Char from Char Photography in Myerstown, Pennsylvania submitted this super fun senior photo shoot that was taken at her local fair!  Char dreamed of doing a photo shoot with a senior at a fair, worked with a stylist to create her vision and the results are beautiful!  Plus, I love a good fair shoot so I knew I had to share it with everyone!

“As long as I can remember I have wanted to do a fair shoot,” said Char.  “I did a quick shout out on Facebook asking for volunteers and Maddie was one of the girls that responded.”

Char teamed up with Grace, one of her former brides, to style the shoot.  Grace came with magazine inspiration, clothing options, accessories, hair and makeup supplies and together with Char’s camera and excitement to shoot they both produced amazing images.

Char even came up with a board on pinterest to illustrate what she wanted for this shoot!  Check it out here!  I think the results are spectacular!  Makes me want to go to the fair, buy a bunch of junk food and ride all the rides! 🙂  Thanks for sharing this with us Char!!

To see more of Char’s work, check out her blog.  Also, read below to find out more information on this fun shoot!

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?
As long as I can remember I have wanted to do a fair shoot. I had visions of cotton candy, Ferris wheels, color, laughter and total freedom with creativity. My goal was whimsical, sweet, and simple with an emphasis on fashion. I did not want cheesy and trite fair photos. 🙂 Maddie is not only is she sweet as cotton candy (; but seriously, one of the most solid, grounded senior girls I have met.One of my favorite aspects of the shoot was teaming up with Grace. Grace is one of my sweet brides from last year. Grace has a fantastic eye for fashion and a passion for styling. For this shoot, Grace took on the role of stylist. She did a gorgeous job with Maddie’s hair and makeup and directing Maddie on the shoot. Maddie arrived with an stellar selection of clothing options. Grace came with magazine inspiration, a few accessories, additional clothing options, and the hair and makeup supplies. I came with an excitement to work with these two.
Where did this photo shoot take place? The shoot took place at a country fair.
What time of day was this shoot?  This shoot took place midday simply because this was the only time myself, Grace, and Maddie could all meet. Saturday afternoon at a fair? Two MILLION people. Add in bright sunshine. Tough location to shoot in! I had to readjust my expectations and original plans.
What lens, camera and equipment was used with this shoot? The camera body used was the Canon 5DMark2. I shot solely with the 50mm1.2. A reflector was used as needed.
Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the concept and wardrobe for this shoot?  Yes. We briefly discussed outfits and the vibe we were going for. I put together an inspiration board on Pintrest to farther define the vibe of the shoot.
Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing these photos? I prefer keeping my post processing clean and simple…with warmth. I adjusted as need in Camera Raw and processed with Totally Rad Actions.
What is your favorite thing about these photos? I love the unique location. Most of my senior sessions are done in an urban setting or a grassy field. It was so fun and inspiring to try a new location.
What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your photography business? Something different! Fun and gorgeous. Whimsical and soft. Fashion. 🙂
Can you share with us what types of things you wanted to learn or accomplish with this shoot?  I wanted to stretch my creative muscles by shooting in a new location.  When working with a paying client, I tend to “play it safe”.  Doing a shoot that was entirely for me, allowed me to select an unusual location and to pose my subject with an emphasis on whimsical.  Since I am considering offering styling as an additional option to my clients, I wanted to experience first hand how it felt to work with a stylist.  This shoot required me to step outside of what I was comfortable with and already knew I could do well.
Did you meet your vision?  It did meet my vision and I was happy with the photos.  Although, the results were slightly different than I anticipated.  But really, isn’t that often how a shoot works?
What tips would you give other photographers when it comes to doing a conceptual shoot “just for you?”  If you are going to plan a shoot just for you…put the time and effort into planning a clearly defined shoot.  Talk about vibe, clothing, model, location, and props.  Be sure the ‘vision and theme’ is clear to you and everybody involved.  From there, do not allow yourself to shoot in ways you habitually shoot.  Force yourself outside of your comfort zone.  Whether this is done by location, posing, outfits, model…try something you always wanted to, but have not had the courage to.  Five good images that allowed buried creativity to bloom is better than 30 great ‘did that before’ images. 🙂
Tell me a little about you…where are you from?  how long in business? how long shooting seniors? how did you begin your journey into photography?  I am from central PA. I have been in business for almost 4 years. I am a mother to three little men. I have been shooting seniors from the very beginning of my business. I absolutely adore working with seniors….love the excitement and fun they bring to a shoot. My journey for photography began as a desire to create and capture beauty. Beauty in the form of heartfelt laughter, great shoes, light that shines from my subject soul, a gorgeous outfit, delicious color, sweetness, smiles that speak, tumbling, messy hair, eyes that sparkle…all forms of beauty. THIS is truly what I am inspired by.

Senior Inspiration – {Char Photography}

  1. LOVE this session! Love the setting, the clothing/style and she is beautiful. Great job 🙂

heck, yes i do!

You, want in?

We're busy curating all the best resources, trends, and opportunities for creative women in business - just like you!

THE LATEST

THE LATEST

SIGN UP TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW