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.
Emily’s Senior Portraits - Stem - Class of 2025
Sara reached out to me asking if I could do Emily’s senior portraits with her hawk - I said, “absolutely I can!” I did her sister’s senior portraits for the class of 2024, so I was familiar with Sara and excited to work with her again and Emily!
Emily wanted nature, specifically the fall colors. So, I had a great suggestion for a location for fall foliage and for a hawk, and it was closer to them - WIN! I loved Emily’s color pallet. It went so well with the changing colors and looked very natural with the hawk and the scenery. Emily is a Falconer, so the hawk was an exciting prop and it was interesting to watch her handle the hawk. too. I picked Emily’s brain and learned some things about raising a hawk. It’s a wonderful thing what Falconers do.
I loved how Emily’s photos turned out! I enjoyed my conversation with her and Sara. I am grateful for my repeat customers!
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.
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.
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
Deborah -Grandview High School - Class of 2024
Deborah, she’s got skills! When I held Deborah’s consultation, I spoke with both Charlotte (mom) and Deborah. It’s very nice when I can chat with the one I am supposed to photograph, too and not just mom. I get their perspective and not just the parent. Deborah, without a doubt, wanted her shoot taken in her backyard. I had no problem with that other than I need to stop before hand to scout out their yard. This was considered a new location and I needed to see what I was dealing with in terms of lighting and backgrounds. I got to meet both of them before the shoot which was very nice, too. I gave Deborah the opportunity to show me her outfits she was planning on wearing for her phootshoot. The fact that she was going to be in her own home, she had the ability to swap out outfits more. Deborah really impressed me, she really does have skills, she sewed her own dresses, she plays instruments. You rarely see kids with home ec skills these days. Geez, I can’t even sew. Deborah was able to incorporate her projects into her shoot which I just loved for her.
The day of her shoot, we had impending weather. I live about 10 minutes away, so we decided to go for it. We were about a half an hour in when the weather turned. Deborah looked so disappointed, but I reassured her that we would reschedule, and that I wouldn't short her photo session. She was very relieved and we rescheduled. Her second session went perfectly! NO WIND, perfect lighting and smiles - everything a photographer could ask for!
Deborah was a sweetheart and I admired her humbleness and DIY projects. Both Charlotte and Deborah were such a pleasure to work with!
Choosing your perfect senior portrait location
How to pick out your favorite outfits for your session GIRLS and GUYS
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.
Equipment used
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
Courtney - Littleton High School - Class of 2024
Courtney - The Baller! The football kind. Courtney is on the women’s flag football league! Boy, it sure piqued my interest, so I picked Courtney’s brain about the whole process. We had a lot to talk about and she was so willing to talk to me, too. She was so much fun - all smiles even without the camera. She was so ready to get her photos done and she was going with the flow (wind in our case) so easily. We had wind from the southeast, sun from the west and I wanted her to face north so I could get the backdrop from the south, so, it made for an interesting shoot. You would have to be a photographer to understand my conundrum. I always bring along props just in case I need to add something, and in my stash, I had some hats. Courtney claimed she was not a hat person, but I felt we needed something to tame her hair from crossing over her face constantly. She put on a hat and Sara ( mom ) and I just gasped, she looked to freaking cute and it gave here a different look. Some of the shots with her in the hat, were her favorites. It pays to be open minded.
When Sara booked Courney’s session, they initially wanted to go to the Paint Mines for their location, a couple of weeks out, Courney wanted to change her location for somewhere in the mountains because it was more her. Clients always feel bad when they want to change, like it’s a inconvenience for me, but it such a relief and never inconvenient when they switch. Courtney absolutely seemed in here element at our mountain location, she was even willing to walk a short bit so I could perch her on some rocks for the sunset! She even brought along her best bud!
what to wear for senior pictures
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what to wear for senior pictures 〰️
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
Senior Portraits for these three Arkansas Girls - Class of 2024
Ashlyn’s mom, Tonya contacted me about photographing her daughter and a couple of her friend while they were in Colorado for a softball tournament at the end of June. I initially told Tonya that her dates she provided conflicted with my travel dates and that I wouldn’t be able to help her, but we decided that July 3rd could work for the both of us, contingent on weather. If this date didn’t work, there would be no session and they would go back to Arkansas without a photo shoot.
My consultation was held over the phone with Tonya on behalf of her daughter and the other girls. I asked Tonya what they were thinking for a location and Tonya said, “Mountains.” Their location was settled in the hills in the Evergreen area.
Well, our evening of the 3rd started out promising, but the clouds threatened-looking like we might have to cut our session short, but we stuck it out until sunset time.
The biggest challenge: getting these girls their fair share of time. There’s no time for lollygagging around when you only have 2.5 hours of light, minus outfit changes and walking around to different spots.
