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McIntosh Art Co. | How to Prepare for a Senior Portrait Session

Senior portraits are an important right of passage. Many times, the client (you!) has not had a professional portrait session in the past so this might feel new and awkward but I will tell you: you are in the majority! It’s perfectly ok to feel nervous but I am hoping a few of these tips will ease any trepidation you may have before our session. But, by now, you’ve seen my work and you’re ready for an adventurous, personalized senior portrait session. I’ve included some tips, below, to help make the most of your senior portrait session. 

  • Schedule: it’s preferable that you schedule your senior photos a month or two before your yearbook photos are due. Most schools have a yearbook deadline and it’s important to be cognizant of that date so that we aren’t rushed in either the shoot and scheduling (hi, Seattle fall weather!) or with my editing load for all clients. You’ll want to take the time to sift through the gallery and make your choices for both your graduation announcements as well as a yearbook photo and having time on your side is always recommended. Generally, I like to shoot at either sunrise or sunset depending on location. That said, sometimes we miss deadlines and have to schedule last minute. If I am able to fit you in, I will certainly make an effort to get your yearbook photos to you in time but it might involve some extra fees for rushed services. I highly recommend booking early.

  • Location: are you a basketball superstar and want some photos in a gym? Are you on the swim team and want to have some photos of that cool water over your face during the breaststroke? Are you a cellist and want photos with your cello? Do you live near a super cool park with gorgeous sunsets? We can make all of this happen for your senior photos. Photos with letterman’s jackets, doing the things you are passionate about are all important pieces to your senior portrait experience. Let’s book time at a gym or pool or wherever speaks to your passions. Most of my clients have taken senior photos at places like Discovery Park, Magnuson Park, downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass or Gasworks Park. I am always open to new locations!

  • Attire: it’s important to pick out your attire for the session a few weeks in advance so that you aren’t scrambling. I’d recommend bringing 2-3 outfits that make you feel awesome but are different from one another. Maybe a casual look, a fancier look and (insert passion activity) look. Make sure things are comfortable, first and foremost, and try to be aware that not all trends last. When choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that pop and that compliment your hair and skin colors. Especially in urban or natural settings, fun colors can really be remarkable in camera. I love flowing dresses that really move for a dressed up look. I also love layers like a dress shirt with a v-neck sweater or other layering techniques. Please always avoid clothes that do not have graphics or florescent colors. Before your session, iron out any wrinkles and be prepared to wear whatever it is in overcast or colder weather if it’s autumn. If you’re an athlete, bring those props (soccer ball or whatever you’d like included) and if you’re a musician, we can talk about wearing formal attire with a Puget Sound or otherwise backdrop. Depending on location, you might have to be creative about where you change (car, public restrooms, behind a tree, etc.) so be prepared to be flexible.

  • Hair, Makeup, Nails: If you are interested in hair and makeup, I have a few recommendations but it’ll be up to you to book those professionals before my session with you. I always try to encourage my clients to keep things as natural as possible but I also want you feeling your best. If doing your own makeup and hair makes you feel great, then own it and I’m sure it’s going to be gorgeous. If you feel more comfortable having someone else take care of those details, please reach out and I’ll put you in contact with the hair and makeup professionals I know in the area. Consider pampering your nails before our shoot. During your session, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want. I recommend avoiding any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all (buffed) photograph best. If you’re adventurous, we will be ending the shoot in a body of water such as Puget Sound or Lake Washington or even a river and I recommend the same advise about your toes as your nails.

  • Preparing for the shoot: a few hours before the shoot, make sure you’ve eaten, you’re well rested and have your items packed and ready to go. Plan for traffic, bring a water bottle and arrive a few minutes early so you can get acclimated and organized. Sometimes we will be driving or walking long distances between locations so consider brining a pair of shoes for walking if your session shoes are uncomfortable or fancy.

If you have questions prior to the shoot, please reach out! I’m happy to take a call with you or text if that’s more convenient. Most of my seniors bring a friend or a parent along and sometimes, even their family dog. I am happy to have all of the above present because it’s about whatever makes you feel your best. Our session will be fun and light as long as you come with an open, adventurous mind. 

