Two senior photo sessions in one made for a fun-filled evening. What were the chances that the winner of my senior photoshoot giveaway would be good friends with my neighbor’s graduate? Yesterday we combined two sessions into one, and we had a blast!
Planning
When Brooklynne turned eighteen, my gift to her was a senior photo session. Brooklynne is a fifth-generation Saratogian. So mom, Jeslyn, wanted the shoot to be around Saratoga Springs. Since Xearia won the giveaway, it was suggested that we photograph the friends together.
However, to organize two senior photo sessions in one requires planning. I met with Jeslyn to discuss locations. In the middle of our conversation, we stopped, hopped in the car, and went location scouting. One of the places was the home of Jeslyn’s friends, Doug and Lorna. We affectionately referred to their home as “Tara.”
Old Friends and New Friends
I’ve known Brooklynne since she was eight years old. It’s hard to believe that she is eighteen and a high school graduate. I’d describe Brooklynne as easy-going, genuine, and nurturing. She was my photography assistant on one of my sessions, so she knew what to expect at this shoot.
I met Xearia during a one minute individual shot of twenty seniors before their graduation parade down Broadway. Afterwards, she remarked, “that was fun.!” So, I was confident that she would be receptive to my props and prompts during our extended shoot.
Lights, Camera, Action!
The day of the shoot had arrived. On the car ride to the session, I explained to Xearia what to expect from the shoot. I wanted to make sure that she was comfortable with my approach to photography. She acknowledged that she was open to it all and it made for some winning shots.
In the back seat of the car sat the two seniors. They were surrounded by what looked like the clothing rack of an Aeropostale store. As we traveled from one location to the next, we discussed outfits that would compliment the landscape. By the time we arrived at the next place, the ladies had already changed their wardrobe.
Getting Creative
At one location, I demonstrated to Xearia what I wanted her to do with the throw blanket. She was elated! She commented that she felt like “a six year old princess.”
To create something different, I photographed Xearia through the frame. I snapped away as she twirled, Brooklynne was my awesome assistant.
Before the shoot, Jes informed me that Brooklynne wanted to have photos taken in a field of sunflowers. I spotted this small sunflower garden on one of my trips to town. It served our purpose, even if it wasn’t a field. The sun flares allowed me to experiment with lighting. So it was a win, win.
Final Thoughts
What a pleasure it was to photograph these two best friends. I shot the last photo in their high school parking lot, as the last rays of light disappeared. It was a fitting end to punctuate their challenging senior year. I wish them all the best as they enter the next phase of their life.
What is one of your fondest high school memories? Comment below.
It’s not too late or too early to book your senior session!
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