Dana Smith 7/30/25 Dana Smith 7/30/25

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.

Dana Smith 7/18/25 Dana Smith 7/18/25

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.

Dana Smith 7/18/25 Dana Smith 7/18/25

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.

Dana Smith 7/13/25 Dana Smith 7/13/25

Leighton - Cherokee Trail High School - Class of 2026

Leighton - what a doll! Seriously, this young lady with her perfect skin, blue eyes and perfectly styled hair. YES! Stephanie booked Leighton’s senior portrait session with me in late June for the Hudson Garden’s location. Their consultation was straight forward and easy, they new their location and they already had outfits in mind.

The session went flawlessly except for a little camera malfunction right at the beginning of our photo session. I am no good at trouble shutting under pressure. They were patient with me and we did have extra time since both of us showed up early. All was good in the end!

Leighton and Stephanie were both such a pleasure to work with. We did time the weather perfectly. We started an hour early, working around thunderstorms that day.

The whole process was easy and straight forward. I am so happy with Leighton’s photos!

Dana Smith 5/26/25 Dana Smith 5/26/25

Location. Location. Location. Choosing the prime spot.

Choosing a portrait can be a little thought provoking. Here are my thoughts to get you in the right spot. I provide a plethora of different location to fit you personality and interests in the Denver area and beyond. You don’t have to take my suggestion. It’s your shoot and I shoot any spot. One location does not fit all. So think about this:

YOUR PERSONALITY - are you artistic, athletic, casual, nature lover, urban skateboarder, goth chic, outdoors man, studious, whatever it is, location can reveal you. Here are some examples:

. City Slickers: rooftop garages with a sweet view, mural walls, urban streets

. Artistic: Graffiti walls, galleries, art museums, architectural buildings, record stores, streets with signs

. Studious: Library, bookstores

. Nature Lover: Mountain scenery, parks, botanical gardens

. Athletic: school stadium, track fields.

MATCHING THE MOODS TO THE OUFIT(S) - what do I mean? I mean, make sure the background complements your outfits and does not clash. For example: you’re dressed in a suit and tie or you’re into fashion, but want a natural backdrop. Suit and tie (dress clothing, fashion) exudes, a business profession. This may not fit the natural scene appropriately and maybe urban is just the scene.

Okay, have you heard of juxtaposition? We can apply that to photographs and portraits if done with thought and intent. If not, then it can clash.

A juxtaposition for example: you love to 4x4 but you live in the city. Maybe a Jeep on a rooftop with a view? Or, you’re a cowboy with that awesome hat, jeans and boots, but you live in the city. BOOM! Juxtapose that!

. If you’re more bold, edgy, gritty, maybe urban, industrial, graffiti walls backdrop would fit the mood more appropriately

. If your mood is more soft pastels, flow- y, maybe floral (botanical) gardens, golden hour, natural backdrops would set the scene better.

SENTIMENTAL SPOTS: These are spots that mean something to you - your backyard, favorite hangout, your high school, or even a childhood playground. This can add authenticity and real emotion to your portraits.

My son for example: he loves old cars, vintage and antiques, so I found it fitting to take him to Tulsa, for a Route 66 theme. Now, I know most people do not have the luxury or time for a destination shoot, but it worked for us and he engaged more than if I had popped him in environment that didn’t mean anything to him. You can read his blog here : Carston Smith

And of course, TIMING IS EVERYTHING in portraits and all genres of photography - LIGHTING! Mid day reveals harsher light, but can be more dramatic and edgier. Golden Hour ( an hour or so before sunrise and sunset) reveals a warmer, more flattering glow. Again. what is your style and personality?

In conclusion, location is mostly everything to your senior portraits. If you’re not a nature person, but pick a natural backdrop, it may not translate to your personality, interest and vibe. DON’T forget about juxtaposition. This is where brainstorming and creativity come in to play. After all, you’re hiring a professional, so utilize that and come up with something non-traditional and really let your personality shine through.

Dana Smith 5/20/25 Dana Smith 5/20/25

Angelina - Elevation High School - class of 2025

Double the pleasure with these two lovelies! Look at them, they’re gorgeous and adorable inside and out. Marina booked their session in January for their senior portraits and again for their graduation portraits in April. So, not only did I get twins , I got two sessions with them! Marina wanted their senior portrait location at the Botanical Gardens. We didn’t even have to discuss this at their consultation. I have never been to the gardens during the winter months, but I knew we didn’t need all the botanical to get awesome shots there. The Gardens is dream location. Boy, were we lucky with our scheduled date - 65 degrees with a chance of clouds. The girls got to don their sun dressing in January.

