Senior photo shoots always make me nostalgic. The last year of high school is such a huge turning point in life! I remember feeling so many things when I was that age – feeling impatient about what was to come, sad that I could never again relive what I was experiencing. That combination is what makes senior portraits so special. I was lucky to capture both Eliana and Kayla’s (see her photos here) senior portraits in a double session at Roanoke’s Explore Park.
We met in the late afternoon, each of us with packed bags – me with my gear, and the girls with their spare outfits. Though we ended up practically hiking along trails and down to the river bank, the girls were great sports about making the trek in their cute fall shoes. I was impressed with the upbeat energy they brought to the session.
Eliana proved herself to be a natural in front of the camera from the very start. Any photographer will tell you that most of the time, clients need some direction. It’s a skill I enjoy practicing – giving my subject suggestions to help her look her best. But, Eliana needed no such suggestions. She has the instincts that not many of us have about how to carry herself in a photo shoot. It was really fun to see what she would come up with, whether it be a natural lean to one leg or a perfect “smize” of the eyes.
After galavanting around Explore Park, the three of us quickly hopped into our cars and headed down the road to Mayflower Hills Park in the hopes of catching some beautiful sunset glow. Mother Nature did not disappoint. Eliana changed into her formal look and her red gown absolutely lit up in the last of the day’s sunlight. It was a perfect, gorgeous ending to fabulous shoot.
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, Eliana!
