When I first got into photography (in this millennium as my original start was when Nixon was president), I really thought I wanted to do senior photos. What I discovered is that although I get plenty of compliments on them, they don’t excite me in general. The subjects look great-they usually get all dolled up–and we work to pose them in flattering positions. Although I’ve never had a bad experience in any of the senior shoots, I prefer to do something significantly more creative.
Last night an old acquaintance emailed me and said that, due to health reasons, she didn’t think she’d be able to do senior portraits any more. Would I be interested in having her refer her inquiries to me? Last year, I would have said “yes” to that question. I need to recoup some of the money I’ve invested, don’t I? And I’ve invested a LOT in the past few years.
However, I’m very grateful to have a husband who kindly reminds me that I’m doing photography because it’s what I love, and that I need to do what I LOVE not what I CAN. What’s the point of working on a new career if it’s not something that you are passionate about?
A few months ago, another woman I know asked me if I would consider taking photos of her daughter, Abby, as the young lady was about to graduate. Abby happens to be a friend of my daughter. As I was trying to decide whether I would do the family a favor (I had done family photos for them a few years ago), my daughter reminded me that Abby is not like many other teens, that she loves vintage clothing and is a tad quirky.
With that in mind, I let the mom know that we’d love to do a themed photo shoot where Abby could wear anything that SHE was passionate about. I scoped out Spring Grove Cemetery (sounds like a terrible place, but it’s truly lovely-huge, old, lots of fascinating mausoleums and gorgeous landscaping) and found a few places which seemed appropriate.
Abby arrived wearing a 1970s dress, so we went with a wildflowers in the background. An amazing vintage gown to be worn at prom was photographed by a Grecian looking mausoleum. One of my favorite looks was her 1930s “Secret Garden” attire, complete with old books. We had a great time with the shoot. I think Mom perhaps thought I was a tad nutter at the time, but they loved the end results.
I suppose my point to all this is that will I do “normal ole senior shoots” (verbiage used in the aforementioned email)? No. Themed? Hmmm. That could be fun.