St. Louis Photographer » A Journal by Holly McCaig

I was so excited that Sam was ready to get her images done so soon! It can be a little boring in the winter time. But, if you live here too, I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir. Sam is one of my Senior Elite Models for the class of 2011. She attends Fort Zumwalt South. And, she LOVES theater, singing, etc. Talented all around. She has dreams of being on Broadway.

When discussing with Sam what she wanted to do for her portraits, she immediately told me “THE FOX“. Of course, we did everything we could to get them to let us take photos inside, but they had other things happening at the time. They did give us a number to arrange something, so we may try again later. Who knows. But, all of the textures and buildings, and scenes around The Fox Theater simply mesmerize me. Grand is one hoppin’ place and it was fun to shoot there. We even had a little snow on the ground. I simply love when seniors “get it” and want to incorporate something about their life, aspirations and dreams, and more into their images. It’s all about creating art and not cheesy poses. Right?

One of the first of my senior elite models, it was pretty fun! I can’t wait till we shoot the other reps, too. Here are a few of my favorites from the session, so you can get a taste! If you’re a friend of Sam’s, be sure to ask her how you can save on your senior session with Holly McCaig Seniors!

Mad props to my cousin, Nick, for filling in for my regular assistant. He made us feel a little bit safer down there on Grand.

I jumped on 141 and low and behold…sprinkles. NO! No rain! We cannot have rain, right now. I had specifically called Bobbi Jo’s mom to move the session up yesterday because I knew we’d have rain in the afternoon. Now, why should I listen to my local weatherman? His accuracy rate can be pretty low afterall.

But, I kept on driving and arrived at Faust Park ready to go…if my client was.

They jumped out and said, “let’s do this” and that we did! I am so glad too. It was 12:30 and the sky was covered in clouds, acting like a giant softbox. Normally at this location, I am limited to where we can shoot because the sun intrudes on some of the settings. While I was missing the ability to throw in a little sunflare, I knew we were going to get images that I don’t normally get to take here. Bobbi Jo was so cute and willing to do what I asked.

It’s so rewarding when your clients are open to your ideas and get excited. Like when we found one, lone bright tree left standing in a sea of barren trees. She wanted to throw leaves in the air and it was so cute. We watched as another photographer took our cue of doing Bobbi Jo’s lying in the grass pose in the leaves instead.

Bobbi Jo – here are your photographer favorites. You are a joy to work with – and yes, I love the hair curled! Congrats on your senior year!

Third time definitely is a charm! We had some snags in scheduling Ashley’s senior portraits, but the wait was totally worth it. What a beautiful afternoon at Faust Park in Chesterfield. I think everyone else had the same idea as us…cameras were everywhere. That’s okay. The place is loaded with amazing locations that let in the most beautiful light. When I see that golden light in my shots I giggle. It makes me happy.

Ashley’s a senior at Lafayette Senior High School and has the best personality. It’s always so sweet when they leave so happy and give me a big hug, telling me it was fun. I am excited to share my favorites from Ashley’s senior session. I told her to think “Tyra Banks and America’s Top Model” and she rocked the poses!

Thank you!
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I’m currently running a special for any March bookings. These are on-location shoots only (your home, favorite area of town, etc.). Please note that it only applies to portrait and senior sessions and does not include The Little Dog Smiled or Lollipop Smiles portrait sessions. Please visit the photography portion of my website for details on the session options mentioned in this ad as well as weekly and weekend rates. Thanks and book early!