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.
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
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.
Andrew - Grandview High School - Class of 2024
Nuggets Swept the NBA, Andrew swept his session - and he just might be the Nugget’s biggest fan. Amy (mom) contacted me about Andrew’s senior portraits and said they new exactly where they would like his session, a parking garage in Mid- Denver. This garage has some great vantage points. I said this was one of my favorite spots and had a couple of clients at this location for the 2023 class, so I knew the scene as far as lighting and great angles. It was an easy choice for Andrew. I arrived early to the parking garage to find out that the garage had been sold since that last time I was there in September, 22’. It had become privately owned and no public access. Now this is were I feel like I didn’t do my due diligence and go scout it again before the session, but who would’ve guessed a big change in less than a years time for this awesome spot. Andrew was very disappointed, but I told him no worries, I had a contingency, another awesome garage, but we would have to reschedule since we had to drive there and I hate cutting into client’s time. I told Andrew we could stay here for a short session and get the murals in while we were there, since he had requested that too. He opted for that.
Andrew was a natural in front of the camera. While I pose and prompt my client’s, Andrew did freakishly awesome with his different looks.
Amy was the bomb to provide me with clothing details for Andrew! She kept apologizing for sending all this stuff over to me, but I was like, “THANK YOU!!!” I absolutely love and appreciate when client’s can help with their clothing and props. I can do the same and send the client photos of the location(s), so they can plan themselves. This can help me out and make the session flow a bit easier when there is an idea of what outfit will looks best at each spot.
Choosing your perfect senior portrait LOCATION
RJ - Chaparral High School - Class of 2024
RJ Nicholls - Chaparral High School - Class of 2024
RJ - what a Baller! And just like his dad, Russell! RJ’s dad and I go way back. Russell and I have been friends since high school. We both graduated from Columbine High School - Littleton, Colorado, class of 1993. So, RJ is a pretty special client! RJ is a lot like his dad, always joking around. Russell always had this wit about him and still does. And then there’s the obvious, basketball! If you ask me, RJ definitely gets his good looks and charm from his mom, Lisa! I have known Lisa since college. We all attended Colorado State University.
The Nicholls’ opted for Castle Rock since it was close to Parker and provided a little of everything scenery wise. We had the most perfect day, no clouds! That was perfect considering my OCF (off camera flash) trigger went haywire and had no time to troubleshoot. I have come to rely on my OCF so much, that I got a sense of panic when it’s not available. Going a whole session without it was troubling and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. As of that session, I bring backup for everything, even the trigger. I practically need a U-Haul to schlep all my stuff now. I love my OCF. I love the look OCF gives, and it can cut down on my editing when I use it. I managed the session without it and we went until sunset.
I absolutely enjoyed my time with RJ! He was playful and keep the session light, but I enjoyed it even more having the company of Russell and Lisa! I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, so holding a conversation is pretty much nil until the end, but they were there and grateful for my time with them. The Nicholls’ are one amazing family!
Choosing your perfect senior portrait location.
Austyn’s senior portraits Grandview High School - Class of 2024
Austyn - The ‘‘Thrill Seeker’. Motocross is his jam. During the consultation, Sheena stated that Austyn wanted to incorporated motocross into his session, but the bike itself wouldn’t be available. She wanted for Austyn, a location that was closer to home with an urban touch and some greenery. I had the perfect spot suggestion, but how to incorporate the motocross apparel into the urban was a thinker for me. The first thing I think of with motocross is DIRT and trails. I didn’t want to just plop Austyn into any scene with his motocross apparel, it would give off a disjointed vibe, so I thought a parking garage would be the next best spot.
I enjoyed Austyn’s chill vibe and nice smile. He was open to suggestion and went the whole session time without giving me the stink eye.
Equipment used
What to wear for senior portrait session for guys.
When selecting an outfit for a high school senior portrait session, it's important to choose clothing that reflects your personal style and makes you feel comfortable and confident. Here are some of my general tips for the guys on what to wear:
Oh, Classic and Timeless: Opt for outfits that have a classic and timeless appeal. This will ensure that your senior portraits won't look dated in the years to come. Solid colors or subtle patterns work well, too. Try to avoid solid white tees.
Dress Shirts: A well-fitted dress shirt can instantly elevate your look. Choose a solid color or a subtle pattern like stripes or checks. Pastel shades are versatile options. Make sure the shirt is ironed and wrinkle-free.
Layering: Consider layering your outfit with a sweater, vest, or blazer. This can add depth and visual interest to your portraits. If you choose to wear a blazer, make sure it fits properly and complements the rest of your attire.
Ties and Bow ties: Depending on your personal style and the overall look you want to achieve, you can add a tie or bow tie to your outfit. They can bring a touch of formality or playfulness to your portraits. Choose colors and patterns that coordinate with your clothing.
Pants: Opt for well-fitted pants that are comfortable to wear. Jeans, khakis, chinos, or dress pants in neutral colors like gray, navy blue, or tan are safe choices. Avoid baggy or overly tight pants.
Shoes: Pay attention to your footwear. Choose dress shoes or clean sneakers that complement your outfit. Avoid worn-out or dirty shoes that could distract from the overall look.
Grooming: Remember to groom yourself before the session. Get a haircut a week or so before the shoot, ensuring you're comfortable with the new style. Clean and trim your nails, and maintain a neat and tidy appearance.
Personal Touch: Consider incorporating an accessory or item that represents your interests or hobbies. It could be a watch, a piece of jewelry, a sports jersey, or anything that adds a personal touch and makes the portraits uniquely yours.
Ultimately, the goal is to choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and showcases your personality. Coordinate your clothing choices with the photographer, as they might have specific recommendations based on the location or style of the shoot.
