Creating a unique backdrop can really set your senior sessions apart!  In this beautiful session below, Michelle Koechle of Michelle Koechle Photography in Flagstaff, Arizona created a beautiful backdrop of colorful ribbon.

“I was inspired by a photo I saw on Pinterest and had saved for quite some time,” said Michelle.

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

Website:  www.michellekoechle.com

Blog:  www.michellekoehleblog.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/michellekoechle

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?
My inspiration for this shoot actually came from an image I found on Pinterest and had saved for quite some time. It was an image of a high fashion shoot with the model wearing a beautiful long dress while standing under a tree of ribbon.

We live in a small town and because of this, a lot of the images for high school seniors here in Flagstaff end up looking the same. I try to look for creative concepts and different locations because of this and my goal for each senior session is to have it in a different location from all the others seniors I’ve shot that year. This way, no one has the same looking images as anyone else who has had their photos taken by me. Adding in the different concepts helps to make each senior’s session unique to them. Monica loved the idea of playing with ribbons hanging from a tree!

Where did this photo shoot take place?
We found a lovely little spot out in the woods in Flagstaff.

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
Yes, Monica loved the idea of doing the ribbons hanging from the tree. She actually is an aspiring make-up artist and hopes to pursue doing make-up on the side while she’s in college. She did her own make-up for her shoot and her make-up Instagram is @monicaalgyamakeup

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?
Canon 5DMIII
50 mm 1.2 Lens
Westcott 5-in-1 reflector

What time of day were these taken?
Late afternoon

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
My post-processing is pretty simple incorporating some skin smoothing, a boost in contrast and color and removing of any red tinting.

What is your favorite thing about this session?
I love Monica! She was so photogenic and knocked out every pose as if she is a student by day, model by night. Her smile is amazing!

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
I wanted this session to convey Monica’s unique, ambitious and colorful personality. She is so involved in her high school career that it was clear to me we needed to do something different for her.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
I think it’s important to make each senior feel confident. They’re going through so much, learning, growing and so many new pressures put on them each day. Their photoshoot should almost be a release for them – a source of fun that makes them feel good about themselves when it’s all said and done.