A personality that needs more than just a backdrop

I brought my family to a Clam Bake for “Team Ali – gators” fundraiser and during the mingling, my daughter made instant friends with “Belle” and “Peter Pan” that were walking around for the children, among the endless of activities going on around us. During the parade, my daughter wanted to hold Peter and Belle’s hands while we marched and they were happy to have her along. I was so impressed with their personalities and was humbled by their kindness.

Weeks later, I received a message from Connor’s Mother telling me that she received my name from a friend and had looked over my portfolio and her son was “over the moon” excited to get planning!

When we arrived at Ontario Beach Park, we started our adventure on the steps of the Community Center. With it’s brick exterior, it gives a adds a great texture to the photograph. Even with a huge personality, Connor was a little nervous and I could tell within just a few lighting test shots.

As always, I explained what to expect during his session and how AMAZING his hair looked. I asked him a few more personal questions to help break the ice;… and he took over!

Within minutes, his images were coming out just as I had hoped. His smile was real, his images were priceless, and his Mom… she was tearing up. Her little boy who, undoubtedly, helped keep the household full of life at home, was heading off on his own soon, and these images meant everything to her.

Showcasing a Senior in imagery.

When I was in high school (Not that it was allllll that long ago (:::cough cough:::), Senior Portraits were taken by an overly priced studio with fake flowers, rough back lighting and cookie cutter backdrops. All yearbook photos looked the exact same and nothing to differentiate personality to personality.

Senior Portraiture has changed so much in the last couple decades, more and more families are showcasing their favorite Seniors by highlighting them with the light of the sun, allowing them to pick a location that represents them and it should be no surprise that the Senior Yearbook looks a MILLION times better!

It is perfectly natural for the first few minutes of any session to be uncomfortable. Especially with a new Client, let alone a 17 year old Senior!

So how do you get them to show themselves to easily within just a few clicks? … By being yourself.

As soon as the session starts, I am asking questions, digging in deeper while subtly moving this or that to make their portrait perfect. After just a few short moments of letting them know how GREAT they are doing, their confidence is soaring; and the smiles get wider. Pretty soon, they just … soar!

Talents & Hobbies

Connor’s Mother had told me that he was larger than life from the beginning and when he whipped out a ukulele at his session, I was blown away when he sat down and started singing! So natural, so fluently and it truly just Wow’d me! I learned that he was trying out for American Idol soon and knew that if given the chance, I would use all my votes for him!

Some Seniors bring guitars, footballs, or something from their favorite hobby. It not only switches the scene up on my end but it’s simultaneously giving feelings of comfort and good vibes to them!

Confidence Leads

Their confidence becomes the highlight of the entire session. When I asked Connor about the idea of him standing in the middle of the Pier with everyone walking by, he was glowing with excitement. After all, we had just spent his entire session making sure he knew how to be comfortable! And one of my favorite shots taken from that night, flawlessly!

*Can you imagine what a Seniors’ self-esteem looks like when they see these images in their online gallery for the first time? Or hung up on the wall!? It gives me GREAT pleasure to hear the feedback from parents after their gallery has been delivered! There’s nothing like it!

Holy sugar! The photos are breathtaking. I?m am so happy (and tearing up…these dang emotions). You captured the sweet, tender soul of my sweet Connor. Honestly, I can?t thank you enough. I will make certain to write a review in the next few days. Thank you again, Destiny. I hope our paths cross again soon. You are a lovely person, and have such a great talent.

Shawn Phillips

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