SENIOR  TAYLOR BAILEY  AUGUST 2020 -05742895 McIntosh Art Co. .jpg
 
 

McIntosh Art Co. | Halloween Covid-Style | Seattle, Washington

We have family that live on a fun street with lots of small children. The ages where they are still excited to dress up and have fun on this once-a-year tradition. But, with Covid and the concern to protect each other and ourselves, the families came up with the idea of a parade and then treat stations in front of each house. 2020 Halloween was, surprisingly, so much more fun that regular Halloween as everyone was out at the same time, socializing from a distance with masks but with a festive, celebratory vibe and it was over for everyone at around the same time, which is great for the younger babies and toddlers as well as their parents and grandparents. Many of the houses went all-out and created wonderful displays and creative ways to give out candy to the eager trick-or-treaters but in a safe and distanced manner. I’m so glad we made the effort to visit this cool street on Halloween this year.

Here are some shots I captured of the evening.

McIntosh Art Co. | Backyard Prom | Seattle, Washington | August 2020

For the Class of 2020, everything was cancelled. Prom, graduation, life. All of it. I can’t imagine having to have my Senior year in quarantine. So, this brilliant mama came up with the idea to throw a Backyard Prom with her son, his girlfriend, her identical twin sister an her boyfriend. The entire evening was so much fun and I love the way this family put in a lot of effort to make their kids have a memorable night, despite such a terrible last few months. The couples started with outdoor dining at a fancy Italian resturant and then traveled back to the house to celebrate with homemade desserts from their professional chef daughter to s’mores and sparkling cider by Snoop Dogg ( 😉 ), this night packed all the ingredients for awesomeness. The backyard was decorated with flowers and string lights. And their cat was a frequent visitor. I loved how these portraits turned out and the challenge the dark night presented for me. Enjoy!

McIntosh Art Co. | Seattle Children’s March | Garfield High School - Gatzert Elementary School | June 13, 2020

I was honored to be asked to photograph this incredible movement, lead by children of Seattle, inspired by the 1963 Birmingham Children’s Crusade. Within a week, this was imagined, organized and staffed by hundreds of volunteers. The speakers were inspiring and passionate. The march from Garfield High School to Bailey Gatzert Elementary School was peaceful and attended by approximately 5000 people.

McIntosh Art Co. | Rally for Black Lives March & Protest | Magnuson Park to University Village, Seattle, Washington | June 6, 2020

With the Solid Ground housing in the background, thousands gathered at Magnuson Park for Rally for Black Lives to peacefully protest and march to the University Village. The former home of Charleena Lyles at Magnuson Park where she was shot five times by officers in front of her children while 14-15 weeks pregnant, served as a reminder to those that protested in 2017. Charges against the two officers involved were dismissed.

The protests in response to George Floyd’s murder (captured on video), began on March 26, 2020 and have stretched two weeks. During this peaceful protest in Northwest Seattle, many in the crowd were following the violent protest and police response Capitol Hill near the East Precinct.

Once the group arrived to University Village, they sang “Happy Birthday” to Breonna Taylor and kneeled on one knee for eight minutes and forty six seconds, the same amount of time in which the officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota used the knee-on-neck tactic on George Floyd, only to render him unconscious or dead on the scene. In the last few seconds of the silent protest, the leaders were told that the National Guard had surrounded the entire property of University Village and that all participants were to exit the property immediately.

Zero National Guard nor police were seen upon my exit from the property.

McIntosh Art Co. | Black Lives Matter Protests | Capitol Hill (CHOP / CHAZ), Seattle, Washington | June 2, 2020

I attended the Black Lives Matter Protest on Capitol Hill in Seattle, Washington near Cal Anderson Park on June 2, 2020. This protest was the 4th day of protesting in Seattle, despite a strict, city-wide curfew of 5pm. The protests are a reaction to the death of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, in addition to hundreds of years of systematic racism and police brutality in the United States. These protestHere are some images I captured.

