Wrapping presents is part of the holidays.  Picking out the wrapping paper, the ribbon and bows is so much fun.  But what if you could incorporate those beautifully wrapped packages into a beautiful backdrop for a fun Holiday Concept Shoot?  That’s exactly what Shannon of Shannon Hollman Photography did!

Shannon created a candy cane and presents concept shoot that is so colorful and fun it will make even Ebenezer Scrooge get into the Holiday Spirit!! 🙂  Check out this beautiful and fun photo session below and read how Shannon put it all together with some boxes, lots of colorful wrapping paper and the help of her mom and a wonderful hair and makeup team!   Happy Holidays!!

What inspired you to create this concept shoot? A while back I happen to see a picture of bright red, sparkly lips. I was obsessed with them. I sat there and stared at the picture thinking “what type of session could I have that could possibly need lips like these!?” and then it turned into this session. So, yes, this entire concept shoot was based on red lips. Ha!

How did you create the backdrop for this shoot? I collected as many different shaped boxes over a couple of weeks that I could. I knew I wanted a “wall” of present behind her. Once I found all the boxes I could, my mom and I taped them all closed and wrapped them up. I wanted lots of different wrapping papers too. I love, love color in my photos and I knew this would be a great way to add a bunch of fun color.

Did you collaborate with anyone (stylist, etc) to create this shoot? I showed my makeup artist, Kristen at Envy day spa (montana) the picture of the lips and told her that as long as she has red sparkly lips, the rest is totally up to her…..and she NAILED IT!! She came up with these amazing candy cane eyelashes that she made by hand. The makeup was over the top perfect. I also used Morgan at Evolve hair studio (montana) for the model’s hair. Morgan is incredible at what she does and I fully trusted her. I let her know that I wanted a side bun type do and, again, she made it over the top! I am so so thankful to have these two ladies on my team!!

Tell us a little about the model’s wardrobe….The dress was a little bit of a stress because just days before the shoot, we didn’t have one, I was on the hunt for a red dress. We were hoping to possibly have a long sleeve one because I knew we were doing the session in the snow outside and it very well could have been 5 degrees. We didn’t have much luck finding anything in our small little town, but ended up finding the perfect red dress from lulu’s and it was exactly what I had visioned….red and fun!! And then I found the perfect candy cane tights online and they were the cherry on top of the outfit!!

What do you love most about creating concepts for senior shoots? Oh gosh….what DON’T I love about them? They are so much fun to do!! I get to dream up a concept and just run with it. No rules, no expectations. Sometimes I know exactly what I want and other times I just kind of wing it and let it all fall into place as it happens. It’s such a great way to express creativity, have fun and give the seniors something they wouldn’t otherwise ever have. They are good for my creative soul!

What will you use this shoot for (marketing or other)?  I’m not quite sure what I will do with it yet! I will absolutely use it for my personal marketing….but I feel like they turned out so colorful and fun that I’d love to see them used for something amazing!

Are concept shoots just for you to be creative or do clients hire you to do specific concepts? These sessions are completely for me. I choose the models that I know will be a good fit for the look I am going for. I then figure out all the details that will go into it (hair, makeup, clothing, location, details…..). If the senior were to hire me directly to do a concept shoot for them, then I would absolutely work with them to execute their specific concept. I hope that at some point it will lead to more seniors wanting to do a concept session…but for now, they are just a good way for me to let go, get creative, try something new and see where it all goes.

How do you think concept shoots allow you to be more creative and therefore learn and grow as a photographer? Because I get to try new things…there’s less risk. If I try an idea and it’s a flop, it’s ok!! The seniors (and hair and makeup team) know that we are just out to have a great time and create great photos. I get to stretch myself as a photographer and they are 100% willing to go with my ideas and see if they work.

Makeup- Kristen at Envy Day Spahttp://www.skinenvydayspa.com/
Hair- Morgan at Evolve Hair studiohttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Evolve-Hair-Studio/338746926241929
Model- Alexa

Dress- Lulu’s www.lulus.com
candy cane- I made this by hand (it wasn’t as easy as it looks )
presents- wrapped by my mom and myself
location- my mom’s backyard

Concept and Photo Shoot by:  Shannon Hollman Photography

www.shannonhollman.com

www.shannonhollman.com/blog

www.facebook.com/shannonhollmanphotography