I have often said that one accessory can change the entire look of a photo shoot!  In this photo shoot, that tip is evident!  Rebekah Musser of Rebekah Musser Photography photographed this senior in Historic Staunton Virginia.  While taking a few photos of the senior with a really cute belt on, Rebekah realized that the belt could be used as a headband!  And with that, she got a totally different look!!  Giving your clients some wonderful choices in the photos you take is a great way to make sure they are satisfied and Rebekah did just that!!

Be sure to check out more tips below as Rebekah answers questions about this shoot, and check out Rebekah’s other work here.  Thanks for sharing Rebekah!

What was your inspiration for the photo shoot?  I know it probably sounds so cliché but each and every senior I shoot becomes my inspiration. Somewhere along my journey I have noticed how much I love and relate to seniors, I just capture how I see them in hopes that it will give them some insight into how beautiful they really are, inside and out.

Where did this photo shoot take place?  Historic Staunton Virginia.

Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?  During our consultation we went over wardrobe, make-up tips and location but I love letting my sessions evolve as we shoot. She brought this really cute belt that she wore around her waist in several frames, it then came to me to use it as a headband with the willow trees to get a new fun vibe. It worked well and she loved the results

What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot?  I use the Canon 5D Mark II, along with my new and favorite lens to date the 85mm 1.2 exclusively on this shoot. It has taken place of my 50mm 1.2 as my most used lens.  

What time of day were these taken?  We started a few hours before sunset, I wanted that magic light to be dancing around her. 

Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?  I really do very minimal post-processing. I always start with a simple s-curve. In this session I used a few of the fabulous haze actions from the Florabella Collection.

What is your favorite thing about this session?  I fell in love with the images from the rooftop; the light was just perfect. 

What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?  My goal is to be a storyteller. This is how I see her, stunningly beautiful, reflective and free spirited. I am only capturing what I see. She is the star, I am just the lucky one who gets to capture her. There is nothing more rewarding than having the chance to give someone another view of themselves that hopefully will enlighten them and help them realize how beautiful they really are.  

What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?  I think the most important thing to me in regards to photographing seniors or any person really is to just simply relate to them. I am constantly hearing people that the most important thing is to just be fun. I totally agree but at the same token they will be the first ones to feel it if you are trying too hard. What has worked best for me is to just be myself and make it all about them. We always have fun, that is a given because when you truly relate to someone that just comes naturally.