It’s hard to write words to describe this session - everything went to smoothly from booking to final gallery presentation. I did get to use my new Nikkor 85mm lens on the girls session, too. Man, that is a sweet piece of glass. Just look at those photos. Shape as a tack.

I loved the girls style - loved the coordination of their outfits, even though they’re not identical twins, they went so well together in style, smiles and personalities. And their hair - just loved it! I was absolutely thrilled they got to wear their dresses - they went so well with the surroundings. A splash of color goes a long way. They nailed it. They even got to wear the ballerina tutus without freezing their thules off.

The whole family came along, and what a perfect day to bring dad, too. Its great to see when families can make family time even during a session. After their session, I couldn’t wait for their graduation session. That’s a whole other blog.

Dana Smith 4/30/25 Dana Smith 4/30/25

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Choosing the right photographer for you

Picking a photographer ain’t no nursery rhyme. Every photographer will think they are worthy of your business. This is our business and how we make money. To my dismay, I am not the fairest of them all (wink and sigh emoji here). We are worthy to some and not others. We all don’t like Ford’s, we want a Chevy. Choosing the right photographer for you comes down to 3 things: Style, Vibe and Budget.

These days, Google puts a photographer on every street corner practically, so go to Starbucks on the opposite corner and sit down for a search.

STYLE CHECK! Every photographer has his or her own style or vibe. Look through portfolios and ask:

. How is the overall images? What you see is what you will get. If you like tradition, but the photographers style is Bright and Airy, not the photographer for you even if the price is right.

. Do you like their editing style: dark and moody, light and airy, tradition and vibrant or all natural. This goes with overall image. Don’t ask a photographer to photography or edit based on your style. Photographers build up their clientele with that particular style. Again, if the photographer is in your price range, but not you style, move on.

. Are the photos too posed, too candid? This is definitely a photographers comfort zone. Posing is difficult to master. And if not posed correctly can make the subject look award and uncomfortable. Keeping your subject engaged and flowing in a session can prove to be challenging and uncomfortable also. Many clients do not feel comfortable being asked to walk around, skip and twirl for those candid shots. Every client is different, so get a feel for each one.

. Can you see yourself in their photos? If their work isn’t exciting to you, look on…

VIBE CHECK - even though you may not know the photographer before had, get to know them through: reviews, social media or a phone call to see if there’s a connection.

. Review the reviews. FYI: just because one photographer has 100 reviews vs one with 10 doesn’t mean Jack! And doesn’t automatically make them better than the next. Review are acquired differently from photographer to photographer. Incentives are a way for some photographers to gain their multitude of reviews.

. Follow us on social media - we don’t bite. We would like to follow back. Personally, this is great way to pick up on your vibe.

. Old school phone call - a quick call for questions and concerns can set the tone. Tone being, is there pressure?

Google

MONEY, MONEY . . . MONEY! Know your budget and what’s included.

In this day and age the word “transparent” is a fine word! WE ALL LIKE TRANSPARENCY.

Ask what’s included in the pricing:

. Clothing or (outfit changes). In my opinion, clients should bring and wear what they choose, but keep in mind clothing changes take time, so if you have an hour session with multiple changes, you’ve cut your session time in half.

. How many locations? How long is the Session? You really need search this one out. When a photographer says: ‘three location’ for 2 hours. Is that three driving location and is that possible with the time allotted, or is it three separate spot in a “location” where you walk to. There’s a difference. So ask that question if you’re unsure.

. Do you get digital images, prints or both? Most everyone is social these day, so digital is the way to go. And all photographers (I think) go digital. Prints are always available through the photographer or on your own.

. Is editing and special edits included? Editing is where the jam meets the peanut butter. Editing is a whole other skill and takes years to master. This can make or break a photographer. Editing is a whole other blog post. Editing can be the most time consuming for a photographer - it take time and effort to create the finished product. There are always distraction and skin issues when it come to portraits. To make a photo a true portrait we have to tackle these issues. Does the photographer charge extra for removals that matter most in the portrait?

. Some of use like a la cart, others like to be more inclusive. Today, especially for me, I like transparency. I want to know what it will cost me upfront. I don’t like surprises. A la Carte is pay as you go, get what you want, Not what the photographers wants you to believe you want (packages).

Don’t just look at price - look at the value

portrait pricing

Dana Smith 4/16/25 Dana Smith 4/16/25

Josh’s senior Portraits Arapahoe High School - Class 0f 2025

Josh - ready to crack that bat! Debbie booked Josh’s session for March, which is completely off season, when scenery is concerned. Debbie asked where a good place to go this time of year. If it’s not an urban setting, then Red Rocks is probable the best. November - March is a perfect time. No concerts and greenery isn’t the main focus, Red Rocks is!

