Pink Inspired Session | Mariah

This year I decided to do something different with my 2016 senior reps. I wanted to step out of the box and get really creative. After a lot of brain storming, I came up with color inspired sessions. Each rep will choose a different color and we’ll have a photo shoot based on their color. Mariah, one of my senior reps from Monticello High School in Charlottesville, Virginia, chose pink. Not just any pink though…hot pink!!

We started out thinking we’d use a long flowy dress and tons of flowers but then I read this tutorial on how to make a tulle circle skirt. It was so cute I couldn’t resist changing the whole vibe of the session! We decided to go for a slightly 80’s theme and wanted to show two different sides to the look. One that was fun and playful and the other that had a little more of an edge to it.

We started out with a polka-dot shirt ($6.00 at Plato’s Closet) and a pair of striped flats that I bought years ago. I have no idea how Mariah kept my giant size 10s on her 8 1/2 sized feet but she totally made it work! This skirt was made for twirling and Mariah was absolutely adorable in front of the camera! Twisting and turning with her ponytail swinging about…it was like playing with a life-sized Barbie! 🙂

For the edgy look, I had a few different tops that I wanted Mariah to try out. Whenever I’m shopping at Goodwill (which happens more frequently that I’d like to admit) I’m on the lookout for sequined clothing. I’d found a sparkly shirt that I thought might work (not to mention some fabulous shoes) but I also had this amazing vest that my mother wore back in 70s. I coupled that with some earrings that I wore back in high school and my grandmother’s necklace…she looked absolutely fantastic and so elegant!

I loved the way Mariah looked but felt like something wasn’t quite right. The sequined vest, while lovely,  didn’t quite have the fun youthful feel that I wanted. Mariah changed into one of my Goodwill finds, we pulled her hair up and Tyler added more dramatic make-up…it was perfect!

At the very end of the session, I pulled out a pack of Hubba Bubble bubble gum and loaded Mariah up! I wanted a shot of her blowing a huge bubble and though we didn’t get it on the first try, it ended up being one of my favorite shots! I LOVE how it showcases her beautiful eyes!

If you missed it, check out Morgan’s green, Sarah’s gold, Emily’s light blue, and Maddie’s royal blue inspired sessions…they all did such an amazing job!

Thanks again to Tyler for her make-up expertise…I had so much fun working with you! Be on the lookout for the rest of my color sessions. I have red, turquoise, black & purple coming up!

CLASS of 2016 – My fall calendar is almost full and it’s never too early to get on my spring calendar, contact me today! | 434.906.0418 | photos@alijohnson.com

Ali Johnson is a portrait photographer specializing in senior portrait photography in Charlottesville, Crozet, Keswick, Albemarle and Fluvanna County VA