Hudson, a 2023 senior at Wheat Ridge High School, opted to split his Colorado senior portrait session between his high school football field and a natural area along a river where he used to play as a child.
We began his session early on an August morning, with the sun still coming up behind the tall trees across from the football field. I wanted to take advantage of the diffused light before the sun came bursting harshly over the treetops, and I also knew we could get some nice backlight/hair light.
We began taking photos of him in his letter jacket on the field. I used some fun angles to get some dramatic shots of the blue sky and the goal posts behind him. I also created more drama during editing by converting some of the images to black and white. Letter jackets are so classic for senior pictures.
I had scouted out the area on a different day prior to his session, and I knew there was a set of concrete steps, so we went there next. Stairs are always great for posing, and there was nice side light falling on him, so I really like the images that we got.
From the top of the stairs there is a great view of the field with the mountains in the distance, so I made sure to take plenty of pictures with this backdrop to make it a true Colorado senior portrait session.
We headed to the other side of the field to get some images with the blockers, since Hudson was mainly a defensive player. I love how the black & white/sepia tint gives a vintage look to these senior portraits.
Next was an outfit change and a short drive to Anderson Park, which backs to Clear Creek. Hudson brought a plaid button up shirt, which was a great outfit choice for the natural setting.
Flowers were in full bloom in gardens around the park, so we got some colorful, summertime shots. We followed a path through tall grasses where the light was awesome, and made our way down to the creek. Again, I had visited the area prior to our senior picture date, so I knew there was the perfect curve in the river with river rocks all around.
Hudson’s mom told me that he and his brother had played by this creek all through their childhood; I loved that we were taking photos somewhere that was personal to their family. I suggested that Hudson skip some rocks, and he got a twinkle in his eye.
All in all it was a stellar Denver senior portrait experience. I loved combining the two locations and looks to showcase Hudson’s athletic side while also capturing him in a setting with personal significance. That is one of my favorite parts of working with high school seniors -- figuring out how to showcase each person's interest to tell their unique story.
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