When Jaci told me she wanted a Wildflower Senior Session with the zinnias at Holland Farms, I was so giddy and excited I couldn’t even contain it. I knew there was a short window when the zinnias bloom and I wasn’t to be sure they were nice and thick. After photographing mini sessions with the pumpkins and completing our promo shots, I knew the zinnias were coming along perfectly in time for Jaci’s senior session in a few weeks.

Mid-Day Magic in the Wildflowers

Many photographers hate the idea of bright, harsh sunlight (and for good reason). It can create harsh shadows under your eyes, cause your subject to squint, and make an unflattering look. However, if you can move past your fear of harsh light, you can create some serious magic without all of the negative affects. Jaci was such a perfect subject and trusted me wholeheartedly which I so appreciated. She rolled with every prompt, pose, and wasn’t shy in the slightest. When it came time to get to the wildflowers, I wanted to pull out all the stops. So, I took out my drone. We got some incredible footage! Check out the Instagram post, here.

When seniors are open to creativity and don’t hold back, it shines through in the images. Often times, I may have to ask Mom or Dad to step away so they don’t act shy. I know this isn’t what parents want to hear. But every now and then, I can tell when seniors might be holding back a little bit of personality. Asking Mom or Dad to head to the car does the trick immediately.

Sentimental Senior Sessions

Of course, I love to just see beautiful sessions come to light because they’re pretty to look at. But, there’s also more to this session. Jaci moved here from Kentucky a few years ago. While we were talking she told me she felt like it was the end of the world. But she was happy her parents went for something new. Being from Kentucky, she wanted a location that reminded her from home. Farm locations are a bit of a drive and hard to come by in Florida. At the last minute, I offered a new location because I knew it was homecoming week. Homecoming week in high school is essentially a marathon for cheerleaders. They’re going nonstop. But, she was adamant about Holland Farms. I’m so glad we stuck with it. I hope more seniors will take note and do something meaningful to them. I think the message here is whether you want a Wildflower Senior Session, Beach Session, or downtown session, make it yours and have fun with it!

Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph you, Jaci! <3

Wanting to book a wildflower senior session? Contact Jordan here.

Want to check out more senior sessions by Jordan West Photo? See Ainsley’s Senior Blog!

Looking to book your senior session? Contact Jordan here!

Jaci is a frequent client of mine and has many more smiles to share, see them here!