This shoot was long awaited! We had to keep rescheduling due to the gloomy weather of this past week. It was worth the wait! Clear skies, fall foilage, and just enough of a breeze.
I was so excited when Maddy suggested we do our shoot at The Old Mill! It had been years since I visited the landmark and this was literally the most perfect day to go. The park was rather crowded, mostly full of photographers, so we got in a few shots and walked about the area.
Once we walked along the river, my adventurous side kicked in. We jumped in the car and drove aimlessly hoping to stumble across some unique photo ops... and did we ever!
This little greenhouse was just a few minutes down the road. I think Maddy was a bit skeptical at first but those feelings didn't last long. This was by far the highlight of our session! The lighting was brilliant, there were literally no people there (minus the owner and the queer looks we got from her), and I'm all about some color which we definitely got from the flowers and greenery.
Here are a few tips when booking a photographer or thinking up a creative session:
1. Be spontaneous!
Go with at least an idea of what you're wanting from a shoot but be open to anything! This also gives you room to try another location if the one you had in mind isn't working out as expected. Our little adventure to the greenhouse today totally paid off and fit Maddy's personality perfectly! These photos added so much character to the shoot.
2. HAVE FUN
Situations are only as awkward as you make them. So don't make it awkward. ;) I feel like one of the least photogenic people on the planet but I've learned to just laugh and be myself during any photo. Which brings me to the next point...
3. Go for the candid shots
These are always the ones where the person's personality will shine through most! It all comes back to having fun with it. Sometimes it takes a while to get in the groove of things, which is why in my opinion any session should be at least an hour or two. This gives the photographer and the one being photographed time to get comfortable with each other and get those really great photos.
4. An hour makes a difference
I have a love-hate-relationship with light. Today the light was incredibly overbearing at the beginning of the session (mainly because it was such a clear day) which is why we decided to drive around and find another location. When we came back an hour later, the light was perfect!
Also, nothing is worse than being crunched for time. Whether you're trying to beat the sunset or someone has something to get to afterwards, it's best to just reschedule. Keep in mind how early the sun sets in the winter compared to the fall too.
Go to my gallery to see the rest of Maddy's Senior Session!
Until next time,
Madeline