Introducing Allie, our soccer strong, fantastic friend, prom pretty, Student of the Month! The Proof Photography Student Spotlight series is an opportunity for YOU to learn more about an amazing tween, teen, or high school senior from Louisville and the surrounding region. I hope that they inspire you as much as they do me!
Please join me in congratulating Allie, The Proof Photography Student of the Month!
I first met Allie when she modeled for a PPA workshop that I attended in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. The theme of the workshop was “Strong is the New Pretty”. I love that! Who says a girl can’t be fashionable and pretty and athletic and strong, all rolled into one? That certainly describes Allie! She’s a member of her school’s prom committee, National Honor Society, and soccer team. She also plays piano and enjoys shopping with her mom and going to the movies with friends.
We had so much fun photographing Allie in her prom dress with her soccer ball! Now that I am a soccer mom I can especially appreciate the fact that Allie plays soccer. Being able to pose her with her soccer ball and her soccer friends was a special treat.
After the PPA workshop, Allie and I stayed in touch through Instagram. We recently had a chance to reconnect when I was in Nashville for Imaging USA, the annual PPA (Professional Photographers of America) conference.
Destination: The Parthenon (Nashville)
Since these were Allie’s senior portraits, I wanted them to be really special. I chose a location in Nashville that I had been wanting to photograph called “The Parthenon“. This monument to classical architecture is an amazing full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The Parthenon is the centerpiece of Centennial Park, in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Centennial Park is also home to Lake Watauga, so of course we had to take some pictures by the lake!
I encouraged Allie to invite some friends, because the old saying is true: The More, the Merrier! True to form, Allie brought two of her friends from her soccer team, Sofia and Abby. She also brought her mother, Melissa, who drove them to The Parthenon.
You Got the Look
Prior to her senior session, I told Allie to look through her own closet and choose something that fit her everyday style. She and her friends decided to go with a slightly dressier, but still casual look. Allie wore a gray v-neck top accentuated with three horizontal spaghetti straps and flared sleeves. She paired this with a burgundy colored corduroy skirt and finished the trendy stylish look with suede ankle boots.
Since the first time I met Allie she cut her hair shorter, and her braces were off! My favorite feature of Allie is her smile, with or without braces. When she laughs or when she smiles her eyes get a twinkle in them that’s fun to watch! She also has the cutest dimple.
Mom and Me Portraits
I told Allie‘s mother to be prepared to be photographed, too! As with all of my senior sessions, I wanted to be able to capture at least one great family photo. Allie’s mom, Melissa, was a bit shocked and told me that the last time they had professional pictures together was when Allie was quite young. Unfortunately that is a story I hear too many times from moms. I was so happy to be able to provide Melissa and Allie with an updated Mom and Me portrait. Aren’t they beautiful?
After our first session together, I asked Allie what she thought of the entire experience. She said, “I was pretty nervous before because I didn’t know what to expect. It was a very fun experience and I learned a variety of new things. I enjoyed all the different poses especially the group ones. I was very impressed on how the pictures turned out!” Obviously by the time we got The Parthenon and having worked together before, there was no need to be nervous at all! When I asked her what she thought of this time, Allie said it was fun, and her mom was happy to do it too!
Fun Facts
Allie has eclectic taste in music, from classic rock and indy music to pop. Some of her favorite artists are Halsey, Jon Bellion, The Lumineers, and Kodaline. One of Allie’s favorite songs is “Happier” by Marshmello ft. Bastille. The video even features a soccer player – cue tears when she plays soccer with her dog!
I asked Allie if she had any pets, and she said Yes! 2 dogs and a bird. Her family also includes an older sister who is already away at college. Like many high school students Allie isn’t quite sure what she wants to do with her life or who she is going to spend it with. Maybe that’s why one of her favorite quotes is from her dad:
"Imagine the things you could accomplish if you knew you couldn’t fail." - Dad
I asked Allie her favorite part of school and she said being surrounded by friends that make getting through the day easier. Allie’s favorite subject is anything science related because she understands it. Her LEAST favorite part of school? Studying for a test the night before the test! Fortunately, Allie has maintained a 4.85 GPA throughout high school. In fact, it’s the one achievement she’s most proud of!
My inspiration for Allie’s graduation announcement came from her school colors, black and gold. Did you know that The Proof Photography offers custom cards and announcements?! From graduation announcements to thank you cards, personalized stationery, and more, we can do all the printing and we even offer mailing service which makes it super convenient for you! These are very popular products with seniors AND their moms, who usually get the job of making sure they get in the mail.
For five years pre-pandemic, I spent one week each summer in Nashville as a chaperone for Camp Electric. Ever since starting The Proof Photography, I have been there more frequently than ever. I hope that Allie and I will have a chance to work together again. There’s a good chance that I will be in Nashville again soon, and I’d love to meet – and photograph – her entire family!
Congratulations once again to Allie on being recognized as The Proof Photography Student of the Month! May your future be strong and pretty!!
Jill Nissen is a full-service portrait photographer serving the teen, tween, high school senior, and family market in Louisville Kentucky and on location throughout the U.S. The Student Spotlight is a monthly feature on The Proof Photography blog. If you know a student who deserves to be in the spotlight, I would love to hear from you!
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