Shooting an Epic Senior Portrait

Preface:
I write this blog post now, almost a year after I took what I consider to be an "Epic Senior Portrait" for the simple reason that a behind-the-scenes (BTS) photo popped into my Instagram feed of the photo session.


Actual Blog Post:
I've known Sean and his family for more than a few years now. I've had the opportunity to coach Sean in gymnastics, and the opportunity photograph his family on a numerous occasions. So, when I was asked to take Sean's Senior Photos, I was not only honored, but super excited.

Travelling from Southern California to Virginia Beach for a our family vacation, I was lucky enough to book three photo shoots while we were there; one of those being Sean's Senior Photos.

So my wife, son, and I met up with Sean and his mom at one of his favorite spots; a spot we'd actually used previously for their family photos. Located in First Landing State Park the spot is versatile in offering wooded areas, sandy shores, and a great view of the inter-coastal waterways.

After taking the "normal" senior portraits, the sun was getting to be perfect and we decided to take just a few more photos down on the sandy shoreline near part of a fallen tree. As Sean was a Junior Elite gymnast, and headed off to Ohio State the following year, getting a gymnastics related shot seemed appropriate.

The scene its self was near perfectly framed. The natural light was coming from behind Sean to his left, so I setup my speedlight in an octobox to my left and gold reflector to my right. I grabbed my 17-55mm lens and got down low into the sand with Sean in a straddle planche on the fallen tree. A couple of attempts later we nailed the shot - straight out of camera it looked it awesome!

I spent a little amount of time doing some minor post processing on the final photo, and for that I am super happy. I did end up doing a color and black/white version of the same shot, and I love them both equally.

All-in-all this shot turned out to be one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE SHOTS! I know Sean and his family enjoy it as well, and I'm hoping you all do as well.

Epic Senior Portrait

BTS - Making of an Epic Senior Portrait

You can more of Sean's Senior Portraits in his gallery. The link is at the top of the page.