A Winter Glow
Life moves at an exceptional pace, and for a high school senior, the final year is a blur. Kate came to us looking for more than just a yearbook photo; she wanted a creative aesthetic that felt like her. The challenge? It was December in Missouri. The world was "dead and brown," the air was frigid, and the vibrant colors of autumn were long gone.
The Janiece Effect
Before a camera was ever lifted, the story began with Janiece. As our first point of contact, Janiece spent time diving into Kate’s world, studying her Pinterest mood boards and discussing the "vibe" Kate wanted to project. They didn't just talk about locations; they talked about outfits, textures, and the mood of the images.
To prepare, Janiece scouted Rockbridge State Park in freezing temperatures. Having lived here since the 90s, we have a deep repository of hidden corners, but Janiece wanted to find the exact spots that would match Kate’s vision.
Light & Detail
On the day of the shoot, we leaned into the juxtaposition of the season. To combat the dreary winter colors, Janiece brought intentional "pops" of life: a velvet green chair, fresh flowers, and Kate provided a vibrant red book.
While the environment felt dormant, our approach to light was very much alive. Using a mix of natural surroundings and augmented light—an off-camera flash filtered through a large softbox—we were able to create a cinematic glow even in the darkest corners of a cave.
Beyond the Light Stand
Because Janiece acts as a mobile lighting specialist, we weren't tethered to flat ground. To get the perfect angle on Kate’s soft white skin and dark hair against the mossy rocks, Janiece was precariously perched over a stream, holding the light exactly where it needed to be. It’s a level of creative freedom you simply can’t get with a stationary light stand.
A Story Frozen in Time
From the dark vertical lines of dormant trees to the moody textures of the Rockbridge caves, Kate’s session proved that beauty isn't dependent on the weather—it’s dependent on the story you’re willing to tell. We helped Kate stop, breathe, and capture a version of her senior year that she can share forever.
