Capturing Her Confidence: A Senior Portrait Session to Remember

FHS Class of 2024: Senior Photographs in Eureka Springs and Crystal Bridges Museum of Art

Planning a Senior Photography Session in NWA

This featured Senior came to me saying she dislikes being in front of the camera. She knew she wanted a long session so she could not feel rushed and would have time for multiple outfits. And finally she knew that she wanted to take photographs in her native Eureka Springs as well as at Crystal Bridges on the trails.

With this knowledge, we began our planning session by selecting her top five outfits (from hair & makeup to footwear, we plan it all ahead together). I then had her decide which outfits wanted at which location. And finally, because I knew her aversion to the camera, I suggested we start with the most casual and comfortable outfit and location to build confidence throughout her photography session.

Fall in Northwest Arkansas

Our (months in advance) planned date happened to give us the peak Autumn leaves and WOW did they pair perfecting with her hair. The day was probably one of the coldest yet of the season so not shown is her mom to the side with jacket and blanket ready to warm up in between locations. This black sweater with washed jeans was her second outfit — do you see the confidence already building?

Historic Eureka Springs as a Backdrop

Born and raised in Eureka, she wound me expertly through the side streets, alleys, and these gorgeous stairs, to start our session to an abandoned brick building. I started with wide shots, made her twirl (she hated it but it made her laugh), and got her talking before I went in close with my camera and captured this first photograph (top left). I immediately turned the camera screen to show her how STUNNING she was and from there the smirks turned to smizes (smiling with the eyes) to finally the full natural smile (bottom right).

Let the Personality Shine

Three ways she described herself that we were able to capture in her senior photography session:

1. She is a girly sneakerhead (noun: a sneaker enthusiast)

2. Her pup brings her the most love and happiness

3. She loves art and is an aspiring artist herself

Personality "Pics" are the best and most cherished photographs from senior sessions and I am confident she will love these forever (especially the photograph with her pup that is going up framed on her wall).

Fierce & Confident

When she showed me her last two outfits (and the SHOES) I knew we had to create save these for last when the confidence was at its height. Artwork, her car, and finally HER FIERCE SELF popped on camera and was palpable in person. This was the moment that her mom had the "you are all grown up" moment. This was the moment she was feeling herself and gave it her all. And she did this in 5 inch heels, in 40 degree weather, and in the rain. This senior is going to be a boss in the next stage of her life with this confidence to carry her into adulthood.

I love to build custom sessions for high schools seniors and this was a perfect example of an experience that she will remember forever and photographs to cherish (and look back on remembering that fierce confidence).

Could you see her confidence grow in the photographs?

Which was your favorite Senior Photograph from her extended session?

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Be sure to follow me on Instagram or sign up for my newsletter so you can reach out when it is time for YOUR custom Senior Photography session in Northwest Arkansas, New York City, and more!

Family Fall Fun Photographs

Session Recap: Central Park for their first family photographs

When a client returns to me, not only is it super fun because we already know each other, but it tells me that I served them well the previous session and they are looking for the same boutique, custom service again for their printed portraits.

Central Park family photographs

I photographed baby for his Newborn photographs and now, less than a year later, it was time for the family's first session together.

Mom, Dad, baby, and pup all got their best coordinated (with my help) clothes on and met me at Central Park. I had walked the park entrance they like the previous week and got Mom's favorite locations chosen ahead of the session. With all of this prep to make sure it was an easy session, we were able to concentrate on keeping baby and pup happy and looking at the camera.

Central Park Fall Family Photographs

What are you most looking forward to for your photography session?

Mom said before the session that she was most looking forward to "having our first family pictures taken" and we absolutely achieved that goal. Previous to this, all that Mom and Dad could share online or with family were selfies. They now have professional family photographs of all four of them together!

Central Park Fall Family Photographs

What three words or phrases would you use to describe your loved one(s) in the session?

We channeled their desired "smiley, supportive, & cuddly" vibes throughout the session. We had planned ahead and the parents brought pup's favorite squeaker toys for me to have in my pocket (or right about the camera) — the family was able to cuddle and concentrate on each other while I made sure everyone was looking at the camera. And just LOOK at their smiles, so natural and happy.

Central Park Fall Family Photographs

Why did you decide to invest in portraits? Why are they important to you?

Not only did I follow up because I knew baby was approaching the 10-12 month mark (so fast), but both parents knew it was time for a session too. "To remember this time in our lives since it goes by so quickly." I have seen the family in the neighborhood a few times in between the newborn session and this Fall session — I got to watch as baby got bigger, he started to hold his head up on his own, his eyes got brighter, his hair got lighter, and both parents went back to work. Time slips away and pretty soon he will be walking, talking, and a bit more squirmy for photographs — which is why I love the 10-12 month age for family photographs as babies are still happy in parents' arms but can see and understand to look at the camera.

Central Park Fall Family Photographs

Where do you plan to display your final custom printed artwork?

