I’m so excited that in 3 & 1/2 weeks, I’ll be in San Diego at the Senior’s Ignite Event!   I can’t wait to see all my friends…..it’s such a great time – and can’t wait to be a lead shooter again.  We have some seriously killer concept shoots this year!!!  I wish I could say what they are, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy…. Last year, for Devan’s winning model shoot  before the event, we did a “Vegas or Bust” Vintage theme — so in keeping with the travel theme (we even used the very same blue suitcase, circa 1970 – thanks to Jami Cox), I had the idea to do an early 70’s “Almost Famous” (the movie) theme. I absolutely LOVE that movie.  Like….I can’t even.  And I LOVE the early 70’s because, well, that’s when I was born…..so yeah. Seriously though…. Alexa KILLED this look and Jami —- CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE MAKEUP?!!!! omg I wanted to incorporate travel…so I thought we’d take the metrolink from SCV to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles – we could shoot ON the train and then at Union Station in all of it’s art deco awesomeness – and then head to Olvera Street for some fun.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I don’t really do anything halfway… Now, this is NOT Alexa’s senior portrait session… these shots were meant to be more fashion, more editorial and more “in your face”.  I love trying out new things – and pushing boundaries a bit.   For wardrobe, everything was FreePeople, except the t-shirt at the end — that’s mine… I’ve been waiting for an excuse to use it in a shoot and this was perfect….I wanted to play upon the ridiculousness of it – and really play the theme up and go a little bit over the top with it.  I literally cannot wait to see all the amazing images and outfits San Diego will bring — Alexa is going to have SO much fun!! I think it’s safe to say that I looooooove this shoot.  Everything about it was just amazing  (until we got stuck in DTLA because the train back to SCV was cancelled – so sad.   In the end, we called for reinforcements and were rescued so it all worked out.) This style of shooting is my favorite.

Let me know what you think of these — I’m posting more than I normally would, just because I want to tell the STORY…. it’s meant to be more in-depth than my typical senior portrait work.  I would love to hear your thoughts!

{as always, feel free to pin and share}

our story begins…..

Tech specs: Nikon D800, Nikon 85mm 1.4, Sigma Art 1.4, Westcott IceLights, Adobe Lightroom {only, no photoshop on this}

Be sure and find me on instagram — and snapchat me at @purtywun — I’m always posting behind the scenes, sneak peeks and of course bits and pieces of everyday crazy life – Alexa even did a snapchat takeover on the day of this shoot – THAT was fun. I also recently started using Steller — which I LOVE!!!!  If you haven’t been on there yet, you should check it out — download from the app store.   And you can see Alexa’s story in the story I posted:

I’m finalizing my 2016 Team next week —- if you are interested in finding out more information, fill out the application online and I’ll email you with info. (no information will be public – only upon request) My 2016 SEENteam will have first dibs on session dates – I’m only offering a limited amount of them this year and once they are filled, that’s it — so even if you aren’t interested in being on the Team, you should contact me for session info ASAP to secure a spot. Summer will sell out by mid February. xo, R