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.
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
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.
Choosing your perfect senior portrait location.
Courtney wanted mountains because they resonated with her. She wanted to stay within a short distance from her home. Morrison, Colorado was her spot
Finding the perfect location for your senior portrait can be hectic and stressful. Is it right for you? Picking a location involves a mix of personal preference, logistical considerations, and creative expression. Here are some steps and tips to help you find the right spot:
Reflect on your personality and interests: Choose a location that resonates with your personality, hobbies, or future aspirations. For example, if you’re into skateboarding with cyberpunk look, maybe a skate park might be meaningful to you. Urban vs Natural.
Consider the season and time of day: The time of year and day can dramatically affect the lighting and ambiance of your photos. Most senior portraits are taken in the summer and fall months in Colorado. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) is often the best time for portraits due to the soft glow, and flattering light. Some locations might be better in the morning depending on the direction of lighting. Mid-day shoots yield harsh and high contrast look.
Scout for Unique Elements: Look for locations with interesting textures, colors, or structures that can add a unique element to your photos. Think about urban areas with graffiti, parks with beautiful foliage, or historic buildings with character.
Think about Accessibility and Permissions: Check to see if the location is accessible and safe. Some places may require permission or permits for photography, especially private properties or certain public areas. Check in advance to avoid any legal issues.
Consult with your photographer: Your photographer likely has experience with various locations and can suggest places that fit your vision. They can also provide insights on lighting, timing, and other technical aspects.
Visit the location in advance: The Photographer will visit the location beforehand at the same time of day you plan to have your shoot. This allows the photographer to envision where and how you'll pose, and also to check for any unexpected issues like construction, crowds or permits.
Consider the background and surroundings: Think about what will be behind you in the photos. A cluttered or distracting background can take away from the main focus, which is you.
Plan for comfort and practicality: Ensure the location is somewhere you'll feel comfortable and engaging in. If you’re a city slicker but chose a barn, maybe you will feel less engaged. Locations are not one size fits all. Also consider if the location is easy for outfit changes, walking and restrooms.
Meaningful locations: Sometimes, the best locations are ones that hold personal significance. Your own backyard might be your spot. If you’re into sports, maybe the high school stadium resonates with you.
Variety: A location with a variety of settings can provide more options for different looks and poses. Consider places with many interesting backdgrounds within walking distance.
By considering these factors and doing a bit of research and planning, you can find a senior portrait location that not only looks great but also holds personal significance to you.
Sebastian wanted Red Rocks Amphitheater, but due to concert season, they were happy with Red Rocks in the background. Morrison, Colorado
Brevin wanted Centennial Airport
Without a doubt, Kristin wanted Downtown Denver.
Katie needed and wanted an equestrian park.
Mikey wanted Urban and a spot for his ride.