On the phone consultation, Debbie was specific on her expectations for Josh’s photos. I really appreciated this. This gave me perspective and clarity. In the end I knew what not to do and there was a couple of spots they did not favor, which is totally fine. I never take offense, because what I like doesn’t always coincide with the client. And the client gets what they want! Debbie asked question like I would ask question. Lets face it, finding a photographer is daunting these days with a photographer on every street corner. I want my clients to know exactly what they are getting.

The whole family came minus their daughter. The Lew’s were all so nice and friendly and patient . . . I kind of took them on the scenic route to get to one of our spots. A unnecessary detour, but it all worked out. I wanted to ask Josh more about his baseball, but I’m not a multitask-er and get too focused (pun intended) with a camera in my face.

I am so stickin’ happy with Josh’s final photos!

Dana Smith 3/6/25 Dana Smith 3/6/25

TJ - Rangeview High School - 2025

TJ - the sound of music. Jenny booked TJ’s senior portraits with me in November. When I spoke with Jenny on the phone for TJ’s Consultation, there was a clash of opinions amongst the Tinsly Clan. TJ wanted the nature scene, while Jenny wanted the Urban. I really did task Jenny’s side; especially this time of year, and I just love urban for guys. But everyone needs to be happy. I suggested Red Rocks which never come up on there end. Red Rocks has a very short window, but being in November, It was perfect timing with concert season closing for the year. TJ plays the acoustic guitar, so even more fitting to do Red Rocks.

My mom was my helper on this session and boy did we all have fun! My mom talks and teases in good fun which loosened up my subject, while my usual helper is less engaging. The pistachio ice-cream (weather) turned quickly on us from full sun to clouds. In the end, the clouds were a great cover and made for fantastic photos.

I absolutely enjoyed my session with TJ. He made a great subject and he has made it on my home page!

Keep rockin’, TJ

Dana Smith 2/6/25 Dana Smith 2/6/25

Mickala - Cherokee Trial High School - class of 2025

OMG! Sweet Mickala - just looking at her, you get a high of sweetness! That smile did not come off this sweet thing’s face for 2hrs. Alina and Mickala came just around the corner for an in-person consultation. They live in walking distance from my house. I always love meeting my client’s before the session. This way we build that initial rapport.

Mickala without a doubt wanted fall foliage. So, I suggested a great spot in the Littleton Area. They booked their session for the end of September with the expectation we would shoot October. My awesome mom did reconnaissance for me before their session. With the trees barely turning, we pushed their session into October. With CTHS’s deadline looming and my fall break excursion, we had to get the session in regardless of peak colors. The weather was absolutely perfect.

Mickala asked me at the consultation if I could do less blur (bokeh) in the photos and more of the scene in focus. I admit, that request was a bit out of my comfort zone; specifically for portraits, this isn’t my style of portrait photography, buy I told her would do my best to get some without the blur. Yes, there are trends in photography. Apparently this was one of them.

I am so happy with how Mickala’s images turned out. Alina and Mickala both got what they wanted. I absolutely loved Mickala’s look - I’ll call it, bohemian goth.

Dana Smith 1/16/25 Dana Smith 1/16/25

Max - GHS - 2025

“Humans recognize effort, and that’s what I do. I give max effort.” - Justin Gaethje.

Dana Smith 12/17/24 Dana Smith 12/17/24

Porter - Eaglecrest 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.

Dana Smith 12/3/24 Dana Smith 12/3/24

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!

Dana Smith 11/17/24 Dana Smith 11/17/24

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

Dana Smith 10/31/24 Dana Smith 10/31/24

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.

Dana Smith 9/20/24 Dana Smith 9/20/24

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.

Dana Smith 9/14/24 Dana Smith 9/14/24

Christopher’s Senior Portraits Cherokee Trail High School - class of 2025

Christopher’s session - got that rocky mountain high. Heather came to me in late spring to book Christopher’s session for late July. July is a perfect time to do senior portraits for lot’s of reasons, but one being time. In my blog: ‘How to pick the perfect Location’, is, does the location have special meaning to you? I don’t get these very often, but the Gianella’s wanted their special location in Estes Park at their cabin. In that special location was another special spot for Christopher.

I will admit, the two clients I’ve had with a ‘special location’ have probably been my hardest, just because I am not familiar with the location. New and unexpected locations have their challenges: Lighting for one. What direction is my main light source coming from, and in that directional light, how do I place my subject with compositional value and interest? These are issues I can figure out by scouting out the area before hand. This was not a location I could easily get to for a quick scout out. So, I had to figure it out with a quick walk through before our session.

