1. Senior Portraits Are An Imporant Celebration Of You

Let’s be honest. Senior year is a BIG DEAL!

You’ll have a lot to look back on during your time in school. Having professional senior pictures done is great to honor all the hard work you’ve put in to get here. Plus, you can bring in friends and family into the process so that the ones who supported you the most can be there to cheer you on during your senior portrait session.

2. A Senior Portrait Session Is A Reward In Itself

We all like to treat ourselves. And why not? Graduating school is a huge accomplishment that deserves an equally huge reward. This is a time to get creative and get what you really want. Have you imagined yourself frollicking through a whimsical forest? Or have you always wanted to feel empowered by walking across the sand dunes in your favorite outfit? Senior pictures allow you to reward yourself by indulging in something that only you will get to experience.

3. Senior Pics Capture The Real You In This Moment

We all wish that those around us could know who we truly are. Senior pictures are important because they give you an opportunity to show others a side of you that they may never have had the chance to see.

4. Senior Pictures Make Excellent Gifts To Friends And Family

Why keep the senior experience all to yourself? With your photos you can give gift prints, wall art, or even graduation announcements to family and friends. You could even create a custom album that brings together all of your amazing pictures together in one spot. 

5. Because Grads Want To Have Fun

Last, but not least, having professional pictures taken is a fun and creative way to cap off your senior year. You may even decide to pamper yourself fully with professional hair and makeup. Senior portrait sessions are meant to be an enjoyable experience. Let the pros take care of the hard work, and just enjoy the ride!

Senior pictures are important for lots of reasons. You will want to celebrate this pivotal milestone in your life. They can also be a reward to yourself, as well as a way to capture the memories of a time that will come and go. Senior pictures also make great gifts to loved ones. Lastly, senior portrait sessions are supposed to be a fun experience that will leave you smiling all the way to graduation.

Ready to schedule your next senior session? Contact us today! We’d love to hear from you.

The post 5 Reasons Why Senior Pictures Are Important appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

Not Your Grandparents’ Senior Pictures

Hey, it’s the end of your senior year, why take it so seriously? Cap and gown pictures can be as formal or as goofy as you want. While the typical headshot is necessary for the yearbook, having a separate cap and gown session allows you to take control of how you will look. Have a certain style you’re going for? Is there a location you really like? A senior portrait session featuring your cap and gown is an excellent way to break the cookie cutter mold and stand out from the crowd.

The Cap And Gown Symbolizes Your Accomplishments

Wearing the cap and gown is significant. It means that you’re near the completion of something important. You may also have cords or stoles that signify an important accomplishment such as membership in an honor society. Having these in your cap and gown pictures lets others know about all your hard work and perseverance.

Include Family In Your Senior Pictures

Another great idea to commemorate your senior year is to include family in your cap and gown session. Bring along those who’ve supported you all these years so that you can celebrate together. You can have as many or as few family members as you want. The important thing is that you will want to preserve the memories of those who stood with you year after year.

Share Those Amazing Cap and Gown Pics Online

Okay, so we live in the digital age. Everything gets shared online. Well, just about everything. For those who are near or far, having some pics to share on social media let’s everyone join in on the celebration. 

Because Your Senior Life Also Belongs In Print

Your photos were meant to be shared and enjoyed by yourself and others. It’s hard to do that when those amazing pics are tucked away on a thumb drive and never looked at. Printing out your cap and gown pictures is an excellent way to let others share in the joy and happiness you experience. It can be something as simple as 5×7 print. You could also go with a full album. Having something physical in your hands to show friends and loved ones makes sharing easy, as well as creating something to be passed down to others. Another benefit to printed products: no batteries required!

Work Props Into Your Cap And Gown Session

Why limit yourself to just your cap and gown? Make your portrait session uniquely you by incorporating some meaningful props into your photos.

Props could include things such as a car, a favorite pet, or a musical instrument. Play sports? Bring a ball or any other piece of equipment that you can work into your session

Customized Your Senior Photoshoot To Your Interests

It’s your photo session, so why not make it your own? Do you have a special spot with some significance? Do you have any hobbies that you could work into your portraits? Unlike yearbook pictures, your senior pictures featuring a cap and gown are completely yours to customize. Not sure how or what to include in your cap and gown session? We can help.

Cap and gown pictures are a right of passage for every graduate. It marks a transition time in your life in which you leave your school environment for the next stage in your life. This point in your life is important, and should be remembered in portrait form.

Ready to schedule your next senior session? Contact us today! We’d love to hear from you.

The post Cap and Gown Pictures: Why Every Senior Needs Them appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

Where To Display Your Senior Photos

To get a better idea of what you will need to properly display those killer senior pics, you first need to consider where you will put them. Frames work well on coffee tables, over fireplaces, on mantles and ledges, or on bookshelves.

Canvas and other large prints can serve as wall art in the living room or a hallway. Is your foyer looking a little bare? The entrance to your home is a great place to add some well placed large prints of the family with your senior photos mixed in.

What about areas like laundry rooms or guest bathrooms? These are excellent places to decorate with small acrylic blocks or image cubes.

1. Albums

Albums are a wonderful way that will allow you to show off some spectacular photos of your grad in an easy and convenient way. They can be tucked away on a coffee table or bookshelf, and pulled out when it’s time to gush over some lovely pics. Keepsake photo albums are also great to gather printed pictures in one place rather than have them loosely scattered around the house.

2. Integrate Senior Pictures With Other Family Photos

A great idea we recommend is sprinkling in some of your senior photos with some other family pictures on the wall. Whether you have framed prints or wrapped canvases, mixing in some jaw-dropping photos of your grad with some other family pictures is a nice way to show the fullness that brings your family together.

3. Special Occasions And Graduation Parties

You did get your senior photography session done in time for grad announcements, right? Of course you did. So let’s put those killer photos to use by using them on graduation announcements and other graduation party decor. Print out some of your favs from your senior session and place them on each table for your graduation party guests to admire. One great idea you can try instead of a guest book is to print out a large photo and have guests sign their name on it. Later you can frame the sign picture and keep it as a memento of your grad’s special day.

4. Photo App for Senior Pictures

Senior photos don’t always have to be printed. Sometimes sharing them digitally works best. Mobile apps are great because you can easily pull up some of your favorite images on a customized gallery directly from your phone or mobile device.

5. Images Boxes To Store And Share Your Senior Photos

Not a fan of albums? That’s cool. You can still get the organizational benefits of an album with the flexibility of individual prints. Images boxes come in various styles, and allow you a visually impressive way to store loose prints.

