Mikey - Grandview High School - Class of 2024
Street smarts for Mikey! My only guy session this season to do the Denver walkabout. I love urban sessions; especially with my guys, there’s more photo ops when there are walls, stairs, benches and a place to park your car if you want to have your car in your session. When I held their consultation, Tila (mom) opted for Castle Rock for Mikey’s urban session, that was all fine with me, but I do my due diligence and double check to see if events are happening that might encroach on our session. Castle Rock always have events going on. It turned out that their day had an event happening, so I suggested downtown Denver and OMG, the Denver vibe fit Mikey to a T.
Mikey and Tila were both such a pleasure to spend a few hours with. We chatted about all kinds of stuff and Mikey could hold the conversation too. I love when my senior clients want to talk with me. Mikey was all smiles and made me laugh.
We definitely had a surprise at the end of the session on top of the parking garage for Mikey’s car shoot. We were greeted with BOOBS - a lot of pairs. I had my 16 yr old son with me as my helper too. Poor guys were absolutely uncomfortable. Rightfully so. The boob shoot was for breast cancer awareness coming up for October. We grinned and bared it! Pun definitely intended.
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.
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.
Samuel - Elevation high school - 2025
Samuel - right on task. Sam’s mom, Teresa booked a senior session in January. When I spoke to Teresa on the phone for Sam’s consultation, location was top priority, especially in January. I admit, I steer clear of nature location this time of year - It’s just not pretty. So, I always suggest the urban setting, but Sam didn’t want my tradition locations for his shoot. I suggested a library. Sam and Teresa really liked that idea. Teresa suggested the Denver Library. I am born and raised in Colorado and have never stepped foot in the Denver Library. They decided to do the last half of the session outside around the capital building and city Park.
I was absolutely crushing over Samuel’s outfits. Way to go MOM! Yes, I like my kiddos dressing the part. He looked so sharp, classy and timeless. No trends here. I always appreciate the thoughtfulness and planning when it comes to clothing. Sam asked me if I felt inspired by clothing. I said, “Yes and no.” I can be uninspired by clothing choices. Clothing can make or break the image.
Well, once outside, we felt the chill in the air. Samuel was a trooper walking around in just a light jacket. Me, I dress like a burnt marshmallow ( black snow gear).
I love Samuel’s Images! Teresa and Sam were so pleasant to work with. everything flowed nicely from beginning to end.
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.
Ashley - Grandview High School - Class of 2025
Porter and Ashley - double shooting in the city. Porter’s mom, Lisa, booked Porter and Ashley’s session with downtown Denver for their location. Denver has a lot of goodies as far as spots to shoot, so I give clients plenty of time to do our “walkabout” and with two of them, we definitely needed the time.
So who’s shooting who in Denver. Literally, I’m shooting my client’s with a (camera), while someone else is shooting others with a gun. Seriously, just around the the corner from us, 8 or more rounds go off. We all stopped and paused thinking it was fireworks until we saw a bunch of people flee from around the corner, then you realize.
With that, our session was shot short. I never cut my client’s short on time and Porter really wanted his car with Denver in the Background. So, not only did we get nervous with the shooting situation, the pistachio Ice-cream had turned (weather) on us. RAIN!
I rescheduled another session with Portrer and Ashley to get their time in and shots with Porter’s car. Denver wasn’t an option at this point, so I suggested Castle Rock with one of their cool parking garages, yeah, it’s not Denver, but pretty sweet for second best.
I loved how Porter and Ashley coordinated their clothing! They are such a sweet couple and loved hearing how the meet.Porter is at EHS, and Ashley at GHS. I had great conversation with them and Porter’s parents. They were such a dream to work with.
PSA: Go with your gut. Be aware of your surrounding at all times. Hard to do when you have a camera in your face.For Denver shoots, I will bring a second person to be my look out. I was very grateful Porter’s dad was there with us, HE MADE THE CALL. Always look at people, make eye contact. Don’t have your face in your phone every moment, that makes you an easy target. Know your exit plan.
Porter - Eaglecrest High School - Class of 2025
Porter and Ashley - double shooting in the city. Porter’s mom, Lisa, booked Porter and Ashley’s session with downtown Denver for their location. Denver has a lot of goodies as far as spots to shoot, so I give clients plenty of time to do our “walkabout” and with two of them, we definitely needed the time.
So who’s shooting who in Denver. Literally, I’m shooting my client’s with a (camera), while someone else is shooting others with a gun. Seriously, just around the the corner from us, 8 or more rounds go off. We all stopped and paused thinking it was fireworks until we saw a bunch of people flee from around the corner, then you realize.
With that, our session was shot short. I never cut my client’s short on time and Porter really wanted his car with Denver in the Background. So, not only did we get nervous with the shooting situation, the pistachio Ice-cream had turned (weather) on us. RAIN!
I rescheduled another session with Portrer and Ashley to get their time in and shots with Porter’s car. Denver wasn’t an option at this point, so I suggested Castle Rock with one of their cool parking garages, yeah, it’s not Denver, but pretty sweet for second best.
I loved how Porter and Ashley coordinated their clothing! They are such a sweet couple and loved hearing how the meet.Porter is at EHS, and Ashley at GHS. I had great conversation with them and Porter’s parents. They were such a dream to work with.
PSA: Go with your gut. Be aware of your surrounding at all times. Hard to do when you have a camera in your face.For Denver shoots, I will bring a second person to be my look out. I was very grateful Porter’s dad was there with us, HE MADE THE CALL. Always look at people, make eye contact. Don’t have your face in your phone every moment, that makes you an easy target. Know your exit plan.
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
Mikey’s senior portraits Grandview High School - Class of 2024
Street smarts for Mikey! My only guy session this season to do the Denver walkabout. I love urban sessions; especially with my guys, there’s more photo ops when there are walls, stairs, benches and a place to park your car if you want to have your car in your session. When I held their consultation, Tila (mom) opted for Castle Rock for Mikey’s urban session, that was all fine with me, but I do my due diligence and double check to see if events are happening that might encroach on our session. Castle Rock always have events going on. It turned out that their day had an event happening, so I suggested downtown Denver and OMG, the Denver vibe fit Mikey to a T.
Mikey and Tila were both such a pleasure to spend a few hours with. We chatted about all kinds of stuff and Mikey could hold the conversation too. I love when my senior clients want to talk with me. Mikey was all smiles and made me laugh.
We definitely had a surprise at the end of the session on top of the parking garage for Mikey’s car shoot. We were greeted with BOOBS - a lot of pairs. I had my 16 yr old son with me as my helper too. Poor guys were absolutely uncomfortable. Rightfully so. The boob shoot was for breast cancer awareness coming up for October. We grinned and beAred it! Pun definitely intended.
Picking your perfect LOCATION
How to pick your outfits for your Senior Session GUYS and GIRLS
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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.
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How to pick your perfect LOCATION
What to wear for your senior portrait session BOYS and GIRLS
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
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.
