Location, Location

Though this blog is primarily intended for my high school seniors as they prepare for their senior photo sessions, if you are considering a portrait session (including family and engagement), I think you will find the information helpful.

The vast majority of my clients request outdoor locations for their sessions rather than in-studio but, one question I frequently am asked is, "Where do you recommend we go?". It's a great question because even though the background of the photo is not the focal point, it plays a major role in how one feels about the image. A meaningful location will determine how comfortable or excited my client feels about being there.  How the subject stands out in the image is directly impacted by the background.

My suggestion-- ask yourself what you like to do. Are you someone who enjoys walking through the woods while getting lost in thought and nature? Maybe you are involved with a sport or are musically inclined. Starting with what brings you enjoyment is a great first step to deciding where to be photographed. With a little bit of information about you, I can suggest local areas that may appeal to you, based on your interests.

For example, one of my seniors loved theater. She performed in several high school plays, even landing multiple lead roles. I bet you won't be surprised to hear that being photographed at the local theater was very important to her. Because she was so excited about the location and opportunity to be photographed there, she thoroughly enjoyed her photo session. During her session, we pretended she was an attendee, meeting up with friends for an afternoon at the theatre. Then, later, we pretended she was the star actress, waiting outside to meet with her fans. The location set the tone while her excitement brought the photos.

Another senior loved baseball and was on the team at school. Because of its importance to him, we rented out one of the local ball fields for his session. The field was beautifully maintained-- perfect for his photos. He was so comfortable being anywhere on the field or in the dugout that he was able to take my suggestions and expand upon them so that they were personal to him. In no time, he was suggesting his own ideas that with minor adjustments from me to make them more photogenic, made great photos. Like the gal at the theater, his enthusiasm to be in a place he loved helped create spectacular senior photos that he and his family loves.

There's so much going on during your senior year that getting your photos taken can feel like one more thing added to the to-do list. For some, it's exciting to be photographed while for others, it's the dreaded picture day. Regardless of how you feel, don't skimp by just picking a random spot you don't care about just to check the photos off the list. Though it may not seem like it, this is a time set aside for you. This is your time to shine. Your time to show the world who you are and that you made it. High School is but a few months away from being an incredible accomplishment and a memory growing more distant each day.