Samantha first came to the studio during late winter to discuss her wishes for senior pictures, and to get headshots taken for the high school yearbook.  My wife, Dawn, has been friends with Samantha’s mom and older sister for years.  They all met through the synchronized figure skating community that has been a large part of our family’s life for many years. My first impression of Samantha is she has a calming reservation about her.  She has a tendency to be on the quiet side, but when she throws her smile at you, you feel welcomed and connected.

Samantha conveyed her want to have a few outfit looks from beautiful dresses to a tennis outfit.  Samantha is a rock-start tennis player with skills & a laser-eyed focus that will burn through the competition.  We originally planned to shoot at a beautiful pathway near Samantha’s house, but as luck would have it, it was under construction at time of our shoot.  As we preach about having a backup plan, Samantha beat us to the punch and suggested another location; Crystal Lake’s Veterans Acres Park … and it was a perfect fit.

Veteran Acres Park provided many of the creative elements we strived for in Samantha’s senior pictures.  From the natural landscape of trees, wild flowers, grassy knolls, to the strategically placed tennis courts that provided the closing scene needed for our last look; it was/is a great location.

We arrived on scene with the thermometer pushing 94 degrees; not ideal but better than a rainy day.  As Samantha was in the makeup chair, her Mom brought out the portable fans.  I have to say, the fans were welcomed.  Since then, we have added portable fans to our tool box for these warmer than desired on-location photoshoots.  We did break-out cold drinks throughout the shoot; last thing any one wants is someone hitting the pavement from heat exhaustion.  Samantha never once complained about the heat; she was a “Go” for every look.  

We started with Samantha in a gorgeous red dress, and then moved into the perfect white dress against nature’s backdrop.  Mother Nature never ceases to amaze as she provided a few moments of a perfect golden setting sun shining right onto Samantha. This is one of my favorite portraits; it just does not get any better.

As we made our way to the tennis courts, Samantha’s sister, Charlie, joined us for a few great sister portraits, and of course, I dragged Mom into the frame. The result is priceless. Mom’s are usually hesitant about jumping in for a picture or two, but it always turns out to be one they cherish forever.

For our tennis scene, we wanted to combine portraits and action shots. With the night sky rolling in, once again mother nature added the touch of dramatic ambience needed to create some amazing pictures. Samantha never wavered with the heat as we took shot after shot, shot after shot, and shot after shot. Did you pick up on the hint that we had Samantha take a lot of action shots? I am sure she had to apply some ice packs when she got home from all the action shots we took. Thank you to Samantha & Nancy (mom) for trusting us in creating your senior pictures, and for standing in as the opposing tennis player in returning serves.

Not sure what you want for your senior pictures? I can help you with creating a unique senior pictures photoshoot 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.