When deciding on a concept for a senior model shoot, inspiration can come from anywhere.  It just might come from a location where you meet your makeup artist to discuss the model shoot!

In this shoot below, Sherri Strawn of Sherri Strawn Photography in Derby, Kansas says that the new coffee shop served as the planning meeting place and became the inspiration for the shoot.

“Silvery Coffee and Bakery had just opened up a couple of months before and the minute I walked in I knew this was the place!” said Sherri.

Check out this fun concept shoot below and read what else Sherri had to share about it!  Thanks for sharing your work with Seniorologie Sherri!

Website:  www.sherristrawnphotography.com

Blog:  www.sherristrawnphotography.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sherristrawnphotography

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?
When I was planning a meeting with my hair and make-up artist, Ashley Workman, she suggested we meet at a new coffee shop in town. Silvery Coffee and Bakery had just opened up a couple of months before and the minute I walked in I knew this was the place!

I loved the color of the walls, especially a rustic wood wall in the back of the store. It had to be in my background! And the metal decorations and panels on the walls were the icing on the “cupcake.”

Where did this photo shoot take place?
Silvery Coffee and Bakery in Derby, KS.

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
I had a couple of ideas in mind for the outfits but eventually settled on simple summer dresses. I worked with my models to select the right colors and some fun statement jewelry.

I wanted the colors to reflect my brand and even collaborated with the manager of the cupcake store to add some gold accents to the yummy props!

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?
Nikon D7000, AF-S Nikkor 35mm 1.8, AF Nikkor 50mm 1.8, Lastolite 5-in-1 reflector

What time of day were these taken?
Middle of the day.

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
I color corrected and completed most of my post-processing in Lightroom CC. I had recently purchased the Pretty Presets Perfect Portrait Brushes and had fun trying them out on this session. They saved me from needing to export and continue processing in Photoshop!

What is your favorite thing about this session?
I’d have to say my favorite thing about this session was trying something new. This was my first concept shoot ever! I don’t have a studio yet so until this shoot all of my sessions were outdoors. I had also never worked with a hair and makeup artist or vendors to bring an idea to life. It was a wonderful learning experience as a photographer!

And working with the girls was so much fun! Their individual personalities really came through in their outfits and posing. It was a great time to come together as a model rep team! And what’s not to love about cupcakes! The girls loved taking the yummy props home with them after the shoot!

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
My style is modern, fun and colorful and I really think that came through in this session! I loved showing the girls how much fun it is to capture the in-between moments when posing has gone out-the-door! That’s when their individual personalities and expressions really came through!

Also, I hear from so many girls that they are concerned that professional hair and make-up will make them look too “made-up” and not themselves. I wanted to show them what a difference it makes in their confidence and in their photos and how naturally beautiful it can be!

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
It really makes a difference to start the relationship with my senior models before a camera is ever brought out! Getting to know them through planning together in my home, texting ideas and sending notes of excitement really helps them to feel like an important part of the process and my team!