Last fall, Mikaela submitted her application to be a [Shots by Shana] Senior Rep.
It's interesting to read about someone before really getting to know them. You form a picture in your mind of the person you are reading about and then you meet them and spend some time with them and suddenly that picture in your mind is nothing more than your imagination.
As you get older and head into the working world, you will be asked this question over and over again, "How would you describe yourself?" Typically, we think of the obvious based on our personality type (introvert versus extrovert). The extrovert may call herself "personable" or "fun" while the introvert may use an adjective like "thoughtful" or "quiet."
So, when Mikaela described herself as "outgoing" and "free-spirited" I kind of figured she may be an extrovert. I was wrong. At least I think I was wrong. More reserved than expected, Mikaela is petite with soft brown hair and big brown eyes. She isn't shy but she is quiet. She is thoughtful in articulating her responses to questions and doesn't seem to struggle with her answers. Regardless of whether she is extroverted or introverted, I knew very quickly that I would like her and enjoy doing her Senior Session!
At our first shoot, which happened to be outside (coincidentally, when asked where her ideal photo session would take place, she replied, "My ideal session would be outdoors. I love the outdoors and it makes for a great picture") I was first struck by the fact that Mikaela is really "easy going." She was comfortable in her own skin and appeared relaxed as we photographed her in what is her own environment--- on the softball field at the high school.
When shooting on location, there can be some obstacles-- a blocked roadway to the softball field, strategically placing (or using) props, an unexpected gust of wind and a setting sun. The key is not to let the little things throw you off of your game...and Mikaela didn't.
Most of my seniors (male and female) like studio sessions the least. I don't blame them. The studio lights are bright and it can easily be too warm posing under them for too long. Therefore, my studio sessions are often much shorter than any of the outdoor sessions. For Mikaela's studio session, we stuck with a solid white back drop and switched to gray only for her formal drape and pearls picture.
Mikaela opted for two outdoor sessions, so our final session took place late in the fall, outside... with horses!
Mikaela works as a Veterinary Assistant (and as a cashier at Clark's). Her love of animals would've been evident even if she hadn't mentioned it on her application.
Again, it isn't unusual to encounter a few glitches during location shoots. Throw animals into the mix and glitches are almost guaranteed.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't be photographed with a pet (whether the pet is a dog, cat, or a horse!). It means that you have to be prepared for the session to run a little longer and armed with alternative shot ideas (or sugar cubes!?).
What does it mean to be a Senior Rep? Senior reps are chosen in the fall (typically) and receive special discounts on their shoot in exchange for consent to use their information and photos in blog posts (like this one). Senior Reps earn money or print credit for referrals. I provide Senior Reps with business cards and additional "perks" like facebook covers, videos, etc. My reps hand-out their cards to friends (fellow students) and share information about their own Senior Session when asked.
This year, Senior Rep cards offer the recipient $50 print credit with a paid Senior Session. So, if you are getting ready to schedule your Senior Session, find Mikaela and grab a card!
Interested in becoming a 2015 Senior Rep?? Send me a friend request on Facebook (Shots By-Shana) and watch for posts later this month!!
