So… I’m going to start with a “Teaser” of sorts with some of my favorite shots from various senior shoots from the past few years. Know that I set aside up to THREE hours for my sessions, i take my time, I allow unlimited outfit changes, and I LOVE to get out and scour Baton Rouge (or wherever!) for unique (and sometimes scary, lol!) locations.

Check it out classes of ‘12 and ‘13!

Cheers! Shelby

Suffice it to say, I find seniors to be some of my favorite work. I love fashion. I love youth. I love being outdoors. I love trying artistic stuff in crazy locations…

So… seniors are perfect.

One last note. ALL of these were shot “on-location”. No studio work is in this blog post (even though I love studio work as well)… even the ones with the wild blue skies and blurred-out vegetation are all essentially the real deal. It just takes a creative eye and a strong understanding of light to get some pretty amazing effects while “on-location”.

Class of ‘12, it’s not too late… Class of ‘13, I can’t wait to meet you!

CHEERS!!! Shelby

Well… today’s session is a first, I believe, for Murfreesboro (maybe middle Tennessee). A “Trash the Prom Dress Session”.

I shot Jessica’s senior pics last Summer (which turned out great!) and on that shoot had told her how I wanted to “trash” a prom dress sometime. Well… come to find out, she had just the dress. So, she called me up and asked if I was still interested in trashing a prom dress.

How could I say no!

We met in downtown Murfreesboro… my usual stomping grounds…. and shot in the alley seen in Justin’e blog post. Whomever has drawn the “never repeat yourself” graffiti has (ironically!) forced me to repeat myself as everyone wants to shoot there. Still, I ALWAYS do something different and this was no exception. Changed up the lighting, the poses, the lens choice, perspective, what have you. After shooting downtown, we went down to the Stones River to really put the finishing touches on her dress…. and both ended up wet, dirty, and a bit cold. 

Her mom snapped some behind the scenes shots that I’ll get up in the next few days.

Needless to say… big fun! Got something you want to trash?

Thanks Jessica!

(used a “Lensbaby” on this first shot to get that wild focus-effect)

Cheers! Shelby

The company, and it’s message, is really traveling these days. Just go to any Lifeway Christian Store and you’ll see the shirts on the shelves. It’s been a year of growth for sure! I count Gwen, the CEO, as one of my best friends and I’m always thrilled when she invites me to shoot again. She has the patience of Job, lol!

Below is a sampling of some of this year’s designs. This is straight-ahead catalog work, so there isn’t any wild processing or crazy composition. Just compelling photos of cool shirts… worn by our staff of great (local!) models. We shot these over the course of two hectic days in May… first in Bell Buckle (TN) and then in Christiana (TN) at one of our favorite locations, Miller’s Grocery. The company has a vintage feel with modern sensibilities that everyone seems to enjoy. So… Enjoy! … and spread the word. Gwen’s shirts are always an inspiration

(She’s got “the eye” for sure!)

CHEERS!!! Shelby

I’ll clarify. I’ve been a photo-generalist for several years now. Weddings. Seniors. Commercial. Maternity. Family. Infants. Architecture. Surgery (yes… surgery, lol). You name it, I’ve shot it. Last year, on my “free” weekends, I began second-shooting for Meishach Moore of Meishach Moore Photographers. He loved my work and personality, so this year I’ve been shooting as an associate for him… and as a second-shooter on my “off” weekends. 

So… If you want me to shoot for you… I can, but under MMP’s name. Ok, that’s out of the way.

I know Kevin pretty well. We worked together for a year or so while I was still employed full time in architecture. He’s artistic, creative, and one smart dude… frankly, I was a bit gobsmacked when he asked me about shooting his wedding. I completely respect him as an artist and having me shoot the wedding was a bit intimidating. I met with him and Marie and quickly came to realize what a great pairing they were going to make. They’re both laid back… and were pretty quick to establish that they wanted thoughtful, timeless coverage. No gimmicks. (yay!)

All I can say is that the day was about as perfect as could be. Other than being a bit cool, the fall colors were really coming alive. I originally conceived of shooting this whole wedding “in black and white”. Kevin and Marie were cool with that, but the colors and subtle tones of the day just made that impossible. There were mild overcast skies most of the day, making for some very soft light. It finally got sunny when they left. Perfect. The venue was fantastic (St. Augustine’s Chapel on the Vandy Campus). Understated. Elegant. Oh, and cupcakes with milk. Kevin and Marie were both cool headed and seemed, most of all, content with the decisions they had made. I’ll admit they got me choked up a few times during the day. Revisiting the photos today to get this post together did the same. I had the talented Sionnie LaFollette as my second-shooter/assistant. She rocked it as well. 

Congrats Marie. Congrats Kevin. Congrats Guys!

CHEERS!!!!! Shelby

It’s cool… as are the seniors there.

Caitlyn found out about me through two other friends and gave me a call to set up a session. I am so glad she did… because she was a ton of fun during the session. She’s also relaxed and a “natural” in front of the camera. Her mom and little sister (who was a RIOT!) came along as well as we traipsed all over downtown Murfreesboro. 

One thing that sticks out to me from this session is the variety of new looks we achieved… in part due to Caitlyn. I’ve been trying really hard to find new angles on old locations… as well as to just find some new locations. REALLY pleased with this session. 

I’ll let the pics speak for themselves. Fantastic job Caitlyn!

Cheers!!!! Shelby