6. Wall Art for Senior Photos

One of the easiest and best ways to show off your stunning senior pics is to hang them on the wall. Wall art includes large framed prints, canvases, or even acrylic prints. Acrylic prints make great statement pieces to decorate your home. With a Fine Art glossy or metallic print paired with crystal clear acrylic, it’s a modern option your clients will love to highlight a candid photo or memory from their sessionMix and match various sizes to create a story of your incredible senior, or you can place your printed senior photos alongside your other family wall art.

However you choose to display your senior photos, know that it will be an investment well made. This is a special time in you and your senior’s life, so it deserves to be remembered. Printing out those amazing photos will give you endless opportunities to show off your grad-to-be in the best possible way!

Ready to schedule your next senior, family, maternity, or couples photo session? Contact us today! We’d love to hear from you.

The post 6 Ways To Display Senior Pictures appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

Do – Choose Clothes You Feel Good In For Senior Pictures

When choosing what to wear for your senior pictures, chances are you already have your go-to outfits already in your closet. Don’t try to get fancy with some ultra-trendy outfit that you’ve never tried on before. If you feel awkward in your clothing choice, guess how your images will look? 

Don’t – Bring Outfits With Words, Designs, or Pictures

When taking your senior pictures, your images should be timeless. This means that they should still look good 20 or 30 years in the future. Your images will look dated if your outfit contains trendy words, as well as designs or pictures that make reference to something specific to the time your pictures were taken. Avoiding these types of clothing will help you achieve that timeless and classic look that will still feel amazing well into the future.

Don’t – Bring Too Many Outfits

A change or two of outfits is encouraged for your senior session so that you can get the a variety of images and looks. Take care not to bring too many outfits though as doing so can take away precious time from your session. Factor in how long an outfit change will take so that you can make the most of your time at your session.

Do – Dress in Layers

This is especially important in cooler weather.  Not only will this keep you from freezing during your portrait session, it will also help add some variety to your pics. There are lots of poses that look great with sweaters, jackets, etc. If the weather starts to warm up during your session, you always have the option to remove some articles of clothing. Keeping your options open during your senior portrait session is key!

Don’t – Forget to Get Wrinkles Out of Clothing

Steam or iron your clothes the night before, and bring them on hangars to your session. Wrinkles are difficult, if not impossible, to remove in post-production so it’s best to avoid them if possible. You may also want to consider bringing some wrinkle spray with you to your session as a backup option.

Do – Wear Clothes That Look Good Sitting or Standing

Some of the poses will have you standing, leaning, sitting, or squatting in different kinds of environments. While those poofy shorts may look nice standing up, your senior pictures will not look good when it feels like a parachute went off.

Don’t – Stress Over Choices

While it may be nice to make a special shopping trip to look for an outfit, don’t feel like it’s a must to get your senior portraits done. Chances are you’ll already have some great looking outfits tucked away in your closet. Whatever you decide, be comfortable with your choices and make sure your clothing fits your style.

Do – Add Accessories

Feel free to add a hat, bracelets, rings, scarves, etc. Some well placed accessories can compliment an outfit and add some flair to your already awesome senior pics. However….

Don’t – Overdo Jewelry

There is such a thing as having too much of a good thing. Putting on too many bracelets, or wearing enough rings for twenty people will be distracting to say the least.

Do – Have a Professional Do Your Hair and Makeup

While you may have plenty of experience applying your own makeup everyday, that is very different from when it comes to having senior portraits done. A professional who does hair and makeup for a living will be able to help you look your best by giving recommendations based on your style and you want the images to come out. While not a requirement for sure, it does take a lot of the weight off your shoulders and into the very capable hands of a pro.

Don’t – Use Glittery or Shiny Makeup, or Makeup With Oil Foundations

These types of makeup are highly reflective and will cause lots of light to bounce back into the camera. The results will not be pretty, and dare we say impossible to fix while editing the images.

Don’t – Use Too Much Gel or Hairspray

For the same reason as using too much glitter or shiny makeup, go easy on the gel or hairspray. 

Do – Stick With Neutral Tones

While bright pastel colors may be trendy for eye shadow, it’s best to stick with neutral tones such as browns or greys. Avoid glitter whenever possible.

Don’t – Go Crazy With Tanning

Tan lines will be HIGHLY visible in a photo, especially with sleeveless tops or backless tops. Avoid spray tan sessions before your portrait session. Heavy tans will cause your skin to look overly orange, and will not be something your photographer will be able to fix while editing.

Do – Shave Face, Underarms, or Legs

For guys, shave or trim any facial hair. The camera WILL see it all. For ladies, some poses may require you to lift your arms which will expose your underarms. Shave the underarm areas as needed. If you are planning on wearing a dress or skirt, the shaving applies there as well.

Do – Bring Someone to Encourage You During Your Session

We all need a hype person to psych us up at some point. Senior portrait session can be awkward at first as you get to know the photographer and/or their team, so having someone in your corner to cheer you on will help. This can include a parent or parents, friends, siblings, etc. While we’re on that subject….

Don’t – Bring the Whole Pack

While you may be thinking it will be no big deal to invite all your immediate family, cousins, friends, boyfriend/girlfriend, neighbors, their dogs, etc, having too many people can be a distraction. Having a small circus travelling with you will place demands on your attention that take away from the photographer who is there to take pictures of YOU.

Do – Print Your Photos

Sharing your awesome senior pics on social media can be fun. We know, we do it all the time. There is something in printing out the images from your senior session that you cannot get viewing them from a phone screen. Having an album or wall print hung in your house allows you to share and draw in closer to others that you cannot get hitting the like button online.

Don’t – Let Your Senior Pictures Sit Unused on a Hard Drive

Too often we hear from past clients, “I’ve been meaning to get those pictures printed, I just haven’t had the time.” While we understand life gets crazy sometimes, it does a disservice to your family and friends to have your images tucked away somewhere on a hard drive never to be seen again. Printing your images allows you to easily pull them out and share them, unlike storing them on a hard drive that’s harder to get to.

Do – Avoid Glare With Your Glasses

Glare from your glasses can be tricky at best to get rid of when editing your senior pictures. The best way to handle glare is to avoid it when possible. If you normally wear glasses, leave them on during your session. You may have to lower your chin so that the glare is not visible to the camera. Another option is to have the lenses removed from your frames during the shoot. Your optometrist’s office or local eyewear store should be able to help with this.

Do – Make Hands and Nails Look Presentable

Trim and clean your nails. Retouch or redo any manicures, nail polishes, etc. Chipped nail polish will show up on your pictures. Avoid trendy colors and stick with neutral colors when possible. Light to mid pink is a good choice.

Do – Bring Props To Make Your Senior Pictures POP!