Fall family photographs are a GREAT time to get double use of your professional photographs. Not only can you get the beautiful wall artwork for your home (and maybe grandparents' homes) but you can also get Holiday cards. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, calendar New Year, Luna New Year, or more, it is a great time to send out some happy snail mail to friends and family. I am also a graphic designer so I custom design holiday cards and can do the entire process for you (design, print, stamp, and mail). Read more about custom holiday cards in this blog post. This family's goal was "making holiday cards and a print for a frame" and I am so excited to deliver these products for them.

Central Park Fall Family Photographs

Your turn?

Follow me on Instagram or sign up for my newsletter so that when it is your time for family photographs, you know who to contact.

Comment below, I would LOVE to know which is your favorite final photograph from this family's Central Park Fall photography session.

4 Reasons Why You Need a Professional Headshot Photograph

For everyone from college to retirement, an updated headshot keeps you relevant in the working world.

Headshots are a professional necessity as important as your resumé, LinkedIn profile, and interview skills. While most jobs do not ask for a headshot (or even legally cannot ask), if you have a LinkedIn profile, they will see your profile photograph. Just like your resumé, your headshot gives a first impression to your potential employer or business partners, and a professional headshot versus a cropped group photo or selfie can instantly show your professionalism in the workplace, as well as a bit of your personality.

There are a few times in your life when you absolutely need a new professional headshot and I am here to help you prepare for those moments.

#1 - College internship seeker

Your (maybe first ever) professional headshot is an important one! You are likely young and starting your LinkedIn profile from scratch. Set aside some money (or save monthly during freshman/sophomore year) to hire a professional photographer to capture your headshot. It is also possible your college is offering a headshot session for a reduced rate, be sure to sign up for a slot. This is an investment that will last you a few years and have a lot of eyes on it.

A few tips for your college (and all) headshots:

• Be sure to pay for at least two images, sometimes a photographer will give you a dark and a light background, or a studio and an outdoor session, or simply offer two poses like straight on and quarter profile.

• Wear a solid colored top, no pattern. We want the photograph to focus on your face, not your outfit. Keep it simple, and semi-professional (a suit or blazer is not necessary at college age).

• Smile — practice in the mirror before your session, do you like a certain smile more than another?

• Know if you have a side you prefer of your face. We only see ourselves in the mirror or selfies — have a friend take your photo with their phone and help you determine if you have a preference which usually has to do with the way your wear your hair or the symmetry of your face.

• Deep breaths, the photographer will make your comfortable and a headshot session is usually very very quick, it will be over faster than it took you to get ready.

• Save your headshot files in multiple places with keywords that you can search your computer easily for them, these are not something you want to lose or screenshot later.

#2 - Remove the cap & gown

Congratulations, you graduated from college or a masters program, it is time to go out and find a role which also means it is time to update your headshot. You likely have aged since your first headshot in freshman/sophomore year of college and you want to look "old enough" to resumé reviewers (many have unconscious bias towards age even for incoming roles).

A few tips for graduate headshots:

• You can dress a bit more professionally, which may vary depending on the career you are entering. A tie, suit, blazer, or blouse would look nice but not necessary for all roles, however still stick to solid colors in general (a tie can have a soft pattern).

• Look the part — do some research before your headshot session to see what people working at your potential companies are wearing in their headshots on LinkedIn. Be sure to add and message them after you update your headshot.

• This headshot could last you up to 5 years so be sure to save in the same places on your computer as your internship search headshots and the same keywords.

#3 - Each company, each year

Every large company has an internal email and messaging system, plus people systems that allow others to see a profile photograph of you. Each company 10+ employees should offer annual headshot days for employees to have consistent headshots, for new employees to join in, and for any trans employees to have their identity affirmed at work.

Consistent headshots at companies could be on a colored background specific to the company (mine would be purple, right?), with the company's building or office in the background, wearing company clothing (like the fashion industry) or with the company logo on it.

Tips for companies supplying employee headshots:

• Keep it consistent year over year, therefore not every employee needs a new headshot every year, only new hires — keep a consistent photographer for this

• For new hires needing consistent headshots, supply examples ahead of time and day-of so each employee can see how to pose for consistency

• If you do change your headshots, clear your team's calendars so they are available to all get their headshots taken

• Have a make-up day in case you have employees out sick or on leave

#4 - Every 5 years

Whether you are looking for a new job, opening your own business, or staying in your role, be sure to update your headshot every 5 years or so. While we don't all age or change much how we look over every 5 year period, it is likely some things have changed like fashion, hairstyles, makeup, and more. Set a reminder in your calendar on the day of your headshot for 5 years in the future to schedule another one.

Are you ready to schedule your professional headshot?

Find a local photographer who can achieve the style you are looking for at your current needs. Are you in the New York City area or Northwest Arkansas? Check out Hannah Golden Photographs for personal or company headshots.

Let me know in the comments, when was your last headshot taken?