Salt air, sand between your toes and ocean breezes are all things that make me want to rush to the beach!  And after seeing these awesome photos from Sara Ernst of Sara Ernst Photography, I want to pack the car today and head toward the coast!

This senior session took place in Nags Head, North Carolina and Sara did an excellent job creating a carefree, beachy girl style!  Check out this session below and be sure to check out more of Sara’s work here.

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?  I knew that she was a beachy kind of gal and when we decided we were gonna take the session to the ocean…I knew exactly where and what I wanted to shoot!

Where did this photo shoot take place?  Beautiful Nags Head, NC…neither of us live there, but I LOVE being there so much and I knew the very specific locations there that I wanted to use!

Did you collaborate with this senior to determine the wardrobe for this shoot?  If so, what were your suggestions and where did the clothing come from?  I already knew her style was very “Urban Outfitters” and she actually lives about an hour or more away from me, so we did most of our wardrobing via email!  Some of her wardrobe was actually from Urban Outfitters as well as a wonderful boutique called Francesca’s, but the ADORABLE scarves that you see in this shoot were created by Jacqueline Mukweto Handcrafted Collection! I already own one of my own and they are so fun and toasty warm! In fact, she has a shop on Etsy:http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChezMukweto

What camera, lens and equipment were used for these photos?  My baby…my Nikon D200, Nikon 28-700m f/2.8 lens. That’s all! Just me and my camera!

What time of day did this shoot take place?  We started in the afternoon and shot until just before sunset.

Can you share any post processing techniques that you used when editing these photos?  Honestly, I’m NOT a fan of over editing and I always try to do the most for the image within my camera. I may up the contrast just a hair on specific images…but these were pretty spot on the way I wanted them! And yes, that’s real live sun glare! : )

What is your favorite thing about these photos?  Can I choose two? Location and my gorgeous model of a high school senior, Kirsten! The location speaks for itself…fresh and breathtaking, but Kirsten seriously owned every single shot and rocked this session OUT!!!! She’s so beautiful inside and out!

What do you want this photo session to convey about this senior and about your photography style?  My style is very editorial and usually very detailed even with closeups…I shoot with an absolute purpose and vision in mind as to what I want the focus to be in that shot and Kirsten just pulled it altogether and made it all happen beautifully! She’s a total beach girl anyway and so she was in her element and honestly, so was I! It was laid back, sandy, windy, salty, fun and we laughed most of the afternoon and just had a blast. I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon as a photographer!

What is one tip you can share with other senior portrait photographers about photographing seniors?  I do believe that staying true to YOUR style is key no matter what. However, finding a way to marry that style with a senior’s very individual personality is equally as important. If you don’t already know the senior and their style, I encourage a very long chat about their vision and yours so that you’re showing off the best of them in the best of your work!