Making senior portraits more than …

… average.

Shouldn’t graduation portraits be more than just a nice smile or a new outfit?  I think so.  Typically the senior portrait sessions here in the studio start out with what I call “The Grandma Wall” poses.  You know the ones – the ladies are gently resting a cheek on their ever so delicately folded hands and the gentlemen are looking very serious as they rest their chins on a rugged fist.  Thank goodness today’s Grandmas are way cooler and want to see something more exciting!

I encourage  all the young adults that come to me for their senior portraits to bring in items that really help to tell their story.  I want their proof booklets and finished portraits to unquestionably show who they are at this time in their lives.  It is my hope that they will someday look back at these photographs and remember that they were the bees knees.  (Translation: awesome, cool, hip, swagger, Gucci, fizzy)

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Photographer in Madison WI shares …

Tuesday:  Share Art Photographs or Business Portraits

On this Tuesday I will be sharing a couple of my art pieces.  One is a few years old and one was is a newborn.  However, both started out as photographs or in the case of the Cog – three.  They were hiding but through many layers, filters, brushes and more – they surfaced.  

I have my first official art installation going up in Madison next month.  I’m kind of nervous but trying to enjoy this step in my career.  If you want to see more of my artwork please click on the tab above.

Cog photographer in Madison WI Pacific Park  photographer in Madison WI

Coffee with Sean

Thursday:  Share Senior Portraits

Over the years I’ve been lucky to be able share many special days with more than a few families.  This spring will mark one of those days for one of my favorite families.  Sean will graduate from high school.

This senior portrait session was a bit different than most.  As I clicked the shutter I saw two faces – the one that was sitting in front of me that day and the other was the face in my head that I’ve seen grow up over the last 11 years.   We spent a good portion of a day in the studio and at various locations in Madison.  My favorite moment was when we took a short break and Sean bought us coffee.  As we chatted about a million different things – I realized that he had gone from being this amazing, sweet and goofy kid into a smart, witty and goofy young man.

Well done Sean.

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Getting ready for Senior pictures in Madison WI

“What’s your favorite type of photograph to take?”

I get asked this question a lot.  Truth be told – I like everything.  I love the once in a lifetime energy of wedding photography.  Here are two people in love, surrounded by their families and friends, celebrating one of the biggest moments of their lives.  Happy – Happy – Happy!!  Then there are the kids and babies and pets.  I love the spontaneity of these sessions.  I love that they never worry about things like double chins when they give me a big smile.  They just have fun.

What I love about photographing high school seniors is that they fall somewhere in between kids and weddings.  I love that they have something to say and are willing to try new things.  Senior Portraits are a way of presenting themselves to the world as a young adult.  I love being a part of that.  And while I’m being honest, they can hold a pose and I don’t have to sing “The Wheels On The Bus” … that often.

Here are some faces that will be receiving a diploma and flipping a tassel this year.  I can’t wait to meet the Class of 2014!

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