Accompanying a senior on a shopping trip to prepare for their session is a dream shoot for me!  And this photographer did just that with this senior!  They shopped and chose outfits, accessories and shoes together!  How fun!!

This hands-on approach to senior sessions is sure to set Amanda Navarro of Amanda Mae Photography apart and create a wonderful senior experience for her clients!

Below, Amanda shares this session with us and tells us a little about the behind the scenes of how it all came together!  Check it out and be sure to check out more of Amanda’s work here.  Thanks for sharing Amanda!!

What was your inspiration for the photo shoot?

The inspiration came from a love of fashion and a little bit of vintage style. I actually went with her shopping and we chose the outfits, accessories and shoes together. That was totally fun!

Where did this photo shoot take place?

Although I am now Northern WA based, this particular shoot was taken in Southern CA, where I frequent often to visit family and stuuuuuuff. (said like Nacho Libre’)

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?

Absolutely. I knew I personally wanted something in nature; but I wanted it to also be her as well. As photographers we can get wrapped up in our own creative-crazy-ness sometimes lol and need to take a step back to remember that it is about the clients hehe. I am sooo guilty of this. But yes, we collaborated with each other and she was sooo awesome at willing to do anything…like braving a hiking trail in those HEELS! lol

What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot?

Well, I have my lovely Black Betty (The Markii) and for this I did in fact used an assortment of lenses; but for this particular shoot I stayed mostly with the 70-200 2.8 is, I did use the 50m. 1.8 on a few images and for the wide angles I used my 28-72 2.8. (pretty much whats in my bag). 

What time of day were these taken?

We started about 1:00pm..I KNOW CRAZY RIGHT?! High Noon=HIgh Sun….but I figured, I liked and welcomed the challenge and it totally paid off; because before we knew it, the sun was setting and it ment for some gorgeous backlight. (SOOOO going over our time; but I just LOVE it haha)

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?

I simply used Photoshop and what PS has to offer. 🙂

What is your favorite thing about this session?

OH! THE TEAL and GOLD NECKLACE/HEADBAND. I had it in my bag and it was like PERFECT and gave her some crazy awesome gold bangs!! I love how it just added so much to the final picture and it’s one of my favorite’s to this date! Amazing what a simple accessory can do to our work right?!!

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?

That she is beautiful, fun and has some crazy wicked smizing lol. That she loves fashion, portraits and will look back on these pictures and remember what an amazing day she had and how it just added to her last year in HS.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?

 

I think the thing that I struggle with is PATIENCE. OMG Im like SERIOUSLY?! Cant I just have it all and do it all RIGHT NOW?! You mean I HAVE to wait??!!! haha..Thats something that I struggle with; but while we are in the “waiting room” per say, why not get prepared. Use the time wisely and get those final things in order (updating your website, updating your blog, your release forms, ADDING a release form lol, BOOKEEPING…come on all you know that we all have things we need to update lol) If we learn to get prepared in our time of being patient; before we know it we are strapping in and hearing the countdown and are like OH MY GOSH THIS RIDE IS SO FLIPPIN’ AMAZING!!!