Meeting with your clients at a pre-session consultation is a perfect way to get to know them a little bit before the day of the shoot.  It is also a great way to find out exactly what they want from their photo shoot and plan the session around that.

Kira Derryberry of Kira Derryberry Photography did just that!  After meeting this senior for the first time, Kira new immediately that a garden location would be perfect for her shoot.  Kira was also able to plan the entire session using props that this senior requested from some of Kira’s previous work!  Kira says that her dad is responsible for making the framed chalkboards used in this shoot.  It must be nice having a crafty dad available to make props! 🙂

Check out the session below and read what Kira had to say about this session.  And check out more of Kira’s work here.  Thanks for sharing Kira!

What was your inspiration for the photo shoot?
I always meet with my seniors before their session so we can discuss details. When I met Juliana for the first time I was struck by her natural beauty and suggested a garden location so that we could really draw on her warmth and natural glow. So Juliana’s personality and appearance were really the inspiration for the shoot.

Where did this photo shoot take place?
Maclay Gardens  in Tallahassee FL

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
Yes, I suggested she bring bright colors or accessories that would pop against all of the vibrant spring foliage. I could tell Juliana had her own fun style so I didn’t want to influence too much, but I did suggest she bring at least one dress so we could be sure to flaunt her femininity. Juliana decided to do her own hair and makeup which really highlighted her own personal style.

What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot?
I used my Nikon d700 and 50mm 1.4G lens for the entire session. I love a prime for shooting seniors!

What time of day were these taken?
We met at the gardens at 4:30pm and shot until about 6:30.

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
I’ve been trying to keep my editing very clean and quick. I used Imagenomic Portraiture on the default setting just to give her skin a little boost and adjusted the color and contrast with a curves layer. I’m also a fan of Jessica Drossin Textures and used it very subtly for a few of the close ups. I love how that can give an image just the right amount  depth!

What is your favorite thing about this session?
Maclay Gardens is huge and very popular. We traveled off the beaten path a bit and discovered this amazing overgrown bamboo which we found covered in spiders! Though we both share a mutual hatred for them she toughed it out with me long enough to get some of my favorite shots of the session. You’d never be able to tell from her composure in the end images that there were spiders all around us!

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
Senior photography is all about a transition for the subject. What I like to show in a session is that crossover to maturity from adolescence. For Juliana, I wanted to match the maturity that she feels and show the confidence she has in herself as she embarks on college this summer. I think that comes through in her images.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
I find a quick crash course at the beginning of my sessions on posing and facial expression really goes a long way. Showing them how to engage their eyes, for example, can really take an image to the next level. Chat them up, take your time, and educate from the beginning!