What do you get when you pair a fantastic senior rep with a fabulous boutique?  Spectacular style and an unforgettable senior session!  That is exactly what happened for this beautiful session submitted by Katrina Weingart of VioletRay Photography.

Betty’s Divine, a privately owned boutique in Missoula, Montana styled this senior in clothing that matched her “Boho” yet “Mod” personality.  And according to Katrina, “Nothing beats great fashion paired with an amazing personality!”

Clothing Wardrobe:  Betty’s Divine Boutique, Missoula, MT

Hair Piece:  “Mandarin” Gracy Lu Originals

Hair Piece:  White Crown from TFJ Props

Make Up Artist:  Hannah T, Skin Chic, Missoula, MT

Hair:  Kelly C, Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, MT

What type of shoot was this…rep shoot, just for you shoot or senior session? This was a Senior SpokesModel (Rep)session for the Class of 2014.

If rep shoot, what do you look for in a senior rep? When I choose a SpokesModel Rep for VioletRay Photography, I look for a student who is outgoing, oozing with personality and confidence, and who knows what they like. It makes the session fun and it gives me confidence that they are gonna get the word out about who did their photo shoots.

What was your inspiration for the photo shoot? Erin was the inspiration behind this session. She loves all things fashion, Teen Vouge, AND she’s a figure skater. All this being said, we collaborated together to pull out the best of what we both do and love!

Where did this photo shoot take place? WAY up in the mountain of Pattee Canyon in Missoula, MT. We even got stuck on a random side road trying to get to our destination and had to get towed out! It was still so snowey and tad bit icey. 😉

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot? Yes!, and with her favourite shopping store in Missoua, Betty’s Divine Boutique. They actually styled her for the entire shoot with their amazing boutique line!

Can you share any tips on how to partner up with a boutique?  Don’t be shy! I took a chance and walked into Betty’s Divine and introduced myself. I then told them I was doing a Senior Rep Session for a local HighSchool girl who ADORED! their style and fashion and asked if they would be interested in working with me. Always making sure to let vendors know that I’m not taking advantage of them though, I ask them if I can repay them by use of the images for their FB or website. I have a “if you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” policy. It leaves everyone with a “win win” feeling!

What was your experience like partnering with a boutique? It was wonderful! It was so fun to see a boutique owner as excited about a shoot as I was as the photographer! Nanda (BD owner) had so many amazing ideas for the clothing and it totally worked in everyone’s favour!

What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot? I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III, and for this session I used my 70-200 mm 2.8L for the first 1/3 of the session while we were working with action shots on ice, and then finished the rest of the session with my 85mm 1.2L. Its my absolute favourite lens and I don’t go anywhere without it!

What time of day were these taken? We started shooting around 12:30/1:00 pm. Being up in the mountains we needed to start shooting a little earlier then normal because of sun drop and the cloud cover.

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session? Taking extreme care to get my shots right SOOC, editing was so simple. Using LR 4 to cull and perfect any WB issues, I moved the images through Portraiture and into CS5 for the basic sharpening and whatever small colour pops and enhancments I would make using Michelle Kane actions primarily.

What is your favorite thing about this session? The romantic colour.  Hands down. The different colours shown through the session keeps the passion and excitement throught it.

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?  My style is timeless and elegant. I want each image to capture your mind with the story behind the image. This young lady has the same goal for her senior portraits. She is so full of life and a little drama (what figure skater doesn’t have that!?) bringing them to life! The wardrobe was picked specifically for her, and the location was selected by her, leading to extreme magic!

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?  Pay attention to them! Listen to their goals and hopes regarding their images. As photographers, we are here to capture the spirit of their youth and innocence. Keeping style and poise blended with the sweet innocence of their final year in High School is always different for every student.  Relax and have fun with them! Be their friend and encouragement. Most of all… make memories!