natalie, senior + lighting tip

WHAT a cutie!












she has the most beautiful unique eyes I've ever seen.























I've seen a lot of new(er) photographers posting senior sessions on their blogs/facebook. It's GREAT to showcase your work but I am so discouraged when I see a great photo ruined by bad lighting. let me say this as CLEARLY as I can....lighting is everything. I literally just shouted that at my screen. sorry about that, dear screen.

You know when you stand in direct sunlight and you do that squinty thing with your eyes searching for shade? Soooo what makes you think your subject wants to stand there? that was kind of harsh, sorry about that. But seriously. Lighting is just as important as remembering to put your pants on. I usually shoot in the morning or evening light when I can work with light being soft and complimentary. These photos were taken 6:45am-8:30 am. For the evening, 4:45-sundown is lovely, too.

Natalie l Senior

records
dancing
laughing
sara
piano
trespassing
these are a few of her favorite things
the trespassing one isn't entirely true...it was strictly circumstantial.

not to mention good looks must run in the family. Natalie lives in Lynchburg and also happens to be graduating high school this year. After taking her big sister sara's press kit photos, Natalie contacted me to do her senior photos. I knew that she would be up for anything and that we'd have a blast. Sara came along and helped natalie loosen up.....and laugh a lot. I'm all for laughing photos.

No one was harmed, arrested or frozen to death during the making of these photos.



we found this entire wall of icecicles...it was phenominal





















I think she pretty much nails the fierce serious photos. I look like an idiot when I try to give that look.



the new Vampire Weekend album was released Tuesday....It's chaotically wonderful.

PS-check out new starline drive music, too!