One of my favorite things to do as an Oklahoma Photographer is shoot senior sessions. Senior sessions are a way to document your child becoming an adult. This is the age they get to choose their own path in life and for many this is the time they move out to conquer the world alone. I love it when clients are adventurous and want to do something outside of the norm! This session was one of my favorite senior sessions I have ever done. Not only did we shoot at a location that was specific and meaningful for my client, Wiley Post Airport. We also chose to do the session during the late afternoon right before sunset. Photographers call this the golden hour because you almost always capture some remarkable images!
Meet the senior I am raving about-Ethan! Ethan is a fun-loving young man with dreams that soar far beyond the horizon! He is a high school senior but is also taking classes to become a licensed pilot. He wants to train and become a pilot in the air force. When we first talked thru what an ideal senior session looked like to him and he told he would like to get some pics taken at the hanger I was stoked! He coordinated this with his flight instructor and got approval for us to be on airport property on a specific date along with access to the hangers, as well as permission to take photos in front of some of the aircraft. Making sure we had our timelines organized and permission in place we were set!
The smaller plane is one that Ethan can fly and land on his own! His instructor bragged that he had just landed the plane correctly and smoothly and it was only his 5th completion. He explained to me that on average most pilots don’t land this smoothly until closer to your 50th flight. So, he said Ethan had a bright future as a pilot.
During Ethans session, we wanted to highlight his current skill level in flying as well as what he is hoping to accomplish in the future. We took pictures from multiple angels with the natural lighting showcasing different things. Ethan also had the chance to show his fun and spunky side. The amazing thing about this session is although we did the entire session in one location- you can’t always tell it is at an airport or the hanger. We also got to represent different areas of the airport itself. . For example- we did some pictures in front of the air traffic control tower, on the runway, in the parking lot, and also some just by non-descript buildings or the retaining wall. All of these spaces provide a different background but showcase Ethan, his love for flight and his dreams of becoming a military serviceman.
We took lots of images that are just fun and showcase his personality as well. I love to get to know my clients before their session. This allows them to send inspirational pictures or for them to tell me what is important to them. By doing this, I am able to capture moments and memories that are truly characteristic of the client. On this specific day, Ethan brought along his mom and his sister as well. Bringing people along during your session is always allowed- and honestly preferred. Being in a space that is comfortable with people you feel comfortable around and trust always makes it more fun for everyone as well as making you feel capable of being your true authentic self.
Senior sessions usually have a turnaround time of 1-2 weeks. When Ethan’s Mom got the gallery, she was so overjoyed and she told me with pictures this incredible it would be nearly impossible to choose which were their favorites.
You don’t have to be a senior to do an outdoor session. I go to specific locations that are meaningful to my clients regularly. As long as we can get permission to shoot a session there I am almost always up for the adventure. But seeing a session with this many backdrops should encourage you to think outside the box. Maybe you aren’t quite sure what that looks like for you, message me! Let’s start brainstorming together and come up with a space and theme that showcases who you are and what speaks life into you! Ethan is taking flight and making his dreams a reality.
What about you? Do you have an idea in mind? Is this the perfect way to treat yourself?
My fall schedule is always the busiest so make sure to contact me soon to reserve your session! Mention this blog and get 10% off! I sincerely can’t wait to work with you!!