If you play any sports, bring your uniforms, balls, and any other equipment you use to play. Do you have any hobbies, or participate in any extracurricular activities? Bringing props to your senior session will create images that are truly unique, and will let others see the real you. 

Looking for an Odessa TX photographer? Are you interested in capturing your next idea for senior or family portraits? We’d love to hear from you!

Visit our Contact Page to begin the process.

The post Dos and Don’ts for Senior Pictures appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

Standing

Standing poses are a great way to warm up for a senior portrait session. There are lots of fun ways to approach these types of poses such as hands on hips or legs crossed at the ankles. For some added flair, you can also drape jackets or a graduation gown over your shoulder.

Leaning

The leaning pose is a variation on the standing pose, incorporating some more ice-breaker type poses while including more of the surrounding environment. Leaning makes for some awesome senior portrait poses because it allows you to be more relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera before moving on to more involved posing.

Walking

Walking seems so natural to us, we hardly stop to think about using such a mundane activity for senior portrait poses. The opposite is true when it comes to portraits. Walking can open up opportunities for some great images. This includes strolling towards the camera or some over-the-shoulder action while walking away.

Sitting

Sitting poses can be done in just about any environment. You can sit on either some type of chair or stool, or even a low wall nearby. While sitting you can have your legs crossed, feet tucked in, or even sit facing away from the camera looking back over your shoulder.

Playing with Hair

This one can be fun as there are lots of ways to play with your hair. For some great senior portrait poses, you can do simple things like twirl some hair around your fingers or run your hand through your hair from front to back. We like these poses because it shows a more playful side of our seniors.

Kneeling

Kneeling is an easy and flattering pose that works for a variety of outfits and environments. The best kneeling poses come from one hand resting on the lower leg or knee. For bonus points, you can combine poses such as playing with your hair while kneeling down. Putting together two or more senior portrait poses, especially for females, will add some flair to your images which will help them stand out from the crowd.

Doorways and Stairs

Stairs and doorways are great because they will naturally frame the image with you at the center. Again, for added spice we can combine multiple styles of posing when placing you in front a doorway or staircase such as sitting on the steps or leaning against the door.

Headshots

They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. With a closeup headshot, our goal is to show the world the beauty both from the outside, as well as the inside. If you have put a lot of detail into your hair and makeup, or if you had these done by a professional, these types of poses are even more critical to get in capturing details.

Props

Including different props into your senior photoshoot is sure to kick things up a notch by adding unique elements that wouldn’t be possible without them. Some examples of props include letter jackets, sports balls and uniforms, smoke bombs, or books. If you play a sport, have a hobby, or are involved in an extracurricular activity, these are all great sources of inspiration for including props to level up your senior portrait poses.

Cap and Gown

One of our favorite times to shoot clients is the cap and gown session. Poses for these types of shoots range from full cap and gown, to gown unzip, cap off, or gown draped over the shoulder. Another example of a combining senior portrait poses for females, and guys too, is the closeup shot with the cap and tassel in focus. Our personal favorite, however, is the tossing of the cap towards the camera for a fun and casual image.

While helping you run through various senior portrait poses, the most important requirement is that you have fun and are comfortable during the session. If a pose is unnatural or feels awkward, guess how your images are going to turn out? Having your senior pictures taken should be an enjoyable experience that results in some killer shots of you in your element.

Looking for an Odessa TX photographer? Are you interested in capturing your next idea for senior or family portraits? We’d love to hear from you!

Visit our Contact Page to begin the process.

The post How to Get Great Senior Portrait Poses for Females appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

A themed photoshoot can seem restrictive at first glance. However, it can be highly creative by narrowing on one theme. A themed portrait session is also a great way to role-play or indulge in something you otherwise may not normally do. Ever wondered what it would be like to be a wizard from Harry Potter, one of Marvel’s Avengers, or an elf from a fantasy world?

Another reason to go for a themed photoshoot is to take an activity or hobby you already do, and then take it in a new direction. For this photo session, we took the book lover off of the couch and placed her in a cozy and secluded outdoor setting.

How to Select a Theme for Your Portrait Session

Do you have a favorite hero or supervillain? Or how about a movie or TV show you just can’t get enough of? Do you have any hobbies or activities that you absolutely love and would like to focus on?

Here are some ideas to consider when thinking about pursuing a themed portrait session:

• Time periods: Ancient or Medieval history, Roaring Twenties, 
• Movies: Beauty and the Beast, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Great Gatsby, The Avengers
• Fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, The Little Mermaid
• Fantasy: elves, fairies, magicians, enchanted forest
• Activities or hobbies: Carnivals, lemonade/hot chocolate stands, books, painting, colored chalk

How to Pick Outfits and Accessories For a Themed Photoshoot

In order for your theme to stick and really drive home with others, having the right props will make all the difference. Picking ill-fitting or unrelated props runs the risk of confusing the viewer not recognizing the theme you’re aiming for. 

Be sure to research the theme carefully again in advance. Watch your favorite movie or TV show again, do a Google or Pinterest search. Beauty and the Beast will be easily recognizable, for example, by wearing the iconic yellow dress. In our example, the bookworm theme is easily recognizable by the stacks of books strewn around the reader.

Finding outfits and accessories does not have to break the bank. Items needed for your themed photoshoot often can be found at home or crafted by hand. If making a purchase is required for the necessary items, thrift stores can offer up a treasure trove of options.

Choosing the Best Environment for Your Themed Shoot

Themed photoshoots can take place at home or in a studio in front of a plain background. This works well especially when the images focus on the face and make-up, or if a background will be added later. 

Environments outside the studio can elevate an image from average to truly amazing. Environments should be chosen based on the theme of the shoot. For example, fantasy characters such as elves and fairies would be better suited in a forest area. A superhero/supervillain theme, on the other hand, might work better in a more urban area. Environmental conditions that interfere with the model, such as wind in the hair or rain in the face, will add more of a dramatic flair to the image.

A themed photoshoot can offer a fun twist to an otherwise normal looking portrait session. Themed shoots can help add clarity and focus when trying to decide what kind of pictures to take. Plus, it allows you to role-play or take on a persona that you otherwise may never get to do. Themed portrait sessions are just one of many methods to make some great looking images, so don’t be afraid to brainstorm and experiment!

Looking for an Odessa TX photographer? Are you interested in capturing your next idea for senior or family portraits? We’d love to hear from you!

Visit our Contact Page to begin the process.

The post 3 Ways to Make a Themed Photoshoot Happen appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

When it comes to senior portrait sessions, we can’t help ourselves. Whenever we get the chance to do some rustic senior pictures for a soon-to-be graduate, all the better. A country or antique setting works great because there are so many different angles to approach your senior photoshoot. Whether you’re a legit cowboy or cowgirl, or just love all things western, you’re sure to have a blast!

