When I first started out as a photographer, I thought the backdrop was everything.  Cool walls, doors…you name it, I would shoot against it.  I didn’t stop to think about the light or any of that.  I just thought a cool backdrop equalled a cool shot.  Boy, did I have a lot to learn!

The photographer below not only realized that light was everything, but decided to shoot against an unconventional backdrop and created a beautiful photo session with it!

Melissa Jacks of Melissa Jacks Photography used a wash/drainage tunnel in Las Vegas to create a senior session that showcases the senior herself and not the backdrop!  Melissa used the light that glows and reflects in tunnels to create beautiful photos of this senior, and she used the concrete as her natural reflector!  (If you missed the post about natural reflectors on Seniorologie, click here)

Check out this beautiful shoot and read what Melissa had to share about it!  Thanks for sharing this with Seniorologie Melissa!!

What was your inspiration for the photo shoot?   My inspiration is always my senior…I want the session to really showcase who they are.

Where did this photo shoot take place? (Tell us a little about this location.  It looks to be under a bridge.  I love the light and how simple the backdrop is.  Tell us why you chose it and how it worked for you.)

This shoot took place in a wash/drainage tunnel here in Las Vegas. I absolutely love the way light glows and reflects in tunnels, and concrete is such an amazing reflector. I had been saving it for the perfect shoot and the moment I knew I would be shooting Ashley’s senior portraits, this location came to mind. It is just so…her. She is so beautiful with a little edge. I love how this location enhances who she is without overpowering her.

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?  
I found the location and Ashley loved it. She chose her wardrobe with the location in mind.

What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot?  
This session was shot with a Canon 5D MarkII, with a 50mm 1.2 on 100% of the time. I love that lens 🙂

What time of day were these taken?
We started shooting at 4:00pm. Typically I prefer shooting closer to sunset, but I wanted to make sure the light was bright enough down in the tunnel!

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
I am very simple and clean when it comes to editing. I fine tune the basics in Lightroom and then do the final touch-ups in Photoshop. I love MCP’s actions for smoothing skin, but besides that, I rarely use any actions.

What is your favorite thing about this session?  Besides Ashley, the light…they were both just so perfect 🙂

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?  Hmm. My whole mission when I do senior portraits is to end up with images that really show who they are. I want their personalities to shine through. I really feel like we accomplished this with Ashley.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors? Be prepared so you can relax and have fun!!! I know it sounds so simple, but it is really the best advice I have.