Makala
EHS Class of 2024
Woodsy and Earthy
Makala chose to have her senior portraits in a quiet, wooded setting. She, with the help of her mother and I, chose locations that flowed seamlessly with her complexion, her calm nature and her outfits. She blended just enough that she looked as though she belonged and had always been in these pretty places. Reading in a calm meadow, contemplating by the creek, walking down a country road...these areas complimented her instead of clashing.
Locations
A soothing and slow flowing creek, a grassy field with nothing for miles and an empty country road with pines standing sentinel on either side near Hidden Springs State Park in central Illinois. Most of these locations were very close together and didn't require a lot of props, planning or driving, which gave us more time to let her settle into these spaces.
In choosing locations, you either want it to flow with your personality seamlessly, or you want it to be a complete opposite. Like placing a ballerina in a train station. Some ideas work better than others, but it's always fun to try new ideas.
Ways To Get More Out of Your Location:
- Choose wisely- Picking a location that has several different landscapes all close together means quick changes and no travel.
- Proper Props- Choose props that either flow with your scene or are so out of place that they truly pop. Makala chose books, which added a bit of old world charm and were easy to move or change.
- Simplicity- keeping your locations clutter free will help drastically. Having a busy background or too many props tires our eyes and brains and make the images become 'too much'. Stick with keeping it as simple as possible. (there will also be less stuff to carry around)
- Seasons matter- Everything depends on the look you're going for, but I wouldn't recommend going to a forest in late fall/early winter if you're envisioning a soft and sweet photo session. The trees will be bare and create sharp, contrasty backgrounds. Likewise, if you're going to something with a spooky or edgy vibe, that flowering bush in late spring may not work for you. If this seems overwhelming, I'm here to help you, talk it over and bring your ideas and vision into reality.
Not a planner? No Problem!
If the thought of planning out a senior session makes you break out in hives, I've got you! I love working with my clients to create a unique senior experience and to help them bring to life what they have envisioned. We'll brainstorm together for any details you want help with.
