For The Love Of Reading
For my first senior photo session, we skipped the usual fields and went straight to the library.
This senior loves to read, so when her mom mentioned wanting a bookstore or library setting, I was all for it. I'm a big reader myself. If I have any downtime, there's a good chance I've got a book in my hands. And when I can't actually sit down and read, I'm usually listening to an audiobook while editing photos or cleaning the house.
We also discovered that we'd both read and loved the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series, so obviously we had something to talk about. 😂
Her mom suggested the Longview Public Library, which I'd never been to before, and it turned out to be pretty much perfect. A beautiful red brick building, big trees, rose gardens, and, of course, plenty of books. We had so many different backgrounds to work with, and we didn't even have to leave the property.
And can we talk about how easy she made my job? She knew exactly how to pose, had plenty of personality, and was up for pretty much anything. Meanwhile, I was just trying to keep up and remember all the pictures I wanted to take. 😂
Books, Roses & Some Questionable Stuffed Animals
She came prepared with some of her favorite books from home, and we found a few more at the library to use throughout the session.
But books weren't the only things she brought.
There was her favorite energy drink, a stuffed animal she'd had since childhood, and a few newer stuffed animals called Fugglers.
If you haven't seen Fugglers, they're intentionally ugly stuffed animals with creepy little teeth.
Apparently, they're popular.
I don't get it. 😂
But I actually love that she brought them! Senior photos should show off who you are, and that doesn't have to mean just smiling nicely at the camera. Bring your favorite books, your childhood stuffed animal, your weird little creatures with teeth. Whatever feels like you.
We wandered between the bookshelves, found some beautiful light around the windows, and explored the gardens and grounds outside. Between the pretty, traditional portraits and the sillier pictures, we got a little bit of everything.
And honestly, she was so much fun to photograph. She had this spunky, confident personality that came through in so many of the pictures.
488 Pictures Later....
I took almost 500 pictures during our hour together. 488, to be exact.
Now, obviously, I don't expect to keep every picture I take. Usually there's a good number I can eliminate pretty easily. Not this time.
I kept going through them, trying to narrow things down, and finding more pictures I liked. Apparently, making decisions is not one of my strongest skills. 😂
One thing that was important to her was keeping the editing natural. She wanted to look like herself in her photos, and I couldn't agree more. A little skin retouching here and there is fine, but I never want someone to look at their pictures and feel like they're looking at a completely different person.
I love being able to work with clients on the little details that matter to them, whether that's choosing a location that fits their personality, bringing meaningful props, or figuring out what kind of editing they prefer.
Between the books, the beautiful library, the gardens, and a senior who made posing look effortless, there were just so many pictures I loved.
Both she and her mom were wonderful to work with, and the whole session was fun and laid-back. It was such a great introduction to senior photography, and I couldn't be happier with how these pictures turned out.
I also think the Longview Public Library might have officially earned a spot on my list of favorite photo locations.
And if future senior sessions involve this many good pictures, I may need to start setting aside extra time just to narrow down the galleries. 😂
