session with Portrer and Ashley to get their time in and shots with Porter’s car. Denver wasn’t an option at this point, so I suggested Castle Rock with one of their cool parking garages, yeah, it’s not Denver, but pretty sweet for second best.
I loved how Porter and Ashley coordinated their clothing! They are such a sweet couple and loved hearing how the meet.Porter is at EHS, and Ashley at GHS. I had great conversation with them and Porter’s parents. They were such a dream to work with.
PSA: Go with your gut. Be aware of your surrounding at all times. Hard to do when you have a camera in your face.For Denver shoots, I will bring a second person to be my look out. I was very grateful Porter’s dad was there with us, HE MADE THE CALL. Always look at people, make eye contact. Don’t have your face in your phone every moment, that makes you an easy target. Know your exit plan.
Hannah -Chaparral High School - Class of 2025
Hotel. Alfa. November. November. Alfa. Hotel. Hannah, my sky girl. When Hannah’s mom booked and put airplanes down on the intake form, I was keeping my fingers crossed for another airplane shoot. Ka-ching, easiest consultation ever! Yankee. Echo. Sierra.- airplane and girly time!
Sierra. Hotel. India. Tango - we have turbulence ahead. I meet Stephen (the owner of the plane) at Centennial Airport an hour before the scheduled session to figure out plane placement. The pistachio ice- cream had already turned, but the session needed to go on. Stephen and I thought maybe an indoor session with all the nice expensive jets would be a nice option, and we had access to it. Hannah wanted her session outdoors . . . cancellation ahead . . . down pour! My client’s all showed up on time for their session, but our chat was to figure out our next reschedule date.
No extra fees with Stephen! He was so awesome and very flexible with his plane and scheduling. Our next shoot started out iffy with the weather. We did have a short weather delay, but managed to get a 90+ minute session in. For our patience, we were rewarded with a rainbow and an awesome moody sky at the end.
Hannah was so, Foxtrot. Unicorn. November. to shoot. She went with the flow and popped out her own ideas and worked that camera!
Carston - Cherokee Trail High School - Class of 2025
Carston - cruisin’ his session, ROUTE 66 style. Carton’s my first born and it’s hard to believe he’s graduating HS. Wow, class of 2025. Since Carston was born, I have been snapping photos of him and it progressively got worse as he got older and even worse than that after I got my first DSLR camera in 2015. He has been my test subject for studio projects and location scouting. Carston’s very photogenic, so its not unwanted to have him as a subject. He is a guy and I would safely say, 8 out of 10 of my guys don’t care to have their photos taken and it’s mostly for the moms, me being one of those moms..
Carston has been photographed in many Colorado location, so I wasn’t too inspired to pick a spot for his senior portraits in the Denver area or anywhere in Colorado. And Carston was definitely unmotivated.
Carston is into vintage, old things and has quite the camera collection. I came up with the plan for Tulsa, OK (long story as to why I picked Tulsa) for his senior portraits. Carston perked up to that idea.
I compiled my list of must stops a month before our June trip. When we arrived, I was a bit overwhelmed with my list, but in the end we did a majority of our spots. We started out early the first morning to out first spot in downtown Tulsa and oh, my, it was amazing. NO PEEPS. The spot was better in person and it got me going for our next spots. Tulsa has a plethora of these hidden gems for portraits. I found it more appealing than Denver. I wish I could take all my urban/city kids here.
While I don’t disclose my exact spots, I did major research and a lot of Google - earthing to find these locations. I found a 50’s decor wall in the heart of Tulsa. The vintage sign of the Dancing Ballroom, an antique store, gas station and mural wall in Sapulpa. And one of my favorite spots, an old door in downtown Tulsa. This location was perfect for Carston.
In the end, I was so glad we made this trip for Carston. I enjoyed my time with all three of my boys. It was a sightseeing trip, too. Carston is still the worst client ever (put rolling eye and cheesy grin emoji here). Proud Mamma!
This will always be one of my favorites of Carston - on our way to the summit of Humboldt Peak. 09/2020
Mt biggest adventure with Carston - hike to the Summit of Mt St Helens 07/2018
My most epic trip with Carston - Lofoten, Norway - 06/2022
My farthest trip with Carston - Australia 05/2015
Rylee’s senior portraits Rangeview High School - Class of 2024
Rylee - 21st century Mona Lisa, Goddess . . . with a smile! Rylee’s grandma, Bobby contacted me for senior and graduation photos for Rylee. Rylee never got her photos done, so this was a gift for Rylee from grandma.
I spoke with Bobby on the phone for Rylee’s consultation and she said she had no idea where they would like to have her grad/senior portraits done. Being that it was the beginning of May, and the trees are not fully out, I suggested the DU campus. I had done a graduation shoot there before so I was familiar with the grounds. Bobby was so excited for that idea and Rylee, too! And it was fitting, it’s a studious look. If you have never been to the DU campus, It’s gorgeous! I was so excited they were excited for this location.
