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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
