Branding your photos by using a prop that simulates part of your logo, is a great way to produce unique images not only for your client, but for you as the photographer.  These photos are an example of that.  And I think it is a brilliant way for Kody of Kody Diane Photography to utilize this seniors’ photos for promotional material to showcase her brand!  By using a crown, she is able to give each senior, including this one, one shot per session that is all Kody Diane!

Check out what Kody had to say about this session and be sure to check out more of Kody’s beautiful work here.  Thanks for sharing Kody!

What was your inspiration for the photo shoot? My inspiration came from Tori herself, she has such a pocahontas/princess “ness” about her I wanted to play that up with very chic and earthy photos. 

Where did this photo shoot take place? In a small field near my home just north of Austin. I like to use properties exclusive to me for my country settings, and was able to get two different looks out of this one.

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot? The outifts were completely Tori’s chosing. She brought two different outfits to represent her edgier and girlier sides and we ran with it. 

Tell me about the prop or props used in this shoot… I recently rebranded and incorporated a crown into my logo. I knew I wanted to find a way to put this little touch on all my seniors, I decided to use a crown for one shot with all my seniors just to put that little KDP seal on their photos. The crown came from Crowned Embellishments and can be seen in all my seniors galleries since last May!

What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot? I shot with a Nikon D7000, 35 mm lens and my 5 in 1 reflector. 

What time of day were these taken? We started shooting 2 hours before sunset to make sure and get some yummy hazy backlit shots.

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session? Finding a style that works for you and sticking with it, and not over editing! Get the photo right in camera and then enhance in photoshop, it’s like adding the right accessories to an already gorgeous outfit. As far as any one thing, I LOVE me some portraiture it’s the absolute best! Find the settings that work best for the look you want your brand to portray and run with it.

What is your favorite thing about this session? Hands down it’s Tori, she did a fantastic job of mixing down home sweetness with a high fashion model attitude in all her photos. She was such a natural and so fun to work with.

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style? I like for my clients to feel like an actual model the day of their shoot, and I want their photos to reflect that. My style is glamorous and a bit editorial. Tori’s photos are very girlie and youthful but with that little hint of young woman sassiness that I love.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors? You need to get on their level just as much as the mother’s. If you can’t relate to the senior and get them to open up and relax with you the shoots are going to show it. Watch some of the shows they watch, know their music and ask them questions about them! The more comfortable they are the better time they are going to have and the better the photos will be.