Senior portrait photography is a must have because it puts the spotlight on the graduate in a fun and creative way. Especially in large families, it becomes easy for one person to get lost in the mix. We love senior sessions because the focus is on one person and one person only. It’s your time to shine and we let you take center stage.

Choosing the Location for the Perfect Rustic Senior Pictures

One thing you find right away is how down-to-earth this graduate really is. Makayla loves the rustic vibes that come from any country setting. So in our search for a unique location, we knew we struck gold (or rather black gold) in the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. The exhibits showcasing the history of the oilfield in the Permian Basin provide lots of opportunities to find that rustic look that brings our graduate’s images to life. Wagons, old trucks, and old oil derricks set the stage for a nostalgic return to days gone by.

Details about Makayla’s Rustic Senior Photoshoot

We first began with shots of Makayla in a more casual setting with her letterman jacket. We love the classic look of any letterman jacket, which can be paired with just about any outfit. A benefit to wearing your letterman jacket during your senior photoshoot is the ability to highlight some of your high school sports or activities by the patches that are sewn on. 

Casual outfits are also a great way to warm up during a senior photoshoot. Think of how you would exercise. You wouldn’t jump into some hardcore cardio or weight lifting without some stretching first would you? We like to start slow with any shoot to help our seniors loosen up and get comfortable in front of the camera. 

A comfortable senior = great looking senior pics.

One thing we recommend to all our seniors is to bring one or two outfits to change into during a session. This helps keep things fresh and gives you some different and creative images. Don’t worry about where to change into your next outfit. If there are no restrooms nearby to change, we always bring a handy pop-up tent that will give you some privacy.

Changing from the casual jeans and t-shirt look to a more country western outfit, we switch gears and transition to the historic oilfield equipment on display. Makayla’s personality comes alive as we move in between rusted trucks and derelict drilling equipment. Having some historical oilfield equipment serves as the background not only makes for stellar county-themed images, it pays homage 

Lastly, we move onto the shots of Makayla with her cap and gown. This part is a crowd pleaser because it marks the culmination of all the senior’s hard work to get him or her to graduation. Cap and gown sessions work great because you can go as dressy or as casual as you like.

Aside from posed images, we also like to capture those small, quiet moments in between shots such as a parent helping his or her senior adjust an article of clothing. These little moments demonstrate that a senior’s journey is not done alone, and requires lots of love and help from others.

One of our favorite shots is the tossing of the cap. This involves a fun game of catch between the senior and our assistant or a family member that is also attending the shoot. Don’t worry if you have no ambitions of joining the Olympic baseball or softball team, we’ll do it as many times as needed to get those amazing shots!

A Brief Bio of The Grad

Makayla is one of those seniors we had a blast hanging out with during her senior photoshoot. Graduating in the Class of 2021 from Permian High School, she combines a love of the creative and scientific. Makayla is a dancer with Panther Paws varsity team, loves country music, working out, and the sound of bones cracking? One day she hopes to become a chiropractor.

Makayla gives a great answer to what her idea of happiness is: being surrounded with family and friends. We also love that her role models are her parents. One of Alexandra’s childhood dreams was to be a princess.

Makayla’s one piece of advice to others: “…just live live your life the way you want to live it and do what makes you happy.”

Congratulations Makayla and a job well done!

Interested in capturing your senior’s best moments in life? We’d love to hear from you!

Visit our Contact Page to begin the process.

The post Rustic Senior Pictures – Makayla appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

What is a Custom Senior Portrait Magazine?

Simply put, a custom senior portrait magazine is a printed magazine featuring the star of the show. You! Yes you!

Senior portrait magazines come in various forms. Many will have sections such as a Q&A with the senior, fun facts, and a brief bio of the soon-to-be graduate. 

Our custom senior portrait magazines include the following sections:

• A cover page with the best image from your senior photoshoot
• 5 interesting facts about you
• Your favorite quote
• Q&A with you, the graduate
• A brief bio about you
• Lots of images scattered throughout featuring you as the cover model

Let Your Light Shine In A Unique And Fun Way

Having your very own custom magazine is a fun and unique way to show off your personality. A custom senior portrait magazine lets other people into your world, and shows off a side of you that an image alone cannot do.

For starters, the custom senior magazine is a one-of-a-kind way to share the images from your senior portrait session. Having a sample of your senior pictures in a printed format makes sharing easy and convenient. Thumbing through your awesome senior pictures magazine style is a lot more entertaining than sitting through a simple slideshow with zero emotion.

Custom senior magazines also make great gifts to friends and loved ones. Pass them out as favors to your guests later during your graduation party, or hand them to your friends to let them know how truly awesome you are.

Your senior magazine is the window by which other people can get a glimpse into who you are as a person. Your hobbies, interests, and anything else you’d like to share with others can all be written into your magazine.

A custom senior portrait magazine is a great compliment to your senior portrait session. Who else can say they have an entire magazine dedicated solely to his or her self? It’s your senior year of school, so why not have some fun with it? Your senior photos were not meant to reside in a hard drive somewhere never to be seen again. With your very own custom senior portrait magazine, those senior pics you (and your photographer ) worked so hard to make can be seen and admired by everyone.

Ready to schedule your next senior, family, maternity, or couples photo session? Contact us today! We’d love to hear from you.

The post Why You Need a Custom Senior Portrait Magazine appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

By not investing in a seasoned pro to do your hair and makeup, however, there are a lot of things you’ll be missing out on. Things that will make your life, not to mention your senior portrait session, a whole lot easier. Here are 6 reasons why you should have professional hair and makeup for your senior pics.

1. Reduce your stress level by letting a pro handle your hair and makeup

You have enough to juggle in your mind without adding one more ball to the mix. What to wear, where to go, etc. All these questions without immediate answers will increase your stress level to the point where you may even wonder if this is all worth it.

Having a professional hair and makeup artist handle all the beauty details frees you to think about other things. The artist already has all the necessary brushes, liners, concealers, etc. No need for you to worry if you have the right colors or hairspray. Just like your photographer will have all the required gear to make show-stopping images, your hair and makeup artist will be ready to go with everything he or she needs to get you dolled up!

2. Get professional knowledge on what will make you look A-MAA-ZIINGG!!

Chances are you’re already applying your own makeup on a daily basis. But having your picture taken by a professional photographer is different from a spur of the moment selfie. Professionally taken portraits will have more detail in them, thus your makeup, or lack thereof, will be more evident. Photographers are masters at their craft, but miracle workers they are not. There’s only so much they can do in Photoshop. Save yourself the potential disappointment in your images by connecting with a hair and makeup pro.

