Josef C: McConnell's Mill Senior Photos

You never know what sort of weather you’ll get in March in Pittsburgh, but on this particular Saturday for Josef’s senior photos… we had… wait for it… SUN! It may have been a little cold (30’s?), but the sun kept our heads and spirits high during this session!

Josef is a senior at Seneca Valley who plans on studying botany post-high school graduation! McConnell’s Mill was an easy choice as far as location goes for his senior session, considering it’s a favorite spot of his for hanging out with friends. It was easy to see his love for botany throughout the session. Even though much of the landscape was still slightly dead from winter, Josef identified plants for us as we went throughout his session - which was so much fun! Honestly, I don’t give plants very much thought when I’m out walking around, so it was cool to be able to see what I usually miss through Josef’s eyes!

A HUGE congratulations to you, Josef, on your senior year! I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to photograph you!

Four Ways to Add More "Umph" to Your Senior Photo Outfits!

It’s hard enough to get dressed in the morning, but getting dressed for senior photos is a whole ‘nother story - am I right?! Trying to find the perfect outfits that your mom will lovingly adorn her walls with for the rest of time - no pressure, right?!

Well, the good news is this: even though there’s no “one size fits all” formula for choosing outfits for your senior session, there are four tips I love to share with my seniors (and anyone for that matter!) who are trying to narrow down and/or decide what to wear for their senior photos. I recommend incorporating these four things:

1. Textures

I always LOVE to encourage my seniors to opt for unique textures in their clothing choices. Textures add additional dimension to photos, and all around more visual interest! They can also be a great (more subtle) alternative to a patter

Lace texture on her sleeves

A sweater pattern texture

A subtle line pattern

A subtle polka dot texture on Angelica's pants

2. Layers

Layers are anyone’s best friend during senior photos! You could: layer a skirt and a shirt, a shirt and a jacket, a jacket and a dress, a sweater and a collared shirt - the possibilities are endless! Layers, much like textures, will add more visual interest to your photos.

3. Accessories

Accessories can totally make an outfit! Hats, belts, necklaces, bracelets, rings, flower crowns, earrings, and scarves can add more visual interest to any outfit - plus, bringing a clothing accessory (like a hat or scarf) helps add some variety to your photos!

4. Subtle Patterns

A subtle pattern can take a boring outfit and make it come alive! I personally love a tasteful, subtle pattern in photographs. Try choosing a scarf, shirt, skirt, or dress (or, if you're a guy, a tie!) to add a little more interest to your outfit!

So, how do you put these four suggestions into action? For your senior photos, choose three outfits:

1. One outfit focusing on texture.

2. One outfit focusing on layers.

3. One outfit focusing on a subtle pattern.

4. *Incorporate one to three unique accessories into each outfit!

And there you have it - the formula for three unique and distinct outfits that will offer variety throughout your entire senior session! If you’re looking to add even MORE variety to your photos, choose one casual outfit (jeans and a blouse), one nicer outfit (sun dress, maxi dress, or a skirt - I’m partial to maxi dresses/skirts for the way they flow gorgeously in photos!), and one wild card outfit (Something totally unique that represents you!) - or, just repeat a casual or “nicer” outfit!

Danielle D: McConnell's Mill Senior Photos

Today I'm excited to share Danielle's senior photos from her McConnell's Mill senior session! I had the privilege of photographing Danielle's brother, Joey, just last year at McConnell's Mill for his senior photos (see more from his session here). I love this family and I'm just so excited to share these photos of this sweet girl!

Joey D: McConnell's Mill Senior Photographer

Joey is a hockey player from Pine Richland who's graduating in the spring of 2017. We had an awesome time hanging out with him and his mom at McConnell's Mill a few weeks ago!