If you follow my work, you may have realized that I pretty much stick with photographing babies and young children. I definitely market myself that way, so it is no surprise that I don't book many sessions that do not fit into that category. Well, last weekend I decided to change it up a bit, and I accepted a session for a high school senior named Tiffanie.
Tiffanie was in a hurry to have her photos done in time to submit her yearbook photo to the school, so we scheduled her session quickly, and were blessed with a beautiful, but slightly chilly, day for the shoot. Now, I have shot seniors before, but they are alway few and far between, and I always get a bit anxious before I shoot that age group. Maybe it's because it's a totally different world working with someone who is so grown, than it is chasing after little toddlers that are spontaneous and full of energy, or shushing a tiny little newborn to sleep, and slowly and carefully curling them into position for their first portraits. Perhaps my anxiety comes from my many years of being unpopular and incredibly nerdy in school, and always seeking acceptance. I'll admit it, I am still slightly intimidated by the thought of not fitting in, but that is always short-lived when I meet my seniors and realize that they are just as, if not more, nervous as I am. It is a lot to ask of someone, to stand in front of a camera and try to look natural. I can't do it. My eyes bug out of my head, and I usually end up making a crazy face, which is why I prefer to stay behind the camera.
Well, Tiffanie was not only natural in front of the camera, she absolutely shined, and she ignited an excitement in me to shoot future senior sessions. She is a beauty through and through. She is also a very crafty and inconspicuous outfit changer. I don't know how she did it, but she was in and out of outfits in the blink of an eye, without flashing any of the goods. Quite a talent. lol. And, luckily, she is not afraid of flying insects, since we shot one location that was swarmed with honey bees, and another that was swarmed with bumble bees. She did it all without a flinch, and I am happy to report that we all made it out alive and unscathed.
It was such a privilege to work with Tiffanie. I really enjoy seeing young people at this point in their lives, where they are really blossoming, coming into their own, and nearing a major crossroads in life. I am so happy to be able to capture this moment for her. Though she said that she was doing the photo shoot to appease her mom, I like to believe that when Tiffanie sees these beautiful images of herself, she will be pleased and excited that she participated in this shoot, and will be proud to share the images with her friends and family. :)
email: carrimullins@carribethphotography.com