Professional hair and makeup artists have extensive experience in a number of settings. It doesn’t matter what your skin tone is, the outfit you’re wearing, or the environment you’ll have your portraits taken. Your friendly and knowledgeable artist has probably done someone’s hair and makeup in the same or similar fashion as you. With this knowledge comes the ability to make quality recommendations that will make jaws drop during your senior photoshoot.

3. Professional hair and makeup artists have the experience you may not

Most, if not all, of the hair and makeup artists have had extensive education and training in their craft. While you may be able to apply your own makeup or style your own hair, a veteran artist will be able to do the job twice as good in half the time. Having a pro do your hair and makeup will save you time and keep the frustration to a minimum. 

4. Boost your self-confidence while taking your senior pictures

Let’s be honest, having someone stick a camera in your face while shouting ‘SMILE FOR THE CAMERA’ is a scary proposition. No one wants that. Even if you have a great relationship with your photographer, most people at best are uncomfortable with the idea of having pictures taken of themselves.

Having professionally done hair and makeup is a sure fire way to boost your self-confidence. If you look like a million bucks, guess how you’re going to feel? You’ll be ready to kick down doors and take names (metaphorically that is). If you feel proud and confident during your senior photoshoot, guess how your pics will come out?

5. Senior photos are a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Unless you plan on doing senior pictures when you graduate college, senior portraits will be a rare and unique experience. Very likely the whole senior picture experience will be a one-and-done sort of thing with no do-overs. This means that everything from your hair/makeup, to your outfits/accessories, have to be on point and exactly how you want them before your photoshoot starts. Once your session ends, it’s too late to try and redo everything. Careful preparation is probably our best piece of advice for any new clients that come to us.

6. It’s your special day, treat yourself with some professional glam

It’s not everyday that you have your senior pics taken, is it? This is a special time in your life where the day is all about YOU. It’s okay to want to treat yourself to some pampering for your upcoming session. Going back to Point #4, the better you feel about yourself on the day of your shoot, the better your pictures will turn out. Trust us, nothing sours a senior photo session more than a self-conscious person who clearly does not want to be there. Be kind to yourself, your future self will thank you.

Professional hair and makeup, while certainly not a requirement for senior pictures, are helpful in several ways. You get expert advice from a knowledgeable professional to make you look and feel your best. When you feel good, you’ll definitely see a boost in self-confidence. Plus, what better way to treat yourself on your special day than with a stylish look completed by a seasoned pro?
Ready to schedule your next senior, family, maternity, or couples photo session? Contact us today! We’d love to hear from you.

The post 6 Reasons Why You Should Have Professional Hair and Makeup For Your Senior Pictures appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

With all of our photo shoots, we hope to capture the love, joy, and happiness of everyone we put in front of our lens. Photography sessions are as much an experience as they are service performed for hire. A good photographer will make you feel comfortable during a shoot. A great photographer will make you wish that you could keep going even after the session ends.

The Novelty Of Possessions Wears Off Quickly

Remember how it felt to have the new phone in your hands? The smooth texture of the metal, the lightning fast speed at which you could stream videos? Receiving something new elicits a gleeful happiness that can be hard to match. While we may relish the new piece of jewelry or latest top from your favorite clothing store, that feeling is sure to be outlived. 

This is because we learn to adapt to the new object in our lives. The novelty of the latest electronic gadget loses its appeal because it becomes part of our daily lives, and thus no longer holds that appeal that first drew us to it.

Experiences Define Purpose and Passion

When we choose something experiential in nature, we are placing value on that experience. In effect, we are saying that we identify with whatever it is we are engaging in. Someone who loves music will value tickets to their favorite band or singer over just hearing their song on the radio. Likewise, someone who values family and friendships will want a picture of them to remember them by when those people are not around.

Greater Opportunities To Connect With Others

It’s difficult to share the feeling you get when you buy a new pair of shoes. What about how it felt during date night, or during that hiking trip with friends? When we invest in an experience, often times it is something that we can share with others. When we have shared experiences, we are able to form deeper bonds. Purchasing something online is a solitary and isolated act, but engaging in shared experiences brings us closer in community with other human beings.

Experiences Involve Less Clutter

When we buy physical products, the next thing we have to do is find a place to put them. Sometimes this need to buy the latest and greatest can get out of hand, resulting in a cluttered bedroom or house. The nice thing about experiences is that the end result is not always walking away with something physical in your hands. 

Experiences Force Us To Be More Present

When you’re actively engaged in an activity, there is little room to be distracted. This forces us to be more mindful and present. For example, painting or pottery classes are very much a hands-on activity. If you allow your mind to wander, then the resulting piece will most likely be disappointing. Experiences focus our attention and efforts on what’s immediately in front of us, rather than allowing our minds to check out. Anyone who’s sat at the dinner table with phones all pulled out can appreciate this.

Less Comparison With Others

It’s easy to get into the trap of trying to keep up with the Joneses. Who has the most expensive car? Who has the nicest clothes? Physical stuff makes it way too easy to compare ourselves to others. Experiences, to a certain extent, make it less of an issue when it comes to comparison. Everyone who goes into a movie theater all saw the same movie. There is little to no comparison between our experiences with others because the activity was the same for everyone.

Experiences Open New Worlds

When was the last time you tried something new? Did you go out of your comfort zone? While not everyone feels comfortable going skydiving or bungee jumping, public speaking for some people can be just as terrifying. When we seek new experiences, our world view expands. Volunteering for a homeless shelter opens our eyes to the challenges of others. Training for a 5k or a marathon allows us to push ourselves mentally and physically to new levels. Physical products do very little to open us to new worlds.

Experiences are more important than things in a number of ways. Experiences allow others to see what we truly value, while at the same time creating avenues for closer connections with friends and loved ones. Senior portraits and family photo sessions are a great example of an experience that is shared with those closest to us. Exploring new and exciting areas with others, all the while documenting the experience for future preservation, is one of the best experiences we can think of.
Ready to schedule your next senior, family, maternity, or couples photo session? Contact us today! We’d love to hear from you.

The post Experiences Are More Important Than Things appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

Bless This Mess Boutique

Born of a small town West Texas woman’s passion and side-hustle, Bless This Mess Boutique offers clothing options ranging from creative work attire to date-night ready.

The selection from Bless This Mess Boutique is filled with fun and stylish choices for a variety of occasions. Keep it casual with solid color knit tops and wide leg jeans, or you can opt for the more fashion forward tiered or ruffled dresses. You can also find sandals, shoes, and earrings that pair nicely with just about any outfit you can find here. 