Bobby asked if I could get a photo of her with Rylee in her cap & gown. And that was an absolute YES! Bobby is like a mother to Rylee even though she is her grandmother. Bobby’s husband, Rylee’s grandfather had passed away a couple of years ago and obviously couldn’t be there for Rylees’ big milestone. Bobby had another ask of me and that was to see if I could put a photo of her husband in with her and Rylee. I was happy to work on this project. But this project need to be done before Rylee’s graduation. Bobby wanted to have this printed for her graduation. This was not too much to ask! It worked out so smoothly and I was told Rylee was in tears when presented with the photo! When my peeps are happy, I am happy! And I am very proud of how that image turned out. Their words, “It’s Like he’s right there.”
Rylee’s pink dress was a welcoming contrast to her black hair. The black dress complimented her hair and made those Nike’s pop. I LOVE black, but I’ll take the color, too!!! Rylee had a tattoo of her dad’s birthday, so I always make sure to get those meaningful aspects into the photo.
Rylee and Bobby were so easy to work with from beginning to end. I had nice chats with Rylee as we went along. I love when clients talk to me and ask me questions too.
Their words, “It’s Like he’s right there.”
Lillian’s senior portraits Grandview High School - Class of 2025
Lillian - what a doll! At Lillian’s consultation, she wanted the natural look for her photos. Early this summer I came across a new location in the Littleton area. I suggested this location to them according to their wants. I love this location. The lighting is in the right direction in relation to the subject with the trees, paths and creek. It will go on to serve me well for a few more client’s seeking the some look this season .
With all that first being said, we didn’t have much sun, in fact we had intermittent light rain half way through the session. It was doable and we kept going. It wasn’t the glow-y look I was hoping for, but Lillian’s photos turned out gorgeous anyway. This is a location that isn’t easy to reschedule, so we went until the rain said “times up.” I loved Lillian’s outfits - the pop of blue made her standout and the green gave it that monochromatic look.
Lillian was a pleasure to work with under the weather circumstances.
Jack senior portraits Eaglecrest High School - class of 2025
Jack - all smiles! At Jack’s consultation, Jack wanted the natural scenery, so we went through my list of locations and Jack and family settled on a location near Castle Rock. This was a new location for me and new locations can be intimidating. This location was more exposed to direct sunlight to the subject, so by scouting it out, I had ideas and my plan on where to place jack. I couldn’t be happier with how Jack’s photos turned out for this new spot. I actually love this spot! It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more rugged look without going far to get it.
The whole family came to Jacks session, even little brother, who was so freaking adorable - talking to me after the session about science stuff. Loved it! I always welcome families. Mom and dad can sometimes get their child to relax a bit by engaging with them, thus capturing those candid smiles.
I absolutely enjoyed my session with Jack! Jack was sweet as pie and engaging! I chatted with mom and dad about recent and upcoming vacations.
Sage - Cherokee Trail High School - class of 2025
Sage - girly time with this young lady! Sage knew exactly what she wanted for her portraits. She wanted the natural, tall grass look. At her consultation, I gave them some suggestion for spots with grass. In the end, she chose her spot in the Castle Rock area.
After a run of guy session (hey, I Love my guys), I got my first girl of the season. Yes, I live vicariously through the moms. I am a boy mom, so I love the hair, shoes and all things girly once in a while. Sage brought a few outfit changes which we captured beautifully. The light was perfect, and not always at this location. We lucked out on this day, so our session went a bit longer than expected.
We had to work around a couple of other session going on, but really, it flowed pretty nicely. Locations look different year to year depending on rain and the lack thereof, so the grass was not what I was hoping for - a little dry, like most places this year. You get what you get.
I absolutely enjoyed my time with Sage and Meredith! Sage was so easy and enjoyable to photograph. They were both so easy to work with from beginning to end.
Dax’s senior portraits Whitesboro High School, Texas - Class of 2025
Dax - make it all high altitude for this kid! A kid coming up from Texas - not just any kid, this kid is my nephew. While I headed south to photograph my son in Tulsa, OK in June, my nephew heads north to have photos done with me in Colorado.
I wanted Dax’s photos to be epic. I had some spots I though might be great to try out on him. While I don’t disclose specific locations, I had a couple of mountain locations that featured a 14er or a lake with some gorgeous mountain views in the background. Ultimately, it came down to what they wanted and they wanted Rocky Mountain National Park and Red Rocks. I get it, coming from Texas, these are iconic and photogenic spots. So let’s kill two birds with one stone. Dax’s stepmom and girlfriend have never seen RMNP and his girlfriend had never been to Colorado, so this makes all the sense to see these two locations and do portraits at the same time.
