I would venture to guess that most senior girls are into fashion!  However, showing up to a session with 10 outfits qualifies this senior as a Rachel Zoe want-to-be and I love it!!  Her style is so awesome and I am dying for some of these outfits!  I think we should keep our eye out for her on Project Runway some day soon!

Jess of Olive Avenue Photography captured this senior’s style so perfectly in these images!  Even though Jess started out shooting families and kids, I think she has found another niche she is perfect for!!  The poses, colors and vibe of these photos is perfect for a budding fashion designer!

See what Jess had to say about this awesome photo shoot below and be sure to check out her other work here.  Thanks for sharing Jess!

What was the inspiration for this photo shoot? The inspiration for this shoot was most definitely the subject, Anina.  I meet with all of my seniors a week or two before their session.  This time is great to get some insight into who they are and what they want their senior photography experience to be like.  I always follow their lead as far as to what direction the shoot should go because what is right for one girl can be totally wrong for another.  So I’m inspired by who they are and my goal is to capture that in each photo.

Where did this photo shoot take place?  This shoot took place at 2 different locations on 2 different days.  The first location was a bird sanctuary and wildflower garden in Minneapolis.  It is the most green and peaceful spot.  I love how dense and wooded it is.  The second location was at a field that is near my house.  The light in the evening there is always so soft and buttery.

Did you collaborate with the senior to determine the clothing worn in this session?  This senior is way into fashion.  She wants to go to school to be a fashion designer.  She came to her session with about 10 outfits, tons of shoes and a whole bag of jewelry and cute accessories.  We chose our favorites together…but really she gets the credit.  This girl has an amazing eye for fashion and I love her unique style.

What camera, lens and equipment was used in this photo shoot?  I used my Nikon D700, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G, Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G, and Lensbaby Composer.

What time of day was this shot?  Both sessions were shot in the evening during the ‘golden hour.’  Which is by far my most favorite time to shoot.

Can you share any post processing techniques used when editing these photos?  I process all my photos in Camera RAW and then Photoshop CS4.  I always work on smoothing the skin first and then use a combination of actions and edits to create the look I love…which is deep, rich color with a little vintage twist.

What is your favorite thing about these photos?  I truly believe these photos capture Anina’s spirit.  The most important part of being a photographer for me is developing a true and honest connection with my subjects.  I work hard to make them feel comfortable and beautiful.  Especially my senior girls.  The world is always throwing so many negative messages at them about beauty and body image.  Many of them come to me feeling worried or insecure about how they look.  By the end of their time with me they walk away feeling more confident and a little step closer to embracing their unique beauty.  I had one parent tell me that a 2 hour photo session with me helped her daughter more than a year’s worth of therapy.  Hearing comments like that is the highlight of all I do.

What do you think this session conveys about this senior and about your photography style?  This session conveys my brand and work perfectly.  It’s free, it’s fun.  There’s drama and silliness.  And Anina just shines!

What is one tip that you can share with other photographers when it comes to photographing seniors?  Have fun and get to know your clients.  After chasing around toddlers and getting peed on by newborns…shooting seniors is relaxing!  I recharge creatively during senior sessions and enjoy every minute of them.  I also love asking them questions.  These kids are about to start on the great adventure of living life independently and it’s an exciting time.  It doesn’t feel like work when you make it personal…and it’s fun to hear about their dreams for the future.  You can also pick up some great fashion tips for yourself!