Thirsty Bird Boutique

Opening its doors in 2015, the Thirsty Bird Boutique derives its name from a nickname given to pump jacks in the 1970’s.

You’ll want to check out the bright colors and bold patterns within the walls of this nifty little store. Add a kimono to brighten up your look, or go for one of the several tanks for something light and airy.

Don’t forget to accessorize your senior picture outfits with a gold necklace or set of hoop earrings that will compliment your hair and makeup for your senior portraits.

Willow Boutique

Willow Boutique prides itself on being an upscale and stylish spot that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for plaid, denim, leopard print, or something in between, the Willow Boutique almost certainly has it.

If you’re looking for boho chic or business casual, this is the place to be. You will be able to find options that will fit in with lots of locations for your senior pictures, whether it be in the middle of an open field or in a downtown setting.

West Couture

Are you ready to strut your stuff on the runway? You will be after a visit to West Couture. 

Classic meets bold in this trendy boutique that offers modern twists on some old favorites. Sequins, floral patterns, and bright colors are available in a number of styles such as rompers and jumpsuits. Don’t forget to accessorize your look with some jaw-dropping boots or a pair of shiny new hoop earrings.

Wild Designs Boutique

A visit to Wild Designs Boutique is sure to impress. With more options than you can shake a stick at, the possibilities here are endless.

Denim lovers will rejoice with options ranging from bleached cut off shorts to distressed skinny jeans. The jackets and blazers are truly distinctive and offer fresh takes on some oldies-but-goodies.

One More Round

Why limit yourself to just one store when you can have several? And all in one place? And did we mention food trucks? One More Round is truly a unique shopping experience.

Within this little gem of a shopping mall, you will find the boho, the trendy, and the cute/stylish looks for adults and kids. Heck, there’s even a boutique that specializes in Native American inspired jewelry!

Karboo

Don’t be afraid to go bold. At Karboo you will find leopard print, snakeskin, and tie dye all under one roof!

Not quite ready for all that? Don’t worry, Karboo has you covered. There are plenty of snazzy dresses, pants, and tops to fit a wide range of looks. Definitely one you want to check out!

Your choice in senior picture outfits is an important one. You’ll want to pick an outfit or outfits based on your personality, your comfort level, and the environment where you will be taking your senior portraits. The boutiques listed above all have something great to offer depending on the style you’re going after. Just remember that there is no right or wrong way to do things, only the way you want your senior pics to express who you truly are!
Have you got your outfit picked out? Do you need help figuring out what will make for the most flattering pictures? Contact us today and let’s start the conversation!

The post Top 7 Clothing Boutiques To Visit For Senior Picture Outfits appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

Hiring a Professional Photographer Means Gets You The Skills and Experience Your Family Needs

To be honest, anyone could pick up a camera and start taking pictures. Some of them may even come out clear and in focus. But there’s a problem with hiring Uncle Bob who just likes taking pictures in his spare time.

First, this is a hobby for Uncle Bob, not his career. He doesn’t take the time to really study lighting or composition. Uncle Bob leaves his camera in Auto Mode and hopes for the best. Trust us, you do not want Uncle Bob leaving your precious family’s memories to chance.

A professional photographer spends countless hours studying and perfecting his or her craft. To the pro photographer, this is their job, their career, their livelihood. Unlike Uncle Bob, the pro photographer understands the technical aspects of their camera and other gear. This knowledge shows in the higher quality images you’ll receive from the pro as opposed to the weekend hobbyist.

Family portraits, wedding and engagement sessions, and senior graduation photos are all important live events that deserve to be cherished and remembered. When you hire a professional photographer, what you’re really paying for is the skills and experience that person has cultivated over their career. Yeah, you could probably take your own photos with a phone, but would you want to hang those up in your living room?

Professional Photographers Don’t Just Take Pictures, They Create Works Of Art

Professional photographers don’t just snap pictures, they create works of art. You will want to display these pieces of art in print for others to enjoy along with you. Pro photographers will work with you to achieve the gallery quality images you’ll want to keep for years into the future.

A quality professional will have developed a keen eye for backgrounds and foregrounds that will take your pictures from ho-hum to amazing. Photography is a skilled profession requiring both technical and creative talents that sharpened over time.  What most people see as unsightly or blah, a creative professional photographer will see potential.

Professional Photographers Help You Accomplish Your Vision Without The Migraine

How many times have you tried to set a timer on your phone to get a couple or group shots? How long did it take to find a rock or bench to balance the phone, only to have the phone fall when it took the picture?

Getting professional family photos means you can be included in all the pictures and never having to worry about who’s going to take the picture. A professional family photoshoot takes a huge load off your shoulders by letting someone else worry about how to direct and pose all of your family members.

We always tell our portrait clients if you look stressed or uncomfortable, guess how your family photos are going to come out? A professional family photographer not only allows you to participate in the memory-making with your loved ones, but also to allow you to take down the stress level a couple notches.

Professional Photography Is More Than Holding a Camera And Pushing Buttons

Have you ever tried to plan a party? Creating a guest list, getting enough food for everyone, finding quality entertainment for the guests. There’s a reason why an entire industry has sprung up around event planning.

A professional senior photographer will be able to suggest locations, times, and dates that will give you more flattering photos. Your photographer will also be able to recommend clothing and accessory options, as well as color patterns to compliment the environment where your photoshoot will take place.

Hiring a professional photographer is like hiring the professional event planner. It allows you to give the tasks that you may or may not be able to handle, and put them in the hands of someone with the skills and desire to handle them for you.

When it comes to getting professional, quality senior and family portraits, hiring a pro is a must. While you could certainly take some good pictures on your own, having a professional on your side will enable you to go from selfie photo destined to stay on your phone, to a gallery quality image that you can proudly display in your home as a work of art

Interested in getting some updated family photos? Or do you need to capture the uniqueness of your graduating senior before they fly off into the world? 

Contact us today and let’s start the conversation!

The post Why Hire a Professional Photographer appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

Work Your Interests and Hobbies Into Your Senior Photos

First, let’s think about what your interests and hobbies are. What are you into? If you’re a car aficionado, then you’ll probably want some place with lots of space to take shots in or near the car. Are you a bookworm? Then the perfect setup may be to include stacks of books in a relaxing location.

Some seniors enjoy the great outdoors, while others may be more at home in a coffee shop. Either are great ideas, but only if they suit your personality. Take some time to really think about what it is you enjoy doing in your free time to help you narrow down the list of possible locations for your senior portraits.

Having a list of hobbies will make your senior photoshoot more unique and memorable. It will also make your images more interesting by giving you something to do rather than awkward staring at the camera.

