Ok, let’s talk about how much I LOVE Rachel’s session and why!
First of all, just look at Rachel’s gorgeous self! She OWNED these photos and I am so proud of her. Senior portraits are so much fun, and easily one of my favorite types of sessions. Why? Why do I love them you ask? Well I will tell you why! I think it is such a privilege to be part of a young person’s journey as they begin their own lives as the people they want to be. Seniors are on the precipice of adulthood, and this is such an exciting time for them. They are leaning about what they like, what they don’t, how they want to dress and who they want to have as friends, they are seeking answers to new questions as they learn about the world around them, and they are deciding the kind of people they want to be. These portraits mark a really pivotal point in their lives, and it is such an honor to help them express who they are and who they are becoming.
Rachel was not afraid to try fun poses and prompts, and she jumped into the session with excitement and joy. Her sibling, Rin, even joined us for a few photos! Rin also brought some amazing ideas to the table (see the flower petal shots below!) and really helped bring Rachel out of her comfort zone to get some of these stellar shots.
We shot Rachel’s photos on a really warm evening in September and the sunset was brilliant. That buttery golden light is my JAM and it really added so much to these photos. Not only that, but we had the added benefit of these amazing murals. Grand Rapids is blessed to have such a large variety of murals for people to enjoy. All of these photos were taken within a three block section of Plainfield Ave. Yes, every single mural in this gallery is within that three blocks. That’s so cool! We have a really unique and beautiful city that values art, and any chance I get to share that art with others I will take.
Last but not least, this session is a perfect example of why less is more. Rachel had one outfit. We went to a place with lots of variety so that we could do almost all of the session by just walking.
An open mind and a creative photographer can go a long way to making a “simple” session super fun and interesting. And not only that- but don’t be afraid to bring your own ideas!! I LOVE it when seniors want to try something for their photos. It doesn’t always work, but it’s way more fun when they get involved and share their personality at the same time.
Simplicity does not need to be boring!
Locations of Grand Rapids murals pictured in this blog post:
Multicolor murals | former location of Rosebud | 1264 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Black, White, and Yellow Floral mural | 616 Realty | 1171 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Rose mural | Renee Austin Wedding | 1555 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