* Please be sure to tag me if you repost these images, as they are my property. *

McIntosh Art Co. | Coronavirus / Covid19 Washington State Stay Home Order | Downtown Seattle, Washington | April, 2020

I had to go to downtown yesterday to pick something up and decided to take a bit of time to walk around the empty streets of Seattle. The sights I saw were semi-expected but also so sad. The homeless seem to be particularly struggling and I don’t know what the answers are for them. I just know that other countries and cities have figured out how to solve the problem with shelter insecurity. I’m hopeful one day, Seattle will as well.

One encouraging piece is that many artists have been busy painting beautiful murals on the plywood that many businesses are using to protect their windows. Most businesses seem to have been closed for the last 50+ days with at least four more weeks to go, according to our Governor Inslee. I know most people aren't even leaving their neighborhood so hopefully this allows you to witness what the streets near Pioneer Square, Belltown and Pike Place Market look like during this Covid-19 shutdown, without leaving your couch.

McIntosh Art Co. | Labor, Delivery, Birth Documentary - The Knische | Seattle, Washington

I have always been intrigued by birth photography but it wasn’t until I finally gathered all of my bravery and offered up a deal to my Facebook and Instagram followers so that I could build my portfolio. Thankfully, I had a number of applicants and was able to choose births that I would be able to attend due to my schedule and location as well as likelihood of a birth I’d actually be able to witness (some hospitals don’t allow photographers during a cesarean section surgery). I was so grateful that an old friend (that I adored then and haven’t seen for 20+ years) from my club soccer team (and carpool!) in high school contacted me about photographing his partner’s birth earlier this year. I was thrilled to reconnect with my old friend, who now identifies as male, and meet his love, “G”. G radiates good vibes and I knew right away that this would be a great fit for my first birth to document.

A few days before the due date, “O” messaged me that labor had begun. I could have waited but I was so excited that I packed up all of my things, grabbed some snacks and drove to their house in South Seattle. I was able to witness G’s strength and O’s incredible support during a very difficult labor that ended up lasting about 48 hours. Of course, I didn’t stay the entire time and took lots of breaks thanks to a very solid communication plan. It was an invigorating experience for me, not only because I am fascinated by all things birth and mama but also because we were in three different locations with many different lighting scenarios and I was able to experiment with my camera. I loved capturing the support (birth partner, pets, doulas, midwifes, nurses, and OBGYN doctor) and strength I witnessed, along with the gorgeous entrance into the world by a beautiful baby girl.

 


McIntosh Art Co. | October Newborn In-home Session | Renton, Washington

I was contacted by this beautiful mama a few months ago in regards to her new arrival and committed immediately, as her family is lovely and comfortable in front of the camera. I’ve known this mama since she was little, as she is friends with a younger family member and I was fortunate enough to take photos of her first born two years ago. I coerced her into being the model family for a newborn shoot during a class with the incredible Elena S Blair and this mama and her family were incredible. Anyhow, I was flattered and thrilled to get the call about this new arrival.

As with all in-home newborn shoots, I try to schedule them for mid-morning at the client’s home. I am not concerned about any mess or chaos or state of affairs at the home. I am just going to find the room with the best light and move things around to make it work. My clients really don’t even need to lift a finger. Remember, I have had four babies myself and very little surprises me at this point. My goal is to make the clients feel comfortable, capture the love in the family and the tiny details of the new baby, sometime within the first 3 weeks of arrival. In this case, I stayed at the house just about three hours. Some shoots are shorter with newborns and some take longer. The infant is in charge so I am happy to wait for feedings or diaper changes or whatever baby or mama need to be comfortable. And, if the family is adventurous, I always like to capture these moments as well, as growth and these phases of life are fleeting.

I hope you enjoy looking at these gorgeous people and their perfect new baby. I had the best time ever capturing these precious family! I’ve posted a few shots, below, and will be sharing them on my Instagram and Facebook pages, as well, in the coming weeks. Follow along!