Columbus Park of Roses Senior Session

Rated one of the best portrait locations in Columbus, Ohio, I feel lucky to live only 5 minutes away from the Columbus Park of Roses. Whetstone is a beautiful park butting up to the Olentangy River in Clintonville. Having a little something for everyone, this particular Senior Session, Hayley was mostly interested in the flowers in the Gardens, and Mom wanted some variety, too.

Loving a Senior Session with Props, I was excited Hayley wanted to incorporate her guitar. Plus we had great live music to listen to between (and during) poses.

And it’s always interesting to me how most of my seniors tell me initially that they don’t know how to pose, look weird in photos, are camera shy, or have an awkward smile. I have yet to find that to be the case with anyone. And maybe that’s just a little bit of my specialty coming through. Maybe they are nervous of stiff poses or a demanding photographer. But after a few minutes of chatting and making jokes, they realize that I am after authentic moments, genuine smiles, and true personality.

So really, I have come to really enjoy these sessions as a simple walk through a park. Telling stories of your interests and plans for the future while I show you new and interesting places. Of course there is some guidance on my part, but I hope the relaxed nature of my photoshoots comes through in the photos.

And by the end of this session, Hayley had forgotten about any nervousness she might have had. In fact, she wanted to keep shooting. Liking the idea of some creative shots, we stayed out until dark and got her a photo in a tight grove of trees she was fascinated with earlier in the day. Turns out this was her favorite photo, and it was a fun challenge to make it happen. So much for awkward smiles and stiff poses, she had a photo she felt was authentic, and something she was proud to show her friends.