Lilli.
A high school senior with an infectious energy and a passion for competitive cheer that knows no bounds. From a fabulous studio in downtown Birmingham to the wide-open spaces that echo with the spirit of adventure, Lilli's senior session was a whirlwind of excitement and emotion.
Let's back up a bit: Lilli is a senior heavily involved in competitive cheerleading and teaching young cheer enthusiasts. During her Style & Concept Consult, she confessed her uncertainty about her wardrobe choices for her senior portraits. Spending most of her time in sweats due to her rigorous schedule, she felt disconnected from the idea of dressing up.
As we delved into her closet, I noticed her affinity for graphic T-shirts. With a few questions, we unearthed her most favorite T, which instantly illuminated her personality. Starting with her beloved graphic tee, we curated an outfit that not only reflected her style but also reflected her true self. Despite the initial skepticism that some might dismiss her grunge-style outfit, Lilli's confidence in her choice reminded us that true style is about authenticity, not conformity.
We then moved on to something a little more put-together. Think cute tops and adorable bells – the kind of stuff that screams "senior portrait material." We grabbed a couple of tops in different colors, just in case we wanted to switch things up. Gotta have options, right?
With our session day ending at the beautiful Dunnavant Valley Park, we knew we needed a look that was a little boho-chic. We settled on a flowy dress and cowgirl boots – talk about a whole different side of Lilli coming out! It's all about capturing every aspect of her personality.
Accessories and props played a pivotal role in enhancing Lilli's narrative. From her cherished cowgirl hat to a themed plushy from her cheer coach, each item added depth and meaning to her portraits. Even her ACE Cheer cup and a memorial jersey from her Chelsea High School days contributed to the rich tapestry of her story.
With three meticulously curated outfits and her cheerleading uniform selected, we had Lilli's wardrobe assembled in less than 30 minutes. As we reconvened at the kitchen table, her initial apprehension had transformed into a sense of empowerment.
"That wasn't so bad!" she remarked, embodying a newfound confidence in her personal style.
Skip to session day: Our day began in studio with the talented Ashley, whose mastery of hair and makeup transformed Lilli into the epitome of confidence and beauty. While Ashley worked her makeup magic on Lilli, I took a moment to review my notes along with our wardrobe choices. I made sure to select the right props, backdrops, and lenses to tie everything together seamlessly. As hair and makeup came to a close, I could see Lilli's excitement building, and I knew we were in for an unforgettable day!
In the studio we embarked on a magazine-style shoot inspired by the pages of Vogue. With Lilli as our muse, we created images that were both timeless and fashion-forward, capturing her natural beauty in every shot.
After a quick break for lunch, we headed to ACE Cheer, where Lilli spends countless hours perfecting her craft. As she stepped onto the mat, I could see a new side of her emerge – strong, fierce, and fearless. These photos, showcasing her dedication and passion for competitive cheer, were a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.
But our journey didn't end there. With one location still left to explore, we headed to the perfect backdrop to complement Lilli's vibrant personality– Dunnavant Valley Park, with it's wide-open spaces that echo with the spirit of adventure. It was the perfect setting to capture Lilli in her element, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the promise of endless possibilities.
As the sun began to set on our day together, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to document this pivotal moment in Lilli's life. From the studio to the cheer mat to the great outdoors, her senior session was a celebration of who she is and who she's destined to become.
