So as I thought about writing this blog post, I had a few different ideas floating around in my head. I could talk about the importance of printing your pictures, or the fact that we sort of have office hours now, or how to choose what to wear on shoot day, or...The list went on and on, but as you can tell from the title, I settled on focusing on location. This summer we've done senior photography sessions in a variety of common and unique places.
As an old rock quarry turned 1800's village, Heritage Canyon is an extremely popular place for senior pictures in this area. The canyon is complete with numerous recreated buildings such as a schoolhouse, church, log cabin, and blacksmith shop. I LOVED going to Heritage Canyon as a girl. And when we started homeschooling, I thought about how much fun it would be to teach our children in the little red schoolhouse with the desks, inkwells, and blackboard. But when it comes to a senior photo shoot at the canyon, it takes some creativity to come up with some new areas that aren't being used by everyone else. After all, who wants their photos to look like all the other photos done at the canyon??
These are just a couple of photos that we took of Emily, one of our 2020 senior reps, while we were at the canyon. Before the shoot, Wes scouted out the area and discovered this awesome waterfall at the beginning. We also stopped by the swinging bridge and the river across the street. If you are up to the challenge, a common location and creative angles can make for some exciting photos.
Earlier this week, Wes and a couple of our senior reps took a trip to a spot that we have been wanting to use for senior pictures for quite a long time. Starved Rock has been on our location list for ages. Although we were envisioning girls in long prom dresses and waterfalls, two senior guys made the two hour trek. One thing that we stress when choosing a location is to pick a spot that means something to you. We want to capture your personality. Even though Jasper and Trevor have never been to Starved Rock, they love the outdoors, so this location was perfect for them. I was amazed at the photos they returned with.
And in case you were wondering, that is in fact a Hario V60 that Trevor is pouring coffee from in the cave. Considering Trevor works at 392 Caffe in Clinton, Iowa, this is perfect. I am still in awe that these guys hiked the trails at Starved Rock with a pour over coffee maker. That is some dedication...and some coffee love!!
Another unique location that we ventured to this summer is the county fair. We decided to shoot during an evening concert, hoping the carnival area would be a little less populated. And for the most part, we were one of the few people there.
Some of the others that were in the area, though were kind enough to venture onto the zero gravity ride so we could get a photo of Kyra in front of it while the ride was in motion...because I sure wasn't going to get on it!! Now the carousel, that is more my speed. Since we didn't want motion this time, the carousel operator was kind enough to let Kyra on while he kept the ride off. With her cowgirl hat and boots, I think this makes a pretty stunning shot that would look amazing on a metal...too bad the area in the studio that I am supposed to be decorating doesn't need metals.
Click on the button below to schedule your complementary consultation and get things started for YOUR senior pictures! Don't forget that any sessions completed by July 31, 2022, will be entered into a drawing for 2 Mississippi Valley Fair Fun Cards. We can't wait to work with you!!
4 Comments
Aug 14, 2019, 11:54:25 AM
Wesley Tharp - Thanks!! It was our first carnival shoot, and I'm sure we will be doing more!
Aug 14, 2019, 7:12:32 AM
Tonya - I think unique locations are great and I love the carnivals pictures.
Aug 12, 2019, 5:14:43 PM
Wesley Tharp - Thanks so much for taking the time to drop such a generous compliment. It really means a lot coming from you! Keep shooting!
Aug 12, 2019, 4:44:10 PM
Michelle Robertson - Love all the different locations you use! Beautiful senior pictures!