Giving seniors the option of a downtown urban type shoot or a more natural setting such as a park or field is a good way to figure out which space fits their personality.  But sometimes the senior loves both and wants to use both locations to fit both sides of their personality.

In this session below, photographer Chantelle West of Chantelle Marie Photography in Fort Worth, Texas says that this session includes both types of locations.

“This is a styled photoshoot that I put together with one of my 2016 Senior Reps that features an upscale downtown vibe and a more natural look afterwards during sunset.”

Check out this great session below and read what else Chantelle had to say about it.  Thanks for sharing your work with Seniorologie Chantelle!!

Website:  www.chantellemariephotography.com

Blog:  www.chantellemariephotography.com/blog/

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/chantellemariephotography

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?
To me, the best inspiration always comes from the seniors themselves! After meeting with Melanie a few weeks before her session, she told me that she really wanted an “upscale/chic” look in the local Downtown area, to incorporate some photos with her vintage blue car, and finally, she wanted to capture the colors of fall since the trees were starting to change!

Where did this photo shoot take place?
This photo session took place in Downtown Fort Worth, TX & ended at a gorgeous park overlooking Lake Worth.

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
Absolutely! I encourage my seniors to text me photos of their outfit ideas a week before their session so I can help them make their final decisions before the shoot even starts. Also, during the shoot, I bring a portable changing station with me to speed the process along. This is always a huge hit with my female seniors as there are never any awkward quick changes in cars or public restrooms.

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?
Nikon D750
Nikon 85mm 1.8
Sigma 35mm 1.4
A portable LED light (for fill)

What time of day were these taken?
Evening/Golden Hour

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
I generally use Lightroom for 75% of my editing (I’m obsessed with Tribe Red Leaf’s Presets) & Photoshop for the other 25%. (Mostly for blemish touch ups & post-production light infusions) I love keeping my edits natural, crisp and colorful but with a slight matte undertone.

What is your favorite thing about this session?
I’m not going to lie…I squealed a little (okay a lot!) when I saw her Vintage Blue car! I think it really made the session unique & was a fantastic prop for different poses.

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
Of course the lighting, posing, composition & editing are all super important components in creating a good senior photo…however my #1 goal is to help them feel SUPER comfortable with me during their shoot so their inner beauty absolutely shines through. That’s when you see a good image turn in to a GREAT image that both their families and the senior will adore!

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
One of my favorite ways to pose seniors (or any client for that matter) is to have them “move into” poses. This always captures their individual personality in a way that can never be replicated!
For example: If you want a gorgeous back-lit shot with their hair flowing behind them & their face to be soft/relaxed, tell them to slowly walk towards you while looking down/around. When you’re ready, tell them to look up at you/the camera & click away!! I promise, you’ll catch a truly stunning & genuine image that is is uniquely them.