I absolutely love how Christopher’s photos turned out! I love the touch of the aviator glasses and the ball cap chilling on his cabin deck. And I am pleased I was able to capture him on his very special spot within a special location.

We had time, weather and we were in between plumes of forest fire smoke( clearer skies). We had the most perfect time. July 29th, senior portrait session done. Now we can focus on school check- in and relax a bit until school starting. When I say “we”, I got my son’s portraits done in June. GO us! Christopher has grown into a wonderful young man. He had such a nice smile and was fantastic subject to work with. He was flexible to my suggestion, and our little chats are always a plus too! Congrats on your SENIOR YEAR!

Dana Smith 2/6/24 Dana Smith 2/6/24

Hadden - East High School - Class of 2024

Oh, this was a special session, because he is the son of one of my closest high school friends. Alison and I have known each other since Jr high school. We played softball and volleyball together, playing the same positions. Our competition hasn’t kept us apart though. The only difference with us is, is she’s blond and left-handed.

We are Columbine Rebels, CLASS of 1993, So to be able to do Hadden’s senior portraits 31 years later is pretty darn cool. And cool Hadden is, he’s got Alison’s charm, athleticism and politeness about him, oh and his smiles! Hadden has great respect for his mother from what I can see, and can see they make a great duo.

Alison and Hadden had in their minds that they wanted to go more on the nature side for his portraits. I had scouted a couple of location, but in the end they decided on Central Park, because it was a spot Hadden could related to and had some meaning to him. This is one thing to consider when choosing a location, is it a special spot to you? I want my Client’s and friend’s to be happy with their spot, but I admit I was intimidated with this location, why, SUN, SUN, SUN all day long…I be like a vampire and retreat with the sight of SUN! And the location was natural with a touch of urban, but not urban enough to call urban. With the layout of the park, I felt it be a great spot for a morning (sunrise) spot, but going for sunrise can be a horrible idea to some when your photographer wants to start even before the sun is awake. Direct sun in portraits is very harsh and distraction. I shoot with OCF regularity, but my comfort zone is evening time with less of the direct sun. I had to gear up and put my camera straps on and go for it.

I am beyond thrilled with how the lighting and my subject turned out! I really had to over power the sun on this session and the lighting was perfect! And we even got Ruby in for a few shots.

If you would like to book a session CLICK HERE

How to pick your perfect LOCATION

What to wear for your senior portrait session BOYS and GIRLS

Dana Smith 1/17/24 Dana Smith 1/17/24

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.

If you would like to book a session Schedule/ Booking

How to choose your perfect Location

What to wear for GIRLS and GUYS

Dana Smith 1/13/24 Dana Smith 1/13/24

Brevin’s senior portrats Cherokee Trail High School - Class of 2024

Alright, alright, alright… you had me at airplanes! When I got Sophia’s booking for Brevin and the initial questionnaire read, “Brevin loves to fly airplanes,” I was hoping this would be another Centennial Airport shoot! Why? Because the Smith Family loves to fly airplanes. I was a United Airlines flight attendant for 9 years, the best job I ever had, aside from being a photographer of course!. My husband is a pilot for United Airlines. So, when I made the call to Sophia for Brevin’s consultation she informed me she wanted one of his 2 shoots at Centennial. Yes! Yes! Yes! Now, when we talked about clothing, I got the initial, “he wants to wear a tee-shirt and pants or shorts.” I kind of cringed, I admit. I met with them at Centennial one afternoon before one of his training flights and had a chat with both on where to do the photo shoot at Centennial and clothing. For me, I always consult on clothing, but ultimately, its up to the client what they want to wear. But I was envisioning something along the lines of a professional attire, because when I see a pilot; especially one that wants to fly professionally, in my opinion, should look the part. So when I showed up to the shoot, I was so pleasantly surprised with Brevin’s outfit. Apparently Brevin’s dad took him shopping. I was ecstatic that they put in the effort. I am sooo stoked with how they turned out. Effort and planning can really make the photos pop.

In the interim of the second shoot, my husband mentioned the United Airlines was holding their Sun-and-fund fundraiser at the Rocky Mountain Airport, I asked if we could invite Brevin and his dad to attend. Since I was in contact with Sophia, she was so excited that we would think of Brevin. Bevin and Shane did meet us there, but I told them they could do their own thing while we did ours. So glad we all had something in common I could share with Brevin. To me, it made this session all that more special!

Choosing your perfect senior portrait location

What to wear for your senior portrait session GUYS and GIRLS

Schedule/ Booking is easy and convenient.