I love when photographers get really creative and make something for their photo shoot.  This shoot and its Christmas Tree Skirt reminds me of a challenge on Project Runway!  I can hear Tim Gunn saying, “Use whatever you can find in nature and MAKE IT WORK!: 🙂

“Seeing the idea of making a Christmas Tree Mannequin online, I thought I would take it a step further and recycle a Christmas tree, making a dress,” said Caitlyn Barkalow of Pink Flower Photography in Marion, Iowa.

Check out this beautiful session below and read what else Caitlyn had to say about it!  Thanks for sharing your work with Seniorologie Caitlyn!

Website:  www.pinkflowerphotography.com

Blog:  www.pinkflowerphotographyblog.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pinkflowerphotography

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?
Pinterest Christmas Tree Mannequins. I wanted to take it a step further and try to push my creativity.

Where did this photo shoot take place?
A local park in Marion, Iowa (Squaw Creek Park).

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
We both worked together on what we wanted to shoot to look like and also each of us put a lot of work in forming the skirt.

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?
Nikon d800
Nikon 50mm 1.4
Sigma Art 35mm 1.4

What time of day were these taken?
Late afternoon/Early Evening (3:30pm – 5pm)

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
Simplicity, I like to make sure I get everything in camera first. All that was required in post was a little Color Balance adjusting and some of my favorite Red Leaf Actions. I don’t usually do a lot of editing to my photos but there were a few where I needed to photoshop the skirt because of some branches and uneven areas.

What is your favorite thing about this session?
The fact that I actually accomplished turning a tree into a skirt…I feel like a nerd recycling a Christmas tree but I LOVE it!

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
While I love simple portrait work, we live in a changing world. I want my Seniors to come with ideas and seek a more stylized, editorial look that is fun and unique.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
While photographing Seniors, make sure you are constantly communicating and directing during the shoot. If they aren’t comfortable or their tree dress is poking them…it’s going to show in the final images. Do your best to serve them and make them a celebrity, focus on showing them what you want and how to achieve it.