Allyson ~ Arboretum and Downtown
This session was close to my heart! I've had the honor of watching Allyson grow up! Her family happens to be close friends with my family--the type of friends who become family. My father was best man at her parents' wedding and they come to most of our family gatherings. I'm leading off with a photo taken one Christmas many years ago. Allyson is the one in red, with the impish smile, sandwiched between my daughter and niece who is holding her. I took her brother's senior photos four years ago and it seems like I blinked and all of a sudden it was her turn! How did that happen? I still remember her toddling around my parent's house. Seems like it wasn't that long ago!
Anyway, Allyson traveled a few hours to have her senior pics taken here in Wooster. After some socializing and lunch, we headed to the arboretum, first visiting the pond--a favorite spot of mine! Her sporty outfit of jeans, tennis shoes, and white crop top was perfect for that setting. As we continued to explore the grounds, I wondered if the flower blooms would be slowing down since summer was winding down. But, nope, there were flowers everywhere! In fact, it was absolutely glorious! Especially the huge--and I mean HUGE-- pink hibiscus flowers that framed her as she sat on a wooden bench. They looked so lovely with her pretty pink floral dress that she had changed into. I could have stayed the whole evening shooting at the arboretum, but we wanted to change things up a bit and get more variety in, so we headed out to downtown Wooster before the sun set.
I love downtown Wooster in the evening, when the twinkling lights come on. I'm happy we were able to catch the twinking lights in some of the shots. I kept on clicking until dark and thought we were finished. But as we headed to the car, I saw a storefront lit up with a fancy chandelier. She was carrying her purse and I told her to keep the purse on her shoulder and then posed her in front of the window. I wasn't sure if it would turn out--it was a bit of an experiment--but it ended up being a successful experiment. I was so happy with the way it turned out. Not a traditional senior photo, for sure, but a beautiful and unique shot!
After that last photo was taken, I talked to Allyson about what a hot and humid day it was, and though I know she had to be feeling the heat --especially at the arboretum earlier--I mentioned how she somehow managed to not look like she was a melting mess. She looked so lovely and fresh in my viewfinder. She jokingly deadpanned, "I don't sweat, I sparkle." I laughed (Allyson has always had a great sense of humor), but I had to agree. Allyson certainly did sparkle in front of the camera!
Allyson is quite an accomplished student. She is part of student council at her school. She is also on the tennis team and swim team. She aced her ACT, which wasn't a surprise as I've always known she was a smartie! I'm sure there are some nice scholarships headed her way. I'm curious to see where she ends up. She has plans to study biology, leading to pre-med. She has an Ohio school or two on her list, but is adventurous enough that she wouldn't mind being out of state. No matter where this determined girl lands, I know she will do just fine. In fact, I'm sure she will excel.
Ally, I hope you have a fabulous senior year and I wish you all the best. So glad I was able to take your senior pics. I'm sure I will see you around at family get-togethers. Looking forward to hearing about your college decision and keeping up with your adult life in the years to come! I know you are headed for great things!
Audrey ~ Arboretum and Downtown Wooster
My first senior session of the year got me off to a spectacular start! I love the greens and flowers and warm lighting of summer. It really is the perfect time for senior pics! But the star of the shoot was not the beautiful surroundings, but my stunning subject, Audrey. Really, how gorgeous is she? The camera loved her. In fact, I had an almost impossible task trying to decide which photos to feature in this blog post. Honestly, there were many more just as lovely.
This senior session was a little extra special. I have known Audrey's family for a long time. Her mom has been my hairdresser for many years! I also remember Audrey as a little cutie tap dancing mouse in a production of Shrek that my daughter was also involved with. It was such a treat to spend some time with her and see what a kind and accomplished young woman she has become.
We started the session at Secrest Arboretum. The sun peeked out now and then, but was mostly cloudy, which provides the best light. Clouds act like a natural filter, softening the light. While I usually love sunny days, cloudy days speak to my photographer's heart! It was cool as well. In the upper 60's, so no worry about overheating. It was windy day, but settled enough that it didn't cause problems, thankfully. The arboretum did not disappoint; it was lush and colorful and made such a wonderful backdrop for Audrey's pretty white dress and cute navy blue jumper. After getting our fill of the greens and blooms, we headed to downtown Wooster to change things up! First up was cello pics in front of a garage door in an alley, of all things. Audrey's mom had seen some other pics that I took in front of this garage door and thought it would be great for the cello pics. And, boy, was she ever right! It ended up being striking--the rich solid colored brown-gray made the wood of the cello and Audrey's complexion practically glow. Great idea, mom! Loved Audrey's elegant one piece black outfit as well with the cello and also with the new butterfly mural on the back wall of Spoon Market. Then with a change into casual clothes, we finished up the session with various other picturespque spots downtown, capturing the twinkling lights of early evening. By the way, I think Audrey did a great job with her outfit selections. I always recommend a mix of dressy and casual and she nailed it!