What Sports or Extracurricular Activities Do You Participate In

If you play any sport, or are involved in any type of extracurricular activities, this is a great time to show it off! Some ideas include getting some action shots of you spiking a volleyball over the net, or sinking a 3-pointer on the court. You could also go for the winning goal on the soccer field, or score the winning touchdown of the game. Of course you will want to see if those locations are available to you first before scheduling a shoot there. 

For dancers, musicians, or singers you can always try for the big stage. If not, then a nice open field with your dance outfit or musical instrument will serve nicely for an epic image.

For a more urban setting, downtown areas offer some unique ideas for great senior pictures with a modern twist. Parking garages, in particular, have the potential for some really awesome gritty and edgy photos.

Drive by the location before the shoot

If you have an idea for where you might want to go for your senior photos, drive by the location first. Go by during the time when the shoot will be scheduled so that you have an idea of what the area will look like during your actual shoot.

Some things to look for when driving by a potential location:

• Are there any shaded areas?
• Are there places to get dressed if changing into multiple outfits?
• Is the area crowded or will there be lots of distractions in the background?
• How far away from town is the location? Will you need to take water, snacks, etc while you’re at the photoshoot?

Keeping these things in mind will help you better prepare for your senior portrait session, and also make it a more enjoyable one too.

Destination or Local Senior Portraits

How far are you willing to go for your senior portraits? Are there some great locations in or near your hometown, or is that killer spot somewhere that requires a bit of traveling? This is where you will want to work closely with your photographer as they can help recommend the best areas to photograph. You’ll also want to consult your photographer first as there may be an additional charge for traveling outside his or her immediate area.

Keep In Mind Possible Weather Conditions When Selecting a Location For Your Senior Photoshoot

Are you dreaming of a mountain-inspired senior photoshoot? Or how about exploring the peacefulness of the desert sands? No doubt there are some scenic areas that will yield amazing photos for your high school portraits.

Caution though should be exercised, especially in areas that are prone to extreme temperatures. The last thing we want for anyone is to pass out from heat exhaustion during their shoot, or come down with frostbite. If you’re expecting hot temperatures during your shoot, pack some extra water to keep from dehydrating. It may also help to take a small makeup kit for light touch ups.

Choosing the right location for your senior graduation portraits can seem daunting. You don’t want to mess up the entire shoot by making a bad choice. We get it, and we’re here to say that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

Just remember to take a deep breath, and take it one step at a time. We at Talva Photography can help you narrow down the possible choices based on your unique personality that will fit you like a glove.

Interested in capturing your senior’s best moments in life? We’d love to hear from you!

Visit our Contact Page to begin the process.

The post How To Choose a Location For Your Senior Portraits appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

Preferred Season of the Year for a Senior Photoshoot

Spring and fall will give the brightest range of colors as tree leaves and flowers bloom and wilt away. Open fields and botanical gardens are excellent spots during this time of year. Wooded areas are also great, especially in the fall as yellow and orange leaves fall to the ground.

The cooler weather during the spring/fall months are also ideal for your senior photoshoot. More mild temperatures also means that you can comfortably wear clothing from all seasons without sweating or freezing.

Summer is also a great choice for senior photos as most flowers, trees, etc will be in full bloom. The extra hours available during daylight savings time also gives you more flexibility in planning times for your senior photoshoot.

Another thing to consider during the summer time is the heat. Care should be taken if you decide to take your senior pictures in the summer so that you avoid heat exhaustion or stroke. Consider planning your shoot either in the early morning or later in the evening to cut down on your sun exposure.

Winter can also be a fun season to shoot senior portraits, particularly during times when there is snow. Frolicking in snow piles or camping out by the fireplace are just some of the many winter photoshoot ideas you can think of that wouldn’t normally be available during the summer months.

Just like heat can negatively impact a summer session, frigid temperatures are something you’ll want to consider. Dress in layers and limit the time you spend outside, especially if temperatures can be near or below freezing.

Time of the Day is Key for Great Senior Pictures

One thing you may hear photographers mention constantly is a term called “golden hour”. This refers to the hour right before sunset or just after sunrise, which gives a more reddish and softer light than the middle of the day. Harsh, mid-day suns create unflattering looks that will cast hard shadows and make you squint in all your pictures. If time allows, we recommend waiting until golden hour to get the best possible light for your senior portraits.

Scheduling Senior Photos Around Sports and Extracurricular Activities

This may be less of an issue during the summer time when school is out. If you are planning on getting your senior pictures done during the semester, you’ll want to think about what day of the week will work best. Do you have practice or rehearsals on particular days? When are finals? 

Don’t try to cram too much into one day, especially if you’ll need time to get ready for your senior pictures. When scheduling your photoshoot, make that the only thing you do for that day. Everything else (e.g. hair, makeup, wardrobe planning) should all revolve around your photoshoot. This singular focus will help you relax and better enjoy your time in front of the camera.

If you’re involved in sports or extracurricular activities, what months are you most busy? Much like trying to avoid packed daily schedules, we want to consider a time during the off-season for your particular sport or activity. This will help keep the stress down from trying to focus on two different things at the same time.

One caveat we’ll mention to this: uniforms. In some instances, you may not have access to your school uniforms until just before or after the season starts. If this is the case, and you want to incorporate that sport into your senior photoshoot, it may be beneficial to schedule your session during this time.

Plan on Enough Time to Order Graduation Announcements

If you’re planning on using the images to go on to your graduation announcements, timing is key. To avoid mad rushes to the printing store, allow enough time for the photographer (*cough* Talva Photography) to edit the images from your session. Editing and processing images from a senior shoot takes time, more so for longer sessions with multiple locations and outfit changes. Your photographer will more than likely need a few weeks to edit your images and return them to you, so please be patient. This is why we say give yourself some breathing room to allow not only for getting your images back from the photographer, but also in ordering the announcements or invitations from the printing company.

Should I Take My Senior Photos During My Junior or Senior Year?

Really, either way is fine. Some people want to schedule their senior session during the spring of their junior year, while others will wait until after the junior year ends. Both will work and there is no wrong or preferred method. The benefit of doing your session during your junior year is that you get to check one (big) thing off your checklist. Again, don’t sweat it if it’s the springtime during your senior year and you haven’t had your pictures done. You’ll still have time to get them done, though don’t wait too long!

Think About Available Locations For You Senior Portraits

If you have a special place in mind, you’ll want to research the location first. Are there permits that are required? Do you need to obtain special permission from the property owner? Does your desired location even allow photography on their premises?

