Senior Pictures | Allyson

Allyson!  This is one person I definitely was hoping for the opportunity to create her senior pictures.  From the first time Allyson was in front of the camera, I picked up the soulful & humorous presence about her.  I first created senior pictures for Allyson’s sister, Emily (See Original Post Here). And that developed into creating portraits for the family.

Senior Photo Ideas

Now it was Allyson’s turn to be the center of focus (definite photography pun here). I sat down with Allyson and her mom, Jen, to get the creative juices flowing on what was to be created for her high school senior pictures.  Allyson is pretty spot-on to what she wants and does not want (no barns, no country, nada).  

We leaned into industrial, urban elements to create edgier, dramatic senior photos with some attitude.  Remember, Allyson is light-hearted and funny, to add some drama into her looks, I was absolutely onboard to go there.  However, it was also discussed & decided to create brighter, warm-hearted imagery to capture her soulful spirit. That led us to a nature.  Remember, no barns, no country, but raw nature in the form of wild flowers; yes please.

Senior Picture Outfit Ideas

With the majority of senior pictures, fashion plays an important role.  For me, fashion is one of the strongest elements in designing the creative elements for each look.  I want to know what styles, textures and colors will be selected as I will use the scene’s elements and lighting to highlight the fashion.  Allyson mentioned that she would need to refer to Emily for fashion guidance.  Ultimately, for the industrial urban vibe a pink blazer, white tank top, ripped jeans and kick-ass pair of white leather boots were selected.  Did this hit the edgy vibe we were after … absolutely!

For the flip side, when it was decided to head out to nature and jump into a field of wild flowers, Allyson selected a gorgeous fuchsia toned dress that just amplified her natural beauty.  It was perfect for the natural setting we envisioned, and amplified her free spirited compassion.  

High School | Senior Yearbook Pictures

Senior Photos are not your average high school senior yearbook pictures.  The goal is to create a celebrity style photoshoot experience, and when that comes into fruition, the result is an array of amazing senior pictures that will be cherished for a lifetime.  Addressing all the details truly makes the difference between good and great.  For on-location photoshoots, everything needs to be planned to the infinite detail.  One of the biggest challenges is the weather.  I start tracking the weather & praying for a favorable outcome a week before the photoshoot.  For Allyson’s photoshoot, I knew it was going to be hot; not warm, but sweaty hot.  My thought is always how my senior is going to hold up to the elements.  Allyson, a pure rock star.   However, I did bring the portable fan and refreshing drinks.  I hoped to have her favorite, Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus, but that was nowhere to be found; second best Izzie Sparkling Blackberry (no sponsorship provided).  

We started in the makeup chair as soon as Allyson arrived.  I truly believe everyone enjoys a little bit of pampering, and sitting in the makeup chair while all the attention is on you, well, it just feels good.  Plus, for me, it is an opportunity to talk and set the scene.  Most of us are not 100% comfortable in front of a camera, and that’s okay.  This is where I step in and let it be known that “I got you”.  We are going to just have fun while I make you look amazing.  I just wanted Allyson to forget the camera and just interact with me, and that’s exactly what happened.  Well, until the mosquitoes arrived.

One of Allyson’s wishes was to create a picture with fairy lights.  My initial thought was “yes”, I have been wanting to do that for quite some time, but with a different spin.  I envisioned Allyson laying in the bed of wild flowers with the string of lights extending from her to infinity.  Meaning, the lights would fade out of scene.  The plan was to do this at dusk to enhance the fairy lights.  Do you remember me mentioning the weather was hot, hot enough where mosquitoes become a serious challenge.  As I was preparing the scene, and starting to shoot, we were besieged by mosquitoes.  I looked at my bare arm, and I could have counted forty plus pests.  I looked at Allyson laying on the ground, and she never flinched; I cannot imagine the buggers feasting on her.  I moved faster than normal, and we captured the image we envisioned.  Then, we preceded to wipe off all of those little invaders, and bolted for more favorable conditions.

Thank you for coming along for Allyson’s Chicago Senior Pictures story.  If you are interested in senior pictures,  I can help you create a unique senior pictures experience.  Be sure to get our Chicago Senior Pictures Guide and let’s start creating your vision by scheduling a complimentary consultation.

About Chicago Senior Pictures

A Chicago Senior Portrait Studio in the Illinois Northwest Suburbs. Our style of Senior Photography is influenced by fine-art and fashion editorial photography. Our “why” is providing an authentic experience to our clients in creating an exclusive product with an artist’s decorative touch.

We are hard-working, talented professionals dedicated to our client’s experiences and the memories we create for them. We’d love to have you visit the studio and show you our folio albums, hand crafted wall art and print photography products. We can provide more information on the services we deliver.