SENIOR PICTURES

First off, I absolutely HATED my own senior pictures from 1992. It looked like a portrait that you would put on an easel at a funeral. Not to mention... if I NEVER wore a tie up until that point, was an athlete and in theater... why would I want the "shirt and tie" picture?

Oh yeah, Highlands required one. Too bad we didn't have the flexibility that these kids today have. God only knows how many of us would have shown up in our "Just Do It" t-shirts, acid washed jeans and untied high-top shoes? Ouch... the Vanilla Ice Age.

I was just on a morning shoot this week with a friend of mine and her daughter. She wanted shots that were unique, not like any of her friends and definitely not the "lean against the tree", "golden hour portrait" or the "stand here next to these big foam numbers" type that seem to prevalent in this area.

In approximately two hours, we came up with some shots that we all liked. The thing is... you don't have to like them, the client and the student need to LOVE them. So fat, so good. Here are some samples.

TAKEN IN COMPLETE DARKNESS w/ REMOTE FLASH BEHIND

SHOT WIDE ANGLE, THEN DESATURATED AND COLORIZED

SIMPLE SHOT BY THE CREEK. ENHANCE THE GREEN, SHALLOW DOF

SHOT UNDER AN ABANDONED MILL. 80 DEGREE REMOTE FLASH 

SOMETIMES CANDID PORTRAITS MAKE THE CUT

Let me say this, the more flexible and willing to experiment the "model" is... the more fun it can be. As a rule, for any new photographers reading this, ALWAYS, with ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS... HAVE A PARENT WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.


It's a shame that it has to be that way in today's society, but the last thing you want is for your "client" - usually a minor - to be upset with a photo and since your contract didn't allow for "re-sitting" them unless an additional fee was paid and then they accuse you of being inappropriate. I've seen it happen with other photographers I know. In ever case, there was no wrong-doing (after all, we're all members of organizations that would terminate us in a heartbeat) and it was just the fact that the student - in a fit of immaturity - decided to lash out.

So, do what I do... make sure a PARENT or a LEGAL GUARDIAN is with them. Their brother, sister or best friend doesn't count. Plus, the person writing the check can see what goes into creating a good image. I even have them participate on occasion by holding my reflector - HA!

So, if you are interested in SENIOR PORTRAITS, FAMILY PORTRAITS, HOLIDAY PICTURES FOR CHRISTMAS CARDS, ANNUAL BABY PICTURES, FALL "FOLIAGE" PHOTOS, THE ANNUAL "DRESS THE KIDS/FAMILY IN STEELERS STUFF" PHOTO or simply want someone to come take pictures at a party, event, etc for a couple hours... 


NOW IS THE TIME TO CONTACT ME. THE WEEKENDS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY BOOKED AND WEEKDAYS I AM ABLE TO WORK AROUND YOUR SCHEDULE. I HAVE SPECIAL PACKAGES PUT TOGETHER SO IT SAVES YOU SOME $$$. THE ECONOMY SUCKS AND THEREFORE, I AM TAKING THAT INTO CONSIDERATION AND MAKING THINGS AS AFFORDABLE AS POSSIBLE.