It is very rare that I see snow living in South Carolina.  So I was super excited to receive this Winter-inspired photo shoot submission from Coco.Laine Photography!

Kalyn Yeager started her photography business, Coco.Laine Photography, after her sister took her under her wing and showed her the ropes.  After learning from her sister and getting her sister’s blessing, she started her own photography business.  Seniors became one of the niches she loved and she’s been photographing them ever since.

Sometimes shooting in the snow can be a challenge.  But Kalyn did an excellent job and even shares her tips below!  Thanks for sharing this session with us!  To see more of Kalyn’s work, visit her blog here.

I had two things to pull inspiration from for this shoot, my senior and the snow! It was our first snow fall of the year that actually stuck so I knew I had to get a senior out there. My senior, Angelene, was awesome enough to drop everything to do the shoot so I lucked out! Angelene is actually one of my senior reps so we have been chatting for a few months or so. I have really been able to get a feel for who she is through our convos. She has an amazingly unique sense of style & a laid back personality so I wanted to capture photos that simply reflect that.

Where did this shoot take place?

Around a lake in Cortland, Ohio.

What time of day?

This was a mini winter shoot so I shot from 11am to noon. It really worked out because the sun kept peeking out from behind the clouds every few minutes. I found myself saying the same thing over and over again, “Okay, same thing but turn around!”.

Did you collaborate with this senior before the session to determine concept, location and/or wardrobe?

YES!! We knew we wanted to go to the lake because their are a lot of locations to use around that area. Because of the snow I knew it would be a great opportunity to utilize lots of accessories. We had a little chat about wardrobe and I basically said bring everything but the kitchen sink! She actually didn’t change her outfit so we could use as much time shooting as possible. We just kept switching out accessories, coats & boots.

What camera, lens or equipment was used for this photo shoot?

I used my Nikon D3s with a 50mm 1.4 lens.

I love love love shooting in the snow. It’s like a giant reflector coming from every angle making the light just right wherever you go. Because of this you have to be careful with your exposure. Don’t be afraid to test a few shots to get it just right.

Can you share your post-processing techniques used when editing this session?

I try to stick to a clean edit with my seniors. I try to get the photo just right in camera to limit any editing after the fact. Before anything, I always eliminate blemishes and soften skin a little bit. Then I always sharpen up the photo a little, increase the contrast and brightness, sharpen up the eyes a little and voila! Everything is perfect.

What is your favorite thing about these photos?

Angelene! She is just so cool! From her clothes to the way she moves to her personality – everything was spot on. She was open to try anything and was patient with me when I felt I needed to adjust her in any way. At one point I stopped my car and said “Get out! HURRY!” because the lighting & snow fall at that particular spot was too fantastic to be missed! She was out on the road hitting her mark before I had my camera in hand! She was wonderful.

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and your photography style?

It is very important to me to get to know my senior so the session ends up exactly the way they would like it to. I have a lot of clients worry about their session being identicle to their friends but that will never happen with me. Each and every one of my seniors is different so why wouldn’t their photos be? In regards to my photography style, the most important thing to me is lighting. I strive to make you think I put a little “magic” (as my friend Amy calls it) into each picture.

Have fun with your senior! By the end of the session you should feel like they are one of your best friends. I walk away from each session thinking “i’m going to miss her!”. It may just be a two hour session to you, but it’s a bigger deal to these girls than you can remember. They are more than likely going to arrive nervous so help them get into to their groove. Ensure them it’s going to be fun, relaxed & all about them!