kirsten (keystone senior portraits)

I'm so glad Kirsten came down from Keystone for her senior portraits!  Apparently she's a super amazing skiier and enough of a local celebrity that some random ten-year-old recognized her on the street :)  In my opinion, senior portraits are supposed to be a ton of fun and reflect who you really are - and I definitely think we accomplished that on this shoot.  I can't wait to shoot more seniors from Summit High School!  Thanks, Kirsten & congratulations on graduating this winter!

So, right about now (below) as we were shooting, this random 10 year old kid keeps trying to get into the picture: hamming it up, running up behind Kirsten to do quick bunny ears, shouting at the top of his lungs, "HEY!  Take a picture of ME!"  We kept trying to just ignore the kid and keep shooting... then finally when we turned to ask him to please leave us alone for a minute or two, he says, "Wait, are you Kirsten?"  Keep in mind we're shooting about two hours away from where she lives.  She had never seen this kid before, but he said, "Aren't you, like, a really good skiier and stuff?"  So there you go.  I know an up-and-coming celebrity skiier.  Yeah, not kidding.

madison (salida senior portraits)

The day I was scheduled to shoot Madison's senior portraits, I was having a really bad day.  It seemed like everyone I talked to wanted me to do things even faster, make one more album change, or cancel their appointment, and I was just generally worn down and cynical.  It was one of those days that I wished, wholeheartedly, was already over.I drove down to Salida blasting Tool and wallowing in my grumpiness.  Then... I met this girl. She is absolutely gorgeous and she brought an entire tray of amazing hand-decorated cupcakes.  Cupcakes!  She felt like an old friend immediately.  I hung out with Madison and her sweet sisters and mom, and her smile was totally contagious as she shared all of her epic plans with me.

I'm pretty sure I need to hire this girl to style all my shoots.  Everything you see below was 100% Madison's idea - I really can't take any credit at all :)   It was so refreshing to watch someone get that excitement about pictures- that same crazy look in my eye that I get when I'm dreaming up things to put in front of my lens.  She gets it.

I drove home from Salida watching the sun melt into the mountains, just smiling.  So, we did this shoot and everything was great... blah blah blah.  Honestly, when I look at these images, for me it's not just about a beautiful girl, a fully legit creative mind at work, or amazing  lighting.  When I look back at this shoot, I will remember how hanging out with her totally refreshed me and made me less cynical.  Madison - congratulations, and thanks for everything.  You have no idea how much hope you gave me that day!  Love ya, girl!

Oh yeah - did I mention she's a Pocahontas look-alike? :)

riley (salida senior portrait photographer)

Here are a few quick images from Riley's fun mini-session.  I loved hanging out with her and getting to know her a little bit, and I'm so excited for her to be one of my Senior Reps!

a taste of what's to come

I'm back in Colorado and ready to go.  Here is just the *very smallest* taste of what's to come on the Cedar House blog, plus a big new announcement, coming soon :)

. senior portraits - tips & suggestions .

One of my favorite parts about my job is getting to meet and hang out with so many amazing people.  Seriously, I have the most incredible clients, and every year about this time, I get so excited for the summer because I know I'll be meeting some great seniors!  This summer is promising to be crazy and wonderful - I'm booking up already, and it's coming up so quickly.A few months ago, some friends / clients (the best kind :)  Josh, Shanell, and Moriah, did a shoot with me so I could illustrate some clothing tips and suggestions to future clients.  When Josh stopped by the studio today, I realized I never blogged this session!  Me = fail.  So, here are a few tips and suggestions for your portrait session; they're specific to seniors, but the basics apply to any session.  Once you schedule your session with me, you'll get a complete guide to senior portraits with TONS more tips, ideas, and suggestions!

Also, a reminder : Class of 2011 - I'm booking up super quickly already for this summer.  If you come in for your session for anytime before June, you get $10 off your session fee.  If that time frame doesn't work for you but you want to make sure to get a spot this summer or fall, you can schedule your session now for later this summer. I highly recommend this, as I would love to be able to work with you all, but sessions are going quickly!

So, a gigantic thank-you to some of my favorite soon-to-be-seniors: Shanell from Buena Vista High School and Josh and Moriah from Salida High School.  I adore you all!

Solid colors solid colors solid colors!  Should I say it again?  Solid colors look great on everyone, and keep the focus on your gorgeous face, whereas most prints or patterns are distracting and chaotic-looking in pictures.  Shanell's lovely in anything, but see how much better she looks in that solid blue?

Bring clothes that fit you well.  Clothes that are too big will show wrinkles more, and will look sloppy.  I think Moriah's eyes pop so much more when I'm not distracted by her clothing.

Bring a combination of clothes - some a little more casual, and something a little more dressy.  Funny story, the image below with the holey jeans was supposed to be an example of what NOT to wear, but Josh made it look so good, I changed my mind :)  Proof that rules are meant to be broken (especially when you're this hot)! *whistle whistle*

Bring a friend (or a few!) Bring some fun props!  Bring some big jewelry!  Bring anything you want!

Thanks again, guys.  I can't wait to shoot you again (for real!) this summer :)