Senior Photos at Papa John's Park in Louisville KY
Does your school have a contracted photographer that you need to use for senior pictures? Traditionally they come to the school but sometimes you need to book an appointment at their studio, and they will take your picture in a drape, tux, or cap and gown. Schools love these because they create a consistent look for the yearbook, and parents and grandparents love these, because - let's face it - it was the only thing that was available to them when they were high school seniors. Today's High School Seniors know better, and when you know better, you want better!
Today's high school senior wants their senior photos to stand out and be different - not some cookie cutter, consistent, "fit in a box" yearbook photo. Your school may require the drape and tux, cap and gown photos, but that doesn't mean you can't still hire a professional photographer to create a completely custom senior photo experience for YOU! Your senior year is an awesome milestone, and you deserve the full senior photo experience, completely customized to your style and personality. That is the beauty of hiring your own photographer: you can choose the photographer that has a style and personality that fits you!
As graduation approached, Lauren realized that the traditional yearbook photo wasn't going to be enough for her. Her school (Sacred Heart Academy) was posting the Seniors Photos on the School's Class of 2022 Instagram with the college they were planning to attend and their major. She saw that all her friends had custom portraits taken at beautiful outdoor locations, wearing clothes from their own closet, and she wanted the same thing for herself. Lauren told her mom she would like to have a full senior photo session, and of course, her mom called me!
Lauren was afraid that with her busy school, sports, and work schedule we wouldn't be able to fit her in before the image submission deadline. However, because we take on only a limited number of senior clients we are able to truly provide a custom session for each one! Lauren knew she wanted a beautiful outdoor location, and only needed enough time for 2 outfits. So we found a beautiful location close to their home, and scheduled her session for the evening after she was able to leave work, allowing time to change clothes and freshen up.
Papa John's Park in Louisville KY has some beautiful landscaping, green space, and a rock waterfall. Because Lauren's session was later in the evening, the waterfall was turned off - but that's okay! We still created some gorgeous photos on the lawn and rocks near the water feature. I also used my Godox Ad200 Pro and MagBox lighting system to add some light to the scene since the sun was setting quickly. I love the way the lighting enhances Lauren's eyes!
I have to admit, if it were completely up to me, I would have loved more time with Lauren! She told me during her session that she plays golf, and I think it would have been so much fun to showcase her love of golf into her photo session. I always encourage my seniors to incorporate their sports, music, and other hobbies into their sessions because it makes their photos even more special and unique to them.
Lauren was still able to show off two looks, by wearing a casual jeans outfit to the session and changing into a casual sundress outfit for the final image series.
As soon as I saw the sundress Lauren had chosen, I knew that I needed to take the last of her photos under the hydrangea tree. Because it was late spring, the tree had beautiful white blooms that matched the white flowers in her dress.
I think it's okay to share that Lauren was a little shy and nervous about being in front of the camera. My job was to help her be more comfortable, and I was able to do that by giving her hands something to do, directing her throughout the session, and adding movement to several of her poses. Within the first few minutes, I could tell that she was able to relax and completely trust me to make her look her best, and it shows in her images!
Not only was Lauren able to get the perfect senior pictures she wanted - on time for her school's Instagram! - she and her mother were able to get some lovely printed products featuring the images from her session. One product they selected was the Mounted Storyboard Trio, ready to frame or display on an easel. Normally I like to get a picture with the senior holding her products when they come to pick them up, but since Lauren and her mom were both feeling under the weather, this cell phone pic at my studio will have to do!
Lauren will attend Transylvania University in the Fall, majoring in Accounting and playing Golf. So proud of you - I know you will do great things!
Are you a high school senior looking for something better than school pictures for your senior year? Or perhaps you are the parent of a high school senior who realizes this is your LAST summer with your senior before graduation? Contact Jill for more details about a custom senior session!
Jill Nissen is the owner The Proof Photography in Louisville, Kentucky specializing in studio and on-location portraits for high school seniors and families. Jill is a proud member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America), an organization dedicated to helping photographers grow their practices, exceed customer expectations, and push the artistic envelope. Whether you are a high school senior looking for extraordinary senior pictures that stand out from the crowd, or a parent looking for professional photos of your child, contact Jill for more information and a free consultation!
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