This senior’s bubbly personality and joy seem to jump off the screen when I view these photos!  And capturing a young girls personality and spirit is what a senior photo session is all about!

Betsy Erickson of Essence Photography in Redding, California did the job perfectly!!  I can’t imagine this senior’s delight (and also her parents) when viewing these photos!!

Check the photos out below and read what Betsy had to say about this fun photo shoot!!  And be sure to visit Betsy’s website for more of her beautiful work!  Thanks for sharing Betsy!

What was your inspiration for the photo shoot?

I’m inspired by the people I photograph, I ask them about their life and story and that get’s me excited to photograph them. This senior had a passion and love for life that overflowed. She was fun and spontaneous and willing to try anything. She made the whole session an incredible experience.

 

Where did this photo shoot take place?

In Redding CA. I like to call my self the “side of the rd. photographer” it’s a bit strange but some of the most beautiful locations are literally a stop on the side of the rd. I start with a general area I know I like to shoot in, and then literally stop when something catches my eye. 

 

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?

My advice always in collaborating is “feel beautiful” if you feel beautiful it shows and that’s what’s most important in capturing who you are. 

 

What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot?

I used a Nikon d700, most of the shoot was shot with a nikon 85mm 1.8, and briefly I put on a nikon 17mm-35mm 2.8 to get the wider angle shot. 

What time of day were these taken?

Early evening, I love the light as it softens up, when the sun is shooting through the tree’s. If I can photograph during that time of day I am in heaven. There’s something so magical about capturing the sun through your lens.  

 

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

I use MCP fusion action set, and then adjust to meet my specific style and desired look. I love MCP they’ve been an amazing addition to my work flow.  

 

What is your favorite thing about this session?

The freedom to be creative. This senior was extremely fun and willing to let me shoot from any angle, in any location. She was full of laughter so it made the photo’s full of life and joy.  

 

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

I want people to look at these images and experience what I experienced photographing this senior. Love, Life, Joy, Adventure… all the things that come with the season of life she’s in. She was a beautiful representation of living your life with Joy and a sense of adventure. I hope that people see my style as honestly capturing the Essence of the person. It may change slightly from subject to subject and I’m happy with that. I want to capture you the way YOU are, and whatever that looks like, it’s going to be BEAUTIFUL! 

 

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?

Get to know them, make them laugh, and reassure them that they are beautiful. It’s a fun season of life they’re in, but it can also be an extremely difficult one to “know who you are”. Call out all the wonderful things you see in them, and your going to capture the Beauty inside and Out!