Giving your seniors options when it comes to the type of session they book, is a great way to separate yourself from the pack! Anne Moshier of Reflections Photography offers “Editorial” Shoots as an option for her seniors. Ann includes a very special surprise for each of her seniors that choose this option and everything is kept secret until they pull up to the location and start setting up the props! I love this idea!!
In this Editorial Senior Session, Ann created the antique sewing session that she has always wanted to shoot! Anne says she loves things that are out of place, so finding a sewing machine on a dirt road is perfect for her!
Anne found lots of her props from an antique studio across the street from her studio (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ivy-Cottage-of-Macclenny-FL/196276930548), used a quilt from the owner of the antique shops personal collection, mason jars Anne had at home and a vintage coat rack she already owned. Throw in a few lace doilies, buttons and threat and she had everything she needed for the perfect shoot!
Check out this awesome session and read what Ann had to say about how she put it all together!! And be sure to check out Anne’s other work here. Thanks for sharing Anne!!
What was your inspiration for the photo shoot?
My inspiration for this session was anything sewing related with a vintage feel. I wanted to convey simplicity & beauty. My granny was a seamstress & I always feel connected to her whenever sewing is involved. She would have loved this.
Where did this photo shoot take place?
There is a beautiful, southern nursery called The Glen near my studio. It has the prettiest old barns, homes, trees & dirt roads… I’m crazy for anything on a dirt road & I shoot here quite often.
Did you collaborate with this senior to come up with the clothing and/or concept for this shoot?
Nope! My seniors have the option of choosing many locations, themes & ideas for their sessions – including one I have entitled the “Editorial”. The Editorial is a surprise session – the senior has NO idea what’s going to take place, the theme, location… They literally know nothing.
I have a whole list of ideas for Editorial sessions. So, when I meet with my Seniors during their consultation, I’m able to get to know them & decide which idea would fit them best (if they choose the Editorial). I have actually had the idea for the Antique Sewing Session for quite awhile. I collaborate with my office manager (my wonderful mom) Terry & my amazing assistant, Staci. They are the only ones who know what’s going to take place. Then, I go shopping for all of the props & choose their outfits, hair style/makeup, everything. They follow in suspense to their top-secret location & watch as we set up their session and describe the idea behind it.
My Senior, Kristian, fit the part perfectly. I wanted a soft, southern look with a messy braid of long blonde hair & simplistic clothing. So Staci braided her hair to the side & kept her make up sweet & simple. I chose a cute, white sundress & strappy little sandles. I wanted to do cart-wheels after this session – it was sooooooo much fun!
What camera, lens and equipment were used for this shoot?
I used my Canon EOS5d with an 85mm & a reflector.
What time of day were these taken?
Morning around 9:30am… my favorite time to shoot. I know that’s not typical, most photographers prefer sunrise or sunset – but I love the later morning light in North Florida. It has a soft, clean look that I just can’t get enough of.
Can you share any post-processing techniques used when editing this session?
ANDEE TATE of Crave Photography! She is an amazing teacher. I have taken several of her classes over the years & her techniques have completely changed the way I edit my images. I have tweaked the process to reflect my style & give my images the looks I truly desire, but I use Andee’s core-steps to get there!
What is your favorite thing about this session?
Everything!? The buttons in the mason jars, the quilt, the coat rack, the dirt road, Kristian’s sweet smile, the way she fell right into character… This is my favorite Editorial of all time!
What do you want this session to convey about this senior and about your senior photography style?
I wanted to convey the softer, more simple side of beauty. This was an opportunity to remind anyone who would see these images that beauty comes from within; it does not always have to be dramatic & overstated. Beauty, in its most simple form, is breathtaking.
On the flip side, I wanted to show that my Senior style is, well, unexpected… I don’t want to create ordinary images. I want every single Senior who steps into my studio to leave with images that were created uniquely & specifically for them.
What is one tip you can share with other photographers regarding photographing seniors?
Be unique & never be afraid to try new things. Brainstorm… literally – sit down with pen & paper. Write down your ideas & then make them happen.
What a great idea….the photos are beautiful!!
Congratulations, Annie!!!! Your photos are extraordinary. I’m so happy to see you moving up in the photography world! More great things to come.
Love, Dad