Hi Everyone,

I wasn't sure where to post this thread because I want to get Steve's opinion too since he is the resident outdoor expert.

I have an senior shoot coming up very soon. I have never really shot any "senior" photography so I don't really know how to proceed. Typically I shoot indoors either with natural light coming from a large picture window or using studio lights. Also I don't have any of the traditional props used for senior photography. Fortunately the young lady is the daughter of friend and I am doing the session basically as a favor and to get some much needed experience interacting with senior students. Most of my human subjects have been adults or youngchildren.

My plan is to start at home using my only three backdrops which are a cream muslin, a charcoal velveteen paper and a white paper. I have an assortment of light modifiers such as various size umbrella's: adjustable hot silver, Wescott gray, convertible white rut, 2 white shoot throughs and 1 small gold and a couple of reflectors. I also have 7 and 4 ft octodome softboxes and an Elinchrom Varistar (same as the Wescott star). Later that day as the sun begins to go down, I plan to take the client to downtown Indianapolis to take advantage of a local scenic area along the canal walk. The area has bridges, arches, water, pantoon boats, brick architecture, green space, monuments, and even an outdoor restaurant or 2. I have 2 fairly powerful external strobes that can be fitted to photoflex strobe mounts for mounting on a light stand and they can be fired wirelessly.

As I said, I am not used to working with seniors and any advice I can get will be greatly appreciated. For example, without props what are some suggestions you might have for the indoor shots? The client would like to have some shots with her Tweety Bird memorabilia collection which I think is a good idea. Other than than that I don't know what else to do with her beyond the traditional poses.

Hello!

I'll get to your light modifiers question later but thought I would quickly reespond here. It almost sounds like the idea of photographing a "senior" is daunting because you don't have the "traditional props." Sometimes that can be a good thing because it frees you up to play. I don't shoot with a lot of "seniors" but I photograph a lot of young ladies. Find out what you can about her [she's your friend's daughter so you have an advantage] and incorporate those interests into your shoot--like the Tweety collection. The downtown area sounds great with lot's of opportunities to turn her into a fashion model for a day! She'll love it and you'll get great shots. High school and college kids are a lot of fun to work with--let her get into it and you'll be shooting faster than ever before!

One caveat: My rule in my studio is that if she is under 18 then mom or dad are nearby.

GG Jr, Aloha!

So, what are the "traditional props" for seniors? I've been shooting seniors for several years, and I have very few props for any purpose. I always tell my clients to bring whatever items of significance to them that they might like to include in any of their portraits.

For seniors, I suggest they bring at least 2 if not 3 or 4 outfits, 'specially girls.. And, to bring their favorite music! In studio, that can make a difference...help them get into the mood, be more themselves in front of the camera, which is often a little uncomfortable at first.

Do different and un-typical poses with her. Give her suggestions for poses, like, "Why don't you sit on the floor, and get comfortable", and see what she does. Make little adjustments from there. Get down on the floor to shoot, or up on a ladder. Play, experiment, and have FUN!

SPC II

Steve and Stan,

Thanks a million for responding so quickly and for the positive words of encouragement.

Steve, you are right, not having any props does make me apprehensive because that was the first question the young lady ask me, "what kind of props do you have?", she said. I told her I don't have any. Stan, you will be proud of me because I did exactly as you suggested. I asked her to bring any items she has that are special to her and we would do our best to incorporate them into the session. I also asked her to bring at least 3 or 4 changes of clothing and to take some time to look through some magazines to find some poses she liked. I want to try to get her involved in making the session work. Ordinarily I agree with having a parent around but in this case my wife will be around and it won't be an issue. I've known the family for a very long time. I am considered to be like an uncle. I didn't think about the music idea but that is a great idea because I was looking for a way to get her to relax and be herself. Thanks a lot guys I'll be sure to post an image or two for critique. Oh, one thing I forgot to mention is that when I asked here about makeup she said she doesn't wear makeup. Do you guys ever shoot females without makeup? If so are there any techniques I should be aware of besides possibly using a soft focus filter?

Steve, I assume you'll answer my light modifier questions in the "Ask Steve" forum.

I hope my questions are appropiate and what you guys are looking for and don't sound dumb. I currently don't make my living from photography but I hope to get to that point in the next few years. Just as some background, I was downsized a few years back and decided to try to make my photography work. I haven't had much luck so I had to get a regular 8 to 5 again so I can help my wife pay the bills.

I love shooting Seniors. I definately use the out of doors for all my shots. I find that it puts them more at ease and the subject looks very natural. I never use props, I shoot more magazine style than traditional. But they can bring anything along they want to show in their pics.
The most important thing for me is to make them feel comfortable and beautiful (or way cool) in front of the camera, I am very affirming in a real not fake way. Everyone leaves happy.
here are two links to two very different personality seniors.
www.marcelainphotography.com/slideshows/Breanne
www.marcelainphotography.com/slideshows/Hallie

I try to bring each personality to life on paper.

Tammy, looks really natural, great