Had this idea for a while and chose Mady to “Git ‘er Dun.” Seems important that if we are really helping to “document” a senior, who they are, what they like, how they sound, the way they move and their aspirations are just as important as how they look. Plus, it’s fun! Make a good addition to the graduation video and of course is s fun keepsake. Lemme know if you’re interested in a Flip Session when you call.
Cheers
My original idea was to do this for Mother’s Day. The designer and I had to work through a few issues with photo sizes and pendant shapes etc., so we missed that deadline. These will work well for senior pictures or children’s pictures. The beads are all specialized stones and the chain and other ornamentation is all sterling silver. In other words, it’s the real deal. Lots of fun and very pretty and a way to keep someone close to your heart no matter how far they go. The designer is my daughter, Leann, who lives in Dallas. She has been creating jewelry since she was about 12 years old and it’s gotten to be quite an avocation for her. She told me she was doing all sorts of jewelry parties in Dallas and I asked if she would consider doing some for Flying Horse.
This is Kate and Jordon. They were married on Maui and my son, Joe, and I did the wedding pictures. He is taking the image and I am lighting here on the volcanic rocks at Napili Point on Maui. Joe and I started the business in 2002 but it is run now by he and his wife, Stephanie, in Dallas.
The bride is a long time family friend. Her father and I coached basketball together in Oregon many years ago. Katie (we called her Katie when she was little) and Jordon dated in high school and they finally tied the knot this month. Jordon is a wonderful guy with a great family and I want to thank him for getting up early to help Joe and I get this image. The climb out onto the rocks was a little treacherous! All of us were slip sliding around but we managed to get out without any skinned elbows or torn gowns and get some additional pictures that Joe will show soon.
Great times! You can see more of Joe and Stephanie’s work here: http://josephmarkweddings.com
Well, technically — she’s not a senior yet but it’s soooo close. Shaylee is extremely sweet and was really nervous for her session. By the end we were laughing and having fun. It’s so great when that happens. I wish I could take credit, but really — I think it happens when people just realize it’s OK to be who you are.
It comes from confidence. My recommendation to build confidence is simple — pretend! After a while, the pretending takes over. Other tips include sharing with the photographer things you are worried about. Wardrobe — wear things you like, colors you like, fabrics that feel good. Simple grooming helps too, nails, eyebrows, sideburns make-up. And guys, get your haircut a week ahead of your session. Look at magazine ads and pictures to find images you like; clip and share them with your photographer. Sometimes photographers will push you from your comfort zone. It can make the routine things feel even easier so go with the flow. Remember, you have ultimate control over what people will see.
Last, just know that your photographer wants to make awesome pictures of you — so he’s on your side. Shaylee did all that and more. Very cool!
I’ve been working on the next evolution for a long time. Basically, I’ve had this feeling that photography will embrace other arts in a new way. I didn’t dream it up myself. I saw it in other places. Big and small evidence that my instinct has merit is revealing itself in art magazines and in the graphic arts community. For several years now I have struggled to bring it to my work — in isolation. Recently, I decided that might be a mistake.
When I saw UK graphic artist Emily Kemper’s work, I thought it “fit.” It’s both fantastical and whimsical. At the same time, it embellishes attitude, feelings, inner thoughts. It was so easy to reach out to see if she would be interested in collaborating through Facebook. With a few e-mails and a little chat… voila! As a start — she took a couple of the Wild Child images and added to them. So far, she’s done two. And, I love them. Don’t get me wrong, I love the photographs all on their own but I think Emily has elevated the vision.
So, I’m dubbing this Wild Child Art. It will be an actual product that includes a session. We are agreed that each one should be individual and as much as possible unique. If you want a little more info check this link: http://flyinghorsestudio.com/WildChildArt
Hopefully, these samples will inspire others. I know some will look and say, “That’s not a senior portrait.” I respectfully disagree. The subjects are seniors. It’s a portrait. It’s a portrait that goes beyond tradition. And possibly, it’s the next evolution.
Up until her Rider Session I thought Sam was, well, a little bit of a tomboy. Perhaps because we met through her older brother. Anyway, I noticed she had this glam side when I looked at her Facebook. I suggested she think about incorporating that into the pictures.
The clothing she chose has a chic edge and elegance. Between her dress, make-up, expressiveness, and attitude we got wonderful pictures. I learned a lot that day — her mom used to be a dance instructor which is where Sam likely gets her girlie-girl quality. At the same time, she is pragmatic, thoughtful, and humble. She’s very original and I think we captured some of that.
See more in the Galleries section. And, hurry to get her 411 card and the discount.
It’s always difficult to explain taking senior pictures in the dead of winter. To that, I added the whole “Wild Child” images for Flying Horse Models. And, leave it to Mady to choose to go 4-wheeling on a crystal clear day in 5 inches of snow and 10-degree temperatures. I loved every minute of it. We wanted to show action but also make it about those gorgeous eyes and wonderful smile.
Mady is not only an outdoor type, she is an amazing singer, dancer, and actor. And, she wants to be a pharmacist! I guess science and art are never that far separated.
The most amazing thing about working with Mady is how easy it is to get her comfortable in front of the camera. She just naturally flows into whatever you are doing and then adds a Mady twist. If you bump into her, ask for a 411 card and to see her mini-album!
Well, the new Flying Horse web site (which is meant to accompany this new blog) should be functional within the next day-and-a-half. I’m just waiting for the tech people.
At the new launch we are featuring Jessica Phillips. You’ll see her Wild Child and a little more. Jess is one of the original five girls who was part of the glitter group as a sophomore. She was so quiet when I first met her. She’s much more outgoing now — at least here — and the confidence shows in her pictures.
For her session she wore a -peace outfit – that I wanted to do in natural light to give it a slight throw-back feeling to the “natural” 60’s aka “authentic” here in the new millennium. She also did a chunky colorful jewelry and tights with zebra print outfit for her Wild Child that we took fashion & editorial. Check it out soon as the new site is live!
Lots of fun and a very fun girl who has discounts for you. Just ask for the 411 card.
Jess Wild Child Class 2011
Two things… big landscaping project on the pond at Flying Horse Studio will be finished mid-may barring weather problems, etc. PLus — I will be away from Ohio at prom time. Silly me. I thought Prom happened after graduation. So, I was a little surprised to see them happening before hand. It’s a new day — gotta deal with it, right?
It has me thinking “After Prom.” Show Your Style!
Getting to wear a prom dress once is a bummer. Wouldn’t it be fun to do an outdoor Prom fashion shoot. Now, just have to find a way to dodge all the grad parties. Course, Flying Horse could be a stop on the way to a grad party. Spiritual and thought leaders could even inspire others to attend grad parties in a prom dress!!
OK, probably going to have to do a litmus test on that one! Landscapers are here Friday to finalize. Assuming we all agree — I’ll set a date to Show Your Style! (That needs a better name — got ideas?)
Cheers,
I first met Jen when she got involved with modeling. American Miss wanted personality so we worked on showing silly, athletic, confident, strident… bunch of stuff. Jen won Most Photogenic at American Miss.
For Jen’s Rider Session and she chose a technique she learned called Saphora make-up. I really wanted to make it feel mysterious and to highlight the jewels and cause the viewer to look in and see the color. Jen did a great job of matching her outfit to the make-up colors she chose. Stunning. On a side note, Jen broke her leg in a cheer competition a couple months back. She has been in physical therapy and is just now getting back to work. Jen is a little quiet at first, but once you get to know her she’s fun and energetic. Ask for her 411 card and get a session discount.
Cheers!
