The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up and spring senior photography is coming to a close! I still have to take my son Casey’s senior portraits – what’s that saying about the cobbler’s children not having any shoes? 🙂 – but other than Casey, Hayley from Fluvanna County High School, is my last official senior for the Class of 2015!
We decided to stay in Fluvanna for Hayley’s session so we began outside of a local restaurant in the area. I love all the great texture and rustic feel that the wood gave these photos. I’ve driven past this place many times but this is the first time I’ve ever used it for a senior photography session. It just goes to show, you don’t always have to travel far for a great location!
I think one of the most important things about senior photography is that you should embrace your style and wear what makes you, you! In Hayley’s case, it was a more casual style which I can totally relate to! I loved her animal print shirts, red Keds and Converse high tops! I may photograph a lot of seniors who wear heels and fancy dresses but I practically live in jeans or shorts and t-shirts!
After spending a little time at our first location, we moved to the downtown Palmyra area. All of the colorful flowers were gone from the trees but we found a bush that had tons of beautiful pink blooms on it. Combine that with the setting sun, Hayley’s gorgeous hair and fantastic necklace and I captured some of my favorite photos from the session!
Hayley runs cross country for FCHS so we included a few shots in her uniform by one of the trails they use. I’ve been at Pleasant Grove many times and have seen first hand the line of cross county kids filing past me down the trails! I don’t know how they do it, after five minutes of running I’d probably pass out!
Since Queen is Hayley’s favorite band, I was happy to take some shots of her wearing her Queen t-shirt. I kid you not, when I started editing these photos, I actually got up and put the Queen station on Pandora. I’ve listened to it two times since then…I forgot how great they are!!
We ended the session in the front fields at Pleasant Grove so we could get a few sunset shots. It always amazes me how a few simple changes can completely change the look of these photos. I took the photo on the left and then had Hayley turn around and I took the one on the right. The difference is like night and day!
Thanks so much for a great afternoon Hayley! I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with you and your mother. Good luck at Case Western Reserve University and enjoy the rest of your senior year!
I’ve already begin scheduling fall portraits and October is almost full! To book yours, 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