Senior Session • Caledonia, Michigan

Session Date: June 17, 2015

Post Date: June 21, 2015

Client: Jennifer

Makeup Artist: Hope Gevorkyan

Lighting Assistant: Michelle Tuokkola

Photographer: Elaine Gray 

I met Jennifer and her mother Michelle when my daughter began swimming for the TK/Hastings High School swim team. Jennifer, along with the other girls took Abby under their wing and brought her into this beautifully cultivated environment full of kindness, support, encouragement, love and absolutely grueling hard work. Jennifer and her fellow teammates are some of the best people I could ever want to be in my daughter’s life. They are absolute gems and I’m truly grateful that Abby has this group of young women supporting her.

When I arrived at the session location, I was completely awestruck after walking through the front door. Jennifer chose to do her session at her grandparents' home located on the Thornapple River and it turned out to be the perfect location for indoor and outdoor portraits. Jennifer’s grandmother has impeccable taste for décor and every inch of the house was filled with beautifully soft natural light. I was given permission to use the elegant space and furniture and because of this, the images that resulted from the indoor session exactly matched my taste and style of portrait photography. If I could have my dream studio, it would be an exact replica of the living room of this lovely home. Walking the grounds around the home gave us plenty of choices for portrait locations and fun outdoor poses. A special thanks to Susan and Bob for allowing the use of their home and property for this wonderful session.

Going forward, I know that Jennifer will continue to work hard during her senior year and reach the goals she has set for herself. Currently, Jennifer is setting her sights on pursuing a PA degree and is even willing to head out of state after graduation to meet that goal. I am a huge believer in chasing your dreams and with the discipline Jennifer has learned from being on the swim team and throughout other areas of her life, I have no doubt her dreams will come true. Jennifer, I wish you all the best as you begin to close this chapter of your life and blessings to you as you start another amazing journey after graduation.

-Elaine

While waiting for the rain to stop we took these beautiful natural light photos inside Jennifer's grandparents' home.  Her senior portrait session was off to a great start. 

The rain finally stopped and we moved the session outdoors along the beautiful Thornapple River. The grass was still a bit wet from the downpour but Jennifer never complained and had such a great attitude throughout the entire session.

Next, we took the senior session into the woods surrounding the property. The day was heading into dusk and the woods were becoming a bit dark so Jennifer's mom, Michelle, was kind enough to assist me with some off camera flash. 

Toward the end of the session the rain starting coming down. I thought getting a nice shot of the raindrops would be a different look for Jennifer's gallery so she (and her mom) kindly agreed to stand in the rain so I could get the shot I wanted- and I love how they turned out.

If you liked this post feel free to leave Jennifer your comments and love above. If you enjoy my photography style and would like to receive updates, please like my Facebook Page by clicking the “like” button in the box below. Thanks for taking the time to look! -Elaine