Audrey is a busy student. She plays cello in orchestra (as you may have guessed from the photos), runs cross country, and is spending her summer working at two different jobs! She is undecided regarding a major for college, but is very interested in math and science. I wish her all the best her senior year and count myself very fortunate in being chosen as her senior photographer. I couldn't be happier with the way the shoot turned out and hope these photos of this all important time in her life bring joy and warm smiles to her and her family for years to come.
Megan ~ Arboretum and Downtown Wooster
Megan's handsome brother was one of my first seniors that I photographed. Now, years later, it'a her turn! It was a bit of a bumpy start--we had couple of October sessions for Megan that were scheduled that had to be cancelled. One due to a conflict with Megan's schedule and another due to rainy weather. So it ended up being a November photo shoot. Was a bit worried because November can be cold! But as luck would have it, it was a comfortable and unseasonably warm day! No shivering or chattering teeth, thank goodness! So glad it all worked out and as you can see, the end result was more than worth the delays!
Megan choose to split the session between Secrest Arboretum and downtown Wooster. A nature vibe and an urban vibe! Megan certainly was a beautiful subject for both settings. She is a gorgeous gal for sure and the camera loved her. She made my job super easy! In fact, too, easy. It was hard choosing which photos of feature in this blog post. So many great pics that I wanted to share!
Megan plays on her high school volleyball team and also plays for a club JO (Junior Olympic) traveling team. She is committed to play volleyball for Ohio Wesleyan University next year. I hope she has an amazing rest of her senior year and wish her all the best at Ohio Wesleyan!
Maverick ~ Downtown Wooster
Had such a fun October photo shoot with Maverick in downtown Wooster. And, by the way, isn't Maverick such a cool name? First time I met a Maverick! As you can see, we ended up with some very cool pictures as well thanks to our downtown's unique backdrops and Maverick's style and ease in front of the camera. I loved that he dressed in a way that truly represented who he is. Loved the belt buckle, necklace, plaid shirt and boots. And loved that he brought sunglasses, a cap, and his welding helmet, too! Those things really added to the variety of looks I was able to capture! In fact, some of my favorite shots are those with his mirrored sunglasses:) And our session was late enough that I caught some twinkling alley lights in the background when he wore his cap and sunglasses, which added to the "coolness" factor. There is a self-assured confidence that came though in those shots. A Top Gun vibe! Which is very fitting for a senior named Maverick.
As you may guess from the helmet pics, Maverick is pursuing a career in welding after high school. Outside of school, he loves to spend time with his family and friends and enjoys camping and kayaking as well as playing video and board games. Another favorite of his is riding thrill rides at amusement parks like Cedar Point. Like most of my senior guys, I don't think having his picture taken is up there in his rankings of things he likes to do! But I was so impressed with his calm and easy going manner though all my camera clicks. He was game for anything I suggested and also had a few requests for poses that he came up with--like the last pic of him standing with his helmet on which turned out beautifully.
I wish Maverick all the best in his senior year. And I'm glad I was able to give him and his parents some "forever moments" of this all important year!
Alex ~ Oak Hill Park
Had a lovely evening at Oak Hill Park with Alex. We lucked out with perfect weather--not too hot or too cold and still lots of greens in the background for a late summer shoot. A touch of early fall golds and oranges showed up as well!
Alex did a wonderful job during his shoot. I think most of my senior guys would rather be doing something else rather than playing model for my camera--basically they are there for their moms. I'm pretty sure the same goes for Alex, but he was so pleasant and accommodating. I enjoyed strolling around the park with Alex while I snapped away and I think he did his mama proud! I especially loved the way the close-ups and light from the setting sun showed off his striking blue green eyes. His spiffy blue plaid shirt really brought out the color of his eyes, too!
In his spare time, Alex enjoys hunting, watching the Pittsburgh steelers, four wheeling, and traveling to new places. Come fall, Alex will be headed to welding school. I mentioned to Alex and his mom that my uncle is a welder--and has done especially well. He actually owns his own business and welds the copper piping for Heinz Ketchup. It is such a terrific field to enter! I'm sure Alex will have much success in his chosen career!
Thanks, Alex, for having me take your senior pics! I hope you and your mom have fun picking out favorite pics and that they will bring back many fond memories of your senior year. I wish you all the best as well with the next phase of your life, when you head off to learn the welding trade!
