Today’s blog post features the lovely Amelia, a Mercy Academy senior and a cherished member of my Senior Model team. This was our fourth time working together but this time was extra-special because it was Amelia’s custom senior session, so I wanted everything to be perfect!
Choosing the Perfect Session
The Proof Photography Senior Model Team members get multiple photo opportunities throughout the year, all for the price of one Luxe Senior Session! The Luxe session is our top custom session experience which includes 2-3 hours of photography, multiple looks and locations, and your choice of professional hair and makeup or print credit.
Choosing the Perfect Season
When we were planning Amelia’s senior photos, she wanted to do them in Fall since that is her favorite season. We scheduled her session for the first weekend in November of her senior year, just in time to catch the end of Daylight Savings with a later sunset, which of course produces the most gorgeous golden hour light. When I saw how great the forecast looked the day of her session, I was absolutely thrilled. It was warm and sunny, and while most of the trees still had their leaves, they were starting to turn gold.
An Anchorage Trail Adventure
For Amelia’s senior session, we started out on the Anchorage Trail to photograph her in her Irish Dance costume. We got a little break in the action when Amelia realized that she didn't have the right pair of shoes! Fortunately her sister was available to run them over to the park - now that's a good sister! Once she changed shoes, we continued with the session on the bridge. That was when I learned the reason that this location was so special to her - she had done dance photos in this exact location when she was younger! I also learned a few things about Irish Dance ideal technique and form. After a few more rounds of photos, we finished up at the Anchorage Trail and packed up to move to our next location.
The Beauty of Blackacre State Nature Preserve
Our next stop was Blackacre State Nature Preserve to photograph Amelia and the rest of her outfits against the lovely backdrop at the farm. Maybe you remember Blackacre State Nature Preserve from a school field trip you took when you were young, or going to feed the horses on a Saturday morning. Well, let me tell you there's a lot more to Blackacre State Nature Preserve than you might realize. There are wooded trails, rock walls, open fields, a spring house with a pond, historic buildings, a community garden, a barn, and of course, the pastures with the goats and horses.
We started Amelia off by the swing, spring house, and pond. Amelia rocked it in her brown sundress, denim jacket, and cowboy hat/boots combo. Nestled in the woods with the changing colors of the leaves, Blackacre was the perfect backdrop for creating some stunning images. Amelia's decision to have her senior session during fall was perfect, and we were able to incorporate the essence of the season in every frame.
After a quick change to an Altar'd State crop top and blue jeans, we headed towards the barn and pastures. Fun fact, Amelia told me she had just bought that top earlier today on a quick trip to the Mall. It is so perfect in her images, I can’t imagine her wearing anything else!
Styling Your Senior Session
If you’re not familiar with Altar'd State, our Louisville store is located in the Oxmoor Center Shopping Mall. Altar’d State is the go-to destination for senior clients seeking trendy and expressive outfits that blend sophistication with a touch of boho-chic. The store is renowned for its unique and ethically sourced fashion, making it a perfect fit for the eclectic tastes of today's teens. The store offers a range of styles from casual to dressy, ensuring that you can find the perfect ensemble for your senior sessions. Whether you envision a breezy sundress, a stylish denim jacket, or a fashion-forward crop top and jeans combo, Altar'd State has it all. The store's diverse collection allows for versatile wardrobe choices, ensuring that each outfit reflects your individuality.
While you’re at the Oxmoor Mall, stop by Kendra Scott, the trendy yet timeless brand for accessories to elevate your look. Known for its signature pieces and customizable jewelry, Kendra Scott adds a touch of individuality to every outfit. From choosing the metal finish to selecting birthstones or meaningful charms, each piece becomes a personal statement. This aligns perfectly with the desire for seniors to make their photo session unique and special. The proximity of these popular stores allows seniors to curate a cohesive and stylish look, combining trendy outfits with the perfect accessories in one quick trip to the mall.
By this time, the sun was getting low in the sky, giving us that perfect golden hour glow. Amelia loves country music, especially Tyler Childers, Luke Combs, Zach Bryan, and Morgan Wallen. We had a lot of fun throughout her session incorporating her cowboy hat in the pictures. I love when clients bring accessories to their session! We can create a lot of variety with a hat by playing with putting it on, then taking it off, holding it in your hands, and draping it over a nearby fencepost or bench.
Permit Required
One of the reasons I love Blackacre is because they require photographers to purchase a permit. This helps them keep traffic down, so not only is it more peaceful and private, the property is kept up in pristine condition. If you've fallen in love with the idea of having your own senior session at Blackacre Nature Preserve, rest assured, I've got the permit that allows us to capture your unique moments in this location. Booking your session is a breeze – just reach out, and let's turn your vision into a reality, whether it's against the vibrant colors of fall, the fresh backdrop of spring, or the cozy charm of winter.
Creating the Perfect Picture
We finished Amelia’s session on the path between the horse and goat pastures. In our Pre-Session Planning Questionnaire, I always ask "If I could capture the perfect photo for you, what would that look like?" I want to make sure that the session is a success in your eyes, because it won't matter how many "pretty pictures" we take, if we don't capture your vision for the session!
Amelia had responded that her perfect picture was “walking down a trail with lots of fall colors looking over my shoulder smiling.” I knew that this pathway would create the perfect place to create Amelia’s perfect picture!
All in all, incorporating two locations gave us a wonderful variety and made for the perfect mix of photos for her senior album and wall art. Amelia and her mom are always great to work with and I have loved getting to know them over the past year. Amelia, thank you so much for applying for The Proof Photography senior model team, and for choosing me as your senior photographer!
I have LOVED working with you this year, and the fun isn't over yet! We still have your Family Portrait (included with all Senior Model Team members), your college reveal session which we have been planning for months, and your Senior Prom pictures...maybe even a cap and gown session? :) It's hard to believe you'll be graduating in just a few short months, but I truly believe, you have a very bright future and the best is yet to come!
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