If a certain spot has special significance for you, you may want to consider how or if you want to incorporate that into your photoshoot. Do you go camping or hiking to a particular park? Is there a coffee shop or library you like to go to? These kinds of questions

Do You Want Cap and Gown Session As Part Of Your Senior Graduation Photos

Are you going to want pictures with your cap and gown? Typically, caps and gowns will not arrive until closer to graduation. Cap and gown sessions are an excellent opportunity to get some great images that will complement the other outfits you choose.

Some photographers may set this up as an additional session, or set aside a smaller amount of time if it will be cap and gown only. You may wish to have your regular senior portrait session first, then follow up with a cap and gown session. Or you may opt to only have one or the other. Either way, make sure it’s how YOU want to approach senior photos.

Coordinating Your Senior Photos With Family Pictures

One thing we have seen, and kinda like to be honest, is when a family is inspired to have family portraits taken because of their senior’s photoshoot. We like to see a family’s love and support come through in a family photo with their graduate.

Some things to consider. First, are you wanting a single picture with the grad, then the rest of the session be solely about the senior? Or do you want a longer length session with lots of family photos along with plenty of senior shots? If you’re thinking more of the latter, you may wish to ask your photographer about scheduling a separate family photoshoot. One or two shots of the family with your senior might be okay, but it takes away focus from the senior’s experience if his or her’s session is dominated by family pictures.

There is a bit of strategy when it comes to planning when to take senior portraits. With a little forethought and some diligent planning, you will definitely come out ahead of those scrambling last minute to schedule a senior photography session the week of graduation.

Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your very own senior photo session. Contact us today and let’s start the conversation!

The post When To Take Senior Portraits appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

When it comes to a senior photoshoot, we just can’t help ourselves. Seniors, in our experience, have an energetic zeal that we love to be around. These sessions also have lots of excitement surrounding them before, during, and after the shoot. Needless to say, we love our seniors!

Senior portrait photography is a must have because it puts the spotlight on your son, daughter, grandchild etc in a positive way. Especially in large families, it becomes easy for one person to get lost in the mix. We love senior sessions because the focus is on one person and one person only. It’s their time to shine and we let them take center stage.

Where The Senior Photo Session Occurred and Why We Picked It

Our senior photo shoot with Alexandra takes place in the wooded area of Comanche Trail Park nearing the edge of Odessa. Since the family loves being outside, we chose the park to be Alexandra’s very own wooded oasis. The trees and flowers are in full bloom, and the winding walking trail makes this an ideal spot for outdoor senior photos.

The green space within the Comanche Trail Park provides lots of opportunities not only to get great shots of the graduating senior, but also with the family that came with matching shirts!

Details about Alexandra’s Senior Photoshoot

We first began with shots of Alexandra and her family. We could not get over how great they all look in the matching family shirts provided by Pearl Cactus Boutique. Even though this was technically a senior photography session, we love having family around to love on and support their graduates. 

Nestled in between the trees, we find a nice clearing that truly conveys the beauty of the family we are looking at. The excitement is most evident on the kiddos who laugh and giggle every time they are in front of the camera.

Wind is always a challenge, especially in West Texas where weather is rather finicky. Despite the breezy weather, Alexandra takes it all in stride. Her genuine nature shines through as we work our way through the various poses.

One of our favorite shots is the tossing of the cap. This involves a fun game of catch between the senior and our assistant or a family member that is also attending the shoot.

Some of our favorite moments also are the unplanned one, such as a cap flying unexpectedly off Alexandra’s head because of the wind!

We then get to our favorite part, the confetti cannon! If you have never used one for your senior graduation photos, then you’re missing out. The fun part is getting to see the reactions on everyone’s faces when the confetti cannon goes off with a BOOM sound. Smiles go all around as the confetti falls gently to the ground like colored snow.

A Brief Bio Of The Senior in the Senior Graduation Photos

Alexandra is one of those seniors we absolutely loved to photograph. Graduating in the Class of 2021 from Odessa Collegiate Academy, she combines both a technical and relational appreciation to life. Alexandra likes anime, Minecraft, and computer programming. When asked what her perfect day would look like, she replies that it would be an outdoor picnic with a playground for her sisters.

Alexandra gives a great answer to what her idea of happiness is: being with family friends. We also love that her role model is her mom. One of Alexandra’s childhood dreams was to be a fashion designer and style her own clothes.

Alexandra’s one piece of advice to others: “We have bad days but we also have days we will remember forever.”

Congratulations Alexandra and a job well done!

Interested in capturing your senior’s best moments in life? We’d love to hear from you!Visit our Contact Page to begin the process.

The post Odessa TX Senior Portrait Session – Alexandra appeared first on Talva Photography I Odessa TX Photographer.

We absolutely love senior portraits! There’s just something about seeing the spark in a graduate’s eye. The way they see the world and all its possibilities never gets old. New things become possible as your senior or graduate transitions from one stage of their life to the next. One of our favorite things to do for senior portraits is go on downtown photoshoots. If you look past the concrete and steel, lies the heart and soul of a city waiting to be discovered.

Life’s most precious moments deserve to be captured and preserved. We had a wonderful opportunity to capture some great senior graduation photos with Permian High School graduate, Aydali, in Odessa.

Aydali will be graduating Class of 2021, and plans to study business in college.

Our senior session with Aydali shows how much faith we should be placing in our young people. We love senior photography because it always gives us the expectation that our future is bright.

In choosing locations, we take into consideration the personality, hobbies, and personal interests of the graduating senior. Because Odessa is Aydali’s hometown, we chose Downtown Odessa for her senior portraits.We start our downtown photo session in a parking garage that we’re sure has stories to tell. In this quiet, unassuming area we see Aydali’s graceful confidence shine through. High school senior portraits give us the chance to showcase the young man or woman in their proudest moments.

Strolling through Downtown Odessa, you get a sense of what is to come. The mix of established and emerging businesses reflects the lives of the high school seniors we meet. A young adult formed and guided by loved ones ready to take the next step in their lives. 

A hopeful graduate. A hopeful city. 

Making our way through the downtown area, you can see Aydali’s eyes brighten when describing her future. She wants to be a business owner some day. What kind of business she isn’t sure of. We feel confident she will be sitting at the head of the table leading a team of her own some day.

We also make stops at the First United Methodist Church building and the Side Bar and Grill. The owner of the Side Bar and Grill is extremely friendly and very warmly invites us to take photos in the picturesque patio area outside the restaurant. Our last stop is in front of a mural that seems fitting given this young woman’s appreciation for the arts.

As high school senior photographers, hearing the laughs and seeing the smiles on the graduates we shoot is what we live for.

Congratulations and a job well done to this senior!

Interested in capturing your senior’s best moments in life? We’d love to hear from you!

Visit our Contact Page to begin the process.

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