Being from South Carolina myself, I know how beautiful the low country is and what a beautiful backdrop the plantation homes make for photo sessions.  Amy Luarca or PhotoChic Photography in Beech Island, South Carolina created a beautiful senior session using the grand architecture and southern style of Oakland Plantation and Sweet Gum Farm.

“I wanted Jessica to bring her sophisticated style as well as country side to each set,” said Amy.  “She was a dream in front of the camera.”

Check out this southern styled senior photo session below and read what else Amy had to share about this session.  Thanks for sharing your work with Seniorologie Amy!

Website:  www.photochic.net

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/photochic.byamy

Blog:  www.photochic.net

What was your inspiration for this photo shoot?
This part of South Carolina has such beautiful plantation homes known for their elegant preservations.  We were able to use Oakland Plantation and Sweet Gum Farm as backdrops for her Senior photos.  I wanted Jessica to bring her sophisticated style as well as country side to each set, she was a dream in front of the camera.

Where did this photo shoot take place?
Oakland Plantation, Beech Island, SC
Sweet Gum Farm, Beech Island, SC

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
Yes.  Jessica and I talked about different styles and we chose something to showcase her more sophisticated style but this country girl needed some laid back pictures in the stables too.

What camera, lens or other equipment was used for this shoot?
Canon Mark ii 5D, 50mm 1.4, 24-70 2.8

What time of day were these taken?
4-6 pm

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
I am pretty uniformed when it comes to my post-processing…I keep things bright and film-like.  I popped her pretty blue eyes in some of the close-ups by brushing the dodge tool on the tops her eyes and sharpening the bottom.

What is your favorite thing about this session?
Jessica’s genuine smile.  It’s important to me that I don’t capture a forced emotion or painted on smile…the raw happiness in Jessica’s face was the best thing about this session.

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
Vibrant.  Inner beauty.  You.

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
With so many teens struggling with body image and wanting to fit in, I just want them to feel beautiful in front of the camera.  I want to capture their genuine smile and personality.  Sometimes as photographers its easy to loose sight of featuring the qualities people already have rather than dolling them all up to look how you see them in photos.  Showcase THEIR beauty.