I love featuring Conference 12 alumni and this session is one from Corrie Barto of Corrie Barto Photography in McKinney, Texas.

Corrie says they used the home of this senior and the beautiful property for the backdrop.  “I took a tour of her home a couple of weeks before the session in order to get a feel for my surroundings and plan the spots we would use during her session.  The options were endless!”

Check out this beautiful session below and read what Corrie had to say about it!  Thanks for sharing your beautiful work with Seniorologie Corrie!!

Website:  www.corriebarto.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/corriebartphotography

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?
Fall colors, Texas heritage, living in the country.

Where did this photo shoot take place?
The photo shoot took place at the client’s home in the country north or McKinney.  The acreage includes a small lake with a pier, sweeping fields, a beautiful Texas themed barn, and a white gravel road.  Not to mention a beautiful ranch house surrounded by horses, a huge chicken coop, lush landscaping, and a donkey named Nacho.

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
Yes.  I took a tour of her home a couple of weeks before the session to place in order to get a feel for my surroundings and plan on the spots I would use during her senior session.  The options were endless so I really had to put my scouting skills to use to decide the best locations.

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?
I used my Nikon D750, 85mm 1.8 lens, and a reflector on the silver side.

What time of day were these taken?
3 – 5:30 pm

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
I have been really focusing on the beauty of a shot straight from the camera.  I take an image and do a quick enhance in Lightroom (contrast, highlights, lighten shadows, bold up some color, and do a bit of skin smoothing/eye brightening).  Every now and then I add a slight matte finish to an image, and with sunset/backlight images I enhance the golden tones.

What is your favorite thing about this session?
I love that each and every image has meaning.  She can look back years from now and remember that pier that she would hang with her friends on, all the walks she took on that gravel road, and other memories.

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
I want my clients to leave their experience with me having that one amazing image that says, “This is totally ME.”  Having an album full of beautiful images to treasure the rest of their life if icing on the cake. My style is simple, fun, and classic.  But with a hint of beauty/glamour peeking out.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
You have to learn how to make someone feel comfortable in front of the camera.  When I have a client who is super critical of themselves, I always tell them that I am the queen of criticizing myself in pictures, which is true, and it makes them feel better that they aren’t alone in feeling like that.  I usually show the back of my camera after and amazing shot and it totally boosts confidence.  And have fun with them!