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!
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.
Isabella - EHS - 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 did’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 botanicals 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.
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!
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
Janessa - Cherokee Trial High School - 2025
Janessa - what a doll! Sweet as pie! Jayne and Janessa come to see me for their consultation. I did Janessa’s older sister’s senior portraits for the class of 2021? Janessa wanted the natural look, but wanted to be different than the others. Just adding a real pop of color would definitely be different from the usaul white. I went over all my nature location and they chose my favorite nature spot. I usually have this location to myself with the exception of a local walking his goat. Yes, a goat. I absolutely love this spot. The lighting is usually perfect unless you have a cloudy day. I took Janessa to a new spot I found, and oh, man!
Janessa said that she was uncomfortable and didn’t know what to do. Most peeps are and that’s my job to make my peeps feel comfortable. But right out of the gates, Janessa seemed natural and comfortable. As you can see from here photos, she didn’t look uncomfortable one bit! She was a natural!
I loved that Janessa went different with the red and purple long dresses. This was different in my eyes and was very refreshing! I LOVED Janessa’s session! It was perfect!
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!
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!
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.
Sebastian’s senior portraits Cherokee Trail High School - Class of 2024
Sebastian is going places - France is their destination. Sebastian has plans to go to France for college.
Stephen (father) booked Sebastian’s session and the one I would communicate with through the process. He was such a pleasant person to talk to, just super nice and so easy to communicate with form start to finish. The moms are always the ones that book. Funny, but we could’ve just hopped the fence for a chat. Yeah, I can see their house from my house. I didn’t realize we were so close until they came over for their showing. I suppose when I get a Cherokee Trail High School student that there’s a possibility we are neighbors. Not complaining, they are awesome neighbors to have!
I held the consultation for Sebastian’s senior portrait shoot with Stephen on behalf of Sebastian. Stephen initially booked Sebastian’s shoot for Red Rocks, but I informed him that there was a concert that night and every night through the summer, so I suggested the next best spot that hosted Red Rocks in the background in Morrison, Colorado. They wanted to capture Sebastian in the Colorado scenery since they would be heading to France after high school.
Of course we had to reschedule their session due to weather. It was par for the course this year for weather. Our reschedule session was even threatening, but they were all happy to get in the hour they thought they only had. I told Stephen we had up to 2 hrs of shooting if he wanted to get that other hour in, but he said he was absolutely happy with what he saw in the first hour. We all bolted for out vehicles at that point with lighting around, but I enjoyed my conversion with Sebastian and Stephen. We talked about the concerts we had been to and Sebastian’s future plans.
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
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!