Well, lucky for them, I have spent a lot of time at RMNP and knew of a few good spots. For our first spot, we headed to Morraine Park and found a great spot with absolutely no peeps, just a lot of flies. Our second spot, we headed to Bear lake, mostly because my sister-in-law and Kendall have not seen RMNP , and I had the reservation to get us there. Our last spot was up to Trail Ridge Road, for the epic 14er (Longs Peak) in the background along with weather and wildfire smoke.
For Dax’s second location, they wanted RR. Since it’s concert season, Red Rocks proper wasn’t an option for portraits, but I know of great spot where you can get the whole venue in the background and that’s where we headed for Dax’s second location.
I am super happy with Dax’s photos, even though it’s not what I envisioned, but its not about my vision, it’s about theirs and I am grateful I was able to photograph my nephew in his dad’s home state and have some family time.
Ethan - Grandview High school - 2025
Ethan’s session - peace and quiet. Ethan wanted to be in nature for his session unlike his brother before him who was all about the city. The locations I use are ever changing and don’t accommodate what the clients is looking for any longer, so I am always scouting out spots even when I was there a year before. So, after much consideration, Ethan chose his special spot. Again, to my surprise the location Ethan picked now requires a reservation which I wasn’t aware of until I pulled up. Luckily I got there way before EARLY and diverted my client’s to my parent’s house where they parked and we were shuttled in by my bother who was visiting at the time. To our advantage, the bike paths were closed off. This made our session flow easily. It’s so nice when you don’t have to constantly look out for bikers. We had this spot to ourselves. Not one other peep came by. It was literally peace and quiet. The only thing we heard was me yelling over the Cherry Creek.
I enjoyed my evening with Ethan. I had a nice chat with mom and dad too! The weather wasn’t perfect, but it all worked out.
Mikey’s senior portraits 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 beAred it! Pun definitely intended.
Picking your perfect LOCATION
How to pick your outfits for your Senior Session GUYS and GIRLS
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Kristin’s senior portraits Grandview High School - class of 2024
You had me at HAIR! I am a mom of three boys, so when I have girls to photograph, I photograph vicariously through them. I love all the clothing, shoes and hair. Don’t get me wrong, I love shooting my guys, too, but I love being girly every once in a while. Kristin was very girly, given she plays hard in the dirt, she’s a softball player at Grandview High School, another reason I enjoyed Kristen. We had softball in common.
Jaime (mom) and Kristin came over for their consultation and they knew exactly where they wanted Kristin’s shoot done, downtown Denver. I admit, I hate driving downtown, but I could shoot there for every shoot if I had to. I love the urban look and Denver has a plethora of great spots!
Shoot day- per usual for this summer, an afternoon storm was rolling in. I’ve been trying not to have the knee jerk reaction with the weather like I have had in the past, where I rescheduling a shoot with the sight of a cloud in the sky with fear that it will turn on us. How many times have I rescheduled only to have it clear up and be perfect, many times before. We decided to head for the shoot with the expectation that it will pass and all will be bright and sunny. Well, we managed to park and got out of our cars and then about an hour into our session, it started to pour on use. Luckily we all had our large umbrellas. It’s always such a bummer when this happens, because now we all have to figure out schedules and at this point there’s little room to spare for dates. But between the first and second shoot, I came across another cool photo spot for Kristin to try out on. It was so worth coming back for.
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How to choose your perfect Location
Emerson’s senior portraits - Grandview High School - class of 2024
Run, Emerson, Run! Pace yourself with this delightful young lady . . . a cross country and track athlete at GHS. Emerson opted for a Track and Field session at Legacy Stadium to showcase her sport. Any time an athlete wants to showcase their sport, I try to encourage them to be in their element. If it’s on the court or on the field, let’s show that off. Incorporating a sport with a traditional session can be unnatural looking and tricky. It’s like sticking a cactus on top of a mountain, it can be very weird! So, I was ecstatic when Emerson was willing to take on the ‘Climb the fence’ for her shoot on the track. Turns out, Emerson’s track shoot was scheduled on the same day as a football camp was going on. Katy (mom) and I decided to wait it out and it was so worth the wait and we didn’t have to scale the fence to get in. We had a perfect evening for her shoot. All the football peeps moved out fairly quickly and we had the place to ourselves! We did have to climb the fence on our way out, though.
Emerson’s traditional shoot was held in Evergreen for the natural, mountain scenery look she wanted. With natural settings, I come with a truck load of props for variety. Katy brought Emerson a bouquet of real sunflowers and they added a special touch to her photos. Emerson claimed she wasn’t a hat person, but for sh!Ts and giggles, I had her try one on, and OMG, she looked stunning! The hat even mad her dad (Scott) gasp.
Emerson is genuinely a sweet young lady. I enjoyed my two session with her and getting to know the rest of the Rohrig Family. They were all so patient and helpful during the session. I also love when my client’s can chat with me a bit, too.
