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.
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
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.
