Having the opportunity to photograph students of The Baltimore School for the Arts is amazing! According to Nicole Barr of Nicole Barr Photography these students are so aware of every movement they make with their bodies. I can only imagine as a photographer, this is a dream posing opportunity.
As you can see from the session below, this senior really shows off her elegance and everything she has learned about dance. Check out the beautiful photos and read what Nicole had to say about this session. To see more of Nicole’s work, click here. Thanks for sharing Nicole!
What was your inspiration for the photo shoot?
Baltimore as a city is always an inspiration to shoot in. Combine that with the fact that my client Casey is a talented dancer at Baltimore School for the Arts, I had a winning combination to work with from the start. The theme song to “Fame” may or may not have been running through my head for most of the day.
Baltimore as a city is always an inspiration to shoot in. Combine that with the fact that my client Casey is a talented dancer at Baltimore School for the Arts, I had a winning combination to work with from the start. The theme song to “Fame” may or may not have been running through my head for most of the day.
Where did this photo shoot take place?
We shot everything in a two block radius in downtown Baltimore. We started at her school but it was closed. We were able to track down a security guard and he was nice enough to let us in for just a few minutes to shoot. It wasn’t hard to believe that a girl standing outside in pointe shoes belonged there.
Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
Yes! Some clients need a little more guidance than others, but Casey knew exactly what she was going for. I always encourage my seniors to incorporate their sports, hobbies, or passions into at least a part of the session.
I also use Pinterest. It has proven to be a very useful tool when a client lives too far away for me to raid their closet! I send my inspiration boards to my clients, and I encourage them to make boards and send them to me.
I also use Pinterest. It has proven to be a very useful tool when a client lives too far away for me to raid their closet! I send my inspiration boards to my clients, and I encourage them to make boards and send them to me.
What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot?
I shoot with a Nikon D700 and a D7000. The D7000 is also great for grabbing quick video clips that I can incorporate into a slideshow. My lenses used during this shoot were a 50 f/1.4 and my wide angle shot were taken with a 16-35 f/4. I love the 85 f/1.4, but if I’m working in the city, it’s not practical. Space is too tight and crowded.
What time of day were these taken?
This was shot in late fall in the middle of the afternoon. Casey had to finish her SAT‘s before heading into hair & makeup. The sun doesn’t get that high in the sky this time of year, and we were surrounded by tall buildings. I knew time of day wouldn’t be an issue for this shoot.
This was shot in late fall in the middle of the afternoon. Casey had to finish her SAT‘s before heading into hair & makeup. The sun doesn’t get that high in the sky this time of year, and we were surrounded by tall buildings. I knew time of day wouldn’t be an issue for this shoot.
Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
I custom white balance before shooting. It cut down hours of post processing for me. Then I clean up the image by fixing blemishes on skin (spot healing brush tool rocks) and getting rid of fly away hair (I made a video on my techniquefor fly away’s a few months ago http://vimeo.com/50229330 )
Finishing them off, I almost exclusively use Michelle Kane actions when editing. I used to make my own, but found the ones I was making were in the same style. I’m humble enough to admit MK’s were better and faster! Everything gets batched “Bland to Brilliant” turned down to 20% opacity from the Creative Heart set. Most images I will also run “PlushColor” turned down to 25% opacity and mask off the skin.
I custom white balance before shooting. It cut down hours of post processing for me. Then I clean up the image by fixing blemishes on skin (spot healing brush tool rocks) and getting rid of fly away hair (I made a video on my techniquefor fly away’s a few months ago http://vimeo.com/50229330 )
Finishing them off, I almost exclusively use Michelle Kane actions when editing. I used to make my own, but found the ones I was making were in the same style. I’m humble enough to admit MK’s were better and faster! Everything gets batched “Bland to Brilliant” turned down to 20% opacity from the Creative Heart set. Most images I will also run “PlushColor” turned down to 25% opacity and mask off the skin.
What is your favorite thing about this session?
The hot pink glitter heels were to die for. But hands down, my favorite images are when she was doing jumps in the street. It was a one way street that was closed to thru traffic. I don’t think we would have been lucky enough to get those shots if it were a regular city street.
What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
I love it when my clients say they feel I captured “them” in their portraits. That is the ultimate compliment to me!
I love it when my clients say they feel I captured “them” in their portraits. That is the ultimate compliment to me!
What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
I can’t recommend enough to encourage your seniors to incorporate their sports, hobbies, or passions into at least a part of the session. I just photographed a senior that was an avid reader. We got incredible backlit shots of her in a tall grassy field reading a book. Your clients don’t have to be cheerleaders or dancers to incorporate a concept into their shoot that represents this time in their lives.
Senior Inspiration – {Nicole Barr Photography}
heck, yes i do!
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Absolutely breathtaking!!! That last shot is amazing!!!
Such a gorgeous session! Love those heels too!!!
I love the photography!!!
Balloons and ballet slippers- that is an amazing shot. Love it
Gorgeous images! So darn creative 🙂
These images are beautiful, what a fun session and I can only imagine an amazing experience for both of you. Wow!
The dancing in the street picture is absolutely perfect! Gorgeous girl and an amazing photographer. Very creative and natural photos.
These are so all so great! Love the ballet/balloons!
Gorgeous and unique session, great work!
Awesome, just beautiful!
What a gorgeous session. I just love the vivid colors and the energy that just seems to spill out from the entire session. Nicely done!
Wonderful examples of a great senior session! Lots of variety and personality!
Wonderfully creative photographs! Well done =)
Gorgeous posing! LOVE that last one!
What beautiful images!!! I love the last shot!!! Amazing
Wow! Beautiful images!! I love the first and the last images!
Love all of the pictures! Beautiful work!
omg I love this session! I love, love, love the theater shot and with the balloons!!! beautiful!!!!