Growing up on the beach must be so much fun.  The ocean breeze, the sand in your toes and the laid back style is as much a part of the beach as it is a part of the people who grow up there.

Courtney of Courtney Hathaway Photography submitted this beautiful beach session of a senior who grew up in the Outer Banks, so the beach was the perfect location for her shoot.

“Cassidy wanted a very relaxed session to show her personality and her love of the beach,” said Courtney.  “Cassidy is an Outer Banks local and spends much of her time at the beach so it was the perfect setting for her session.”

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

Website:  www.courtneyhathaway.com

Blog:  www.courtneyhathawayblog.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/courtneyhathawayphotography

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?
Cassidy wanted a very relaxed session to show her personality and love of the beach. She wanted a casual and natural session. Cassidy is an Outer Banks Local, and spends much of her time of the beach, so it was the perfect setting for her session.

Where did this photo shoot take place?
Coquina Beach & The Bodie Island Lighthouse, South Nags Head, North Carolina

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
Yes. I encourage all my seniors, especially the girls, to bring a mixture of outfits. I also encourage them to keep their venue in mind and choose clothing that compliments the environment.

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?
Canon 5DmkII, 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8IS L

What time of day were these taken?
Late evening, 6:30pm

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
I prefer clean editing/processing. All initial RAW edits are done in ACR, with final edits done in Photoshop.

What is your favorite thing about this session?
I love Cassidy’s energetic smile and personality. I also love that she really put thought into her outfit choices, and went with things that reflected her personality but also looked great in such a soft environment as the beach.

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
I hope people are able to see how easy going and relaxed my sessions are. I strive to make sure all my seniors are having a great time and feel comfortable. I like to focus on real moments and strive to create images that will stand the test of time.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
I think it’s really important to connect with your client, especially when photographing seniors. I have a questionnaire for each senior to fill out online when they book. It gives me a glimpse into their likes/dislikes. I find they’re much more open to write out that they’re shy, outgoing, self conscious, etc – but often won’t actually tell you those things in person. I also think it’s helpful because it allows you talking points, and getting them talking is what makes them more comfortable throughout the session.