“What makes this session unique?  Well I get tons of senior girls but not a lot of senior guys…so that make it a bit unique for starters,”  said Anna Roberts of Third Avenue Photography in Kansas City, MO.  “Also, he brought several props, something I don’t usually see from guys.”

We don’t see a lot of senior guy submissions so this one stood out to us!  And the props are awesome!

Anna owes her photography career to her dad, who was a photographer, and her kids who inspire her.  After photographing a variety of things, Anna realized that photographing seniors makes everything “click” for her!

To see more of Anna’s work, visit her blog here.  And be sure to read what she had to say about this session below!  Thanks for sharing Anna!

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot? All the props I knew he was bringing along! I also try to bring out each persons unique personality and find that very inspiring.

Where did this photo shoot take place?  At a great urban spot called the West Bottoms in downtown KC and a nearby park.

Did you collaborate with this senior on the wardrobe for the session?  I always tell seniors to wear outfits that will show their personalities and style. I also have them bring several outfits and we usually look at everything beforehand, mix and match and figure out what works best at each location.

What camera, lens and equipment was used in this photo shoot?  I love prime lenses and shot this one with my 50 1.4!

What time of day was this shot?  Since we shot in an urban location I wanted the sun to be a little higher in the sky while there. Typically I shoot a couple hours before sunset and love to capture that beautiful golden sun, but with our schedules a morning (about 9:30, 10ish) was the only time we could do this. Once we got to the park the sun wasn’t ideal, but I love a challenge and they turned out great!

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing these photos?  I try to do as little editing as possible, making it as perfect as I can in camera!

What is your favorite thing about these photos?  I do so many senior girls, it was fun taking pictures of a senior guy for a change. In my experience guys are not as thrilled about their senior pictures as girls are, so I love how into these he was! He brought props and had a lot of ideas. It was a lot of fun and actually ended up being one of the longest senior sessions I have done.

What do you want these photos to convey about this senior and about your photography business?  I want them to show his personality and interests/hobbies. About my business, I want them to show that show that I desire to capture the natural beauty (and handsomeness 😉 of every senior. I don’t change their skin or bodies, but capture images that are natural, beautiful and show off each persons unique personality.

What is one tip about senior portrait photography that you can share with other photographers?  Get to know your seniors (and the family and friends that usually come along!). Don’t be afraid to be a dork and make them laugh! Talk, laugh, make them feel comfortable…makes for great pictures!