Senior Portraits- Spencer

Normally I wouldn’t call someone by their full name, but Spencer Cole is just too darn smooth and dashing sounding to not use in its entirety. Can’t you just imagine a romantic comedy where he runs into an adorable heroine who accidentally spills coffee on him and she looks up into the eyes of none other than “renowned business tycoon Spencer Cole?!” (it is also entirely possible that the ridiculous audio-book, Waiting for Tom Hanks, which I am listening to while editing Spencer Cole’s pictures, is slowly seeping into my subconscious ( Okay, definitely because the “coffee spill” is exactly what just happened in the book!)

Anyway…back to reality. While I certainly can not claim to know Spencer well, what I was able to garner is that he runs track and likes it a lot, speaks Mandarin-which is very difficult, and only resents his parents a little for continuing to have children when they hit it out of the park with him on the first try! His mom, Kiersten was present at the session so I think the last one was more of a family joke. Oh yeah, and most importantly, he is 100% certain he hit the jackpot when he got the amazing Kaylie to go out with him.

Senior Portraits- Zoey

In the two years I have known Zoey it never occurred to me that she isn’t originally from Massachusetts!. Turns out…nope…she is actually from Texas and her heart is still very much is drawn to her family and friends who live there. Then an even bigger and better revelation occurred (drum roll please) her family runs a Texas Barbecue business complete with a fancy smoker and everything! Well this was music to my ears and I just couldn’t stop asking about it. (Anyone who knows me knows that my partner is a BBQ lover and we have honestly booked trips solely based around BBQ joints) So now I must try Pollard’s Texas Cue as soon as humanly possible. Her mom, Stephanie and her dad, “cool dad” ( let’s say because I don’t know his name) spearhead the business in addition to their day jobs, and the entire family pitches in for events. Sounds like a great gig to me!!!

But back to Zoey…if you did not see her headshot post, check it out here because I gush about how brilliant she is at so many different things.

Young Actor Headshots- Zoey

Zoey knows a lot…about a lot of things. Teach her a dance - she has it down in a day and can tell me what I am forgetting in my own choreography. Need some music composed or harmonies taught- she has already made the recording and distributed it to her peers. Want someone to know the ins and outs of the school auditorium sound system- Done! (See what I mean?) This bodes well for her desire to study music management in college. She is perfectly suited to this work! Definitely the most organized person in the room. And heck - if the lead singer loses their voice, Zoey can run on stage and belt the heck out of whatever song they need. (because of course…she has a great voice too!)

Senior Portraits- Matthew

Personally, I find photographing traditional young men a very fun, creative challenge. With women, 99% of the time I can throw them a pose, they nail it, and it looks great. With men, however, it’s more of a trial and error dance to locate the most flattering position for their body. It’s not like I can ask Matthew to sit on a rock with his knees to the side “ a la a mermaid” like I did with Kaylie or “one leg popped “ like Kate . That would be ridiculous!

So…while my clients might think I am just staring off into space or pelting them with questions for my own amusement, what I am really doing is watching their body language for clues to help me put them in positions that will be comfortable and natural looking. Ok, and sometimes I am just staring off to space praying to jesus that she would just send me some darn clouds!!!

Mother + Son - Too much joy to not share

Young Actor Headshots- Matthew

So you know how there are some people in this world who it seems the Universe has smiled on a bit more than the rest of us? Yeah…that would be Matthew. Having a seemingly effortless vocal ability that sets him apart from his peers in a way you can’t be jealous of because his voice is just too gorgeous, would be enough, but Matthew is also tall, smart, funny, kind and a genuine friend. Although he claims he doesn’t play baseball as well as his accomplished brother, I highly doubt that he is telling the truth. Matthew will absolutely have his choice of Musical Theater programs to attend next Fall.

Senior Portrait + Headshot- Taylor

Speaking of moms, these two are quite the pair. I don’t usually put up the photo of mother & daughter, but Kristy/Christie was such a huge part of Taylor’s session that it seemed wrong to not include her too!

But back to Taylor - She does expect to attend college next year, but it’s up in the air at the moment as she is far more excited by “dating Shawn Mendes”. A few nights before our session she went to his concert and, as she tells it, the two of them were hitting it off pretty well. Had the venue security guard not dragged her off the stage she is certain Shawn would have asked for her number.

This gal, I tell ya. What you see is a tiny, Disney Princess of a girl who you assume is lovely (you’re correct) but probably very shy. What you get is a confident firecracker of a young woman whose kindness is balanced effortlessly by her smart sass. She is also very neat…or her mom Christie is. (or Kristy…sorry not sure) Taylor’s clothes were perfectly organized and pressed with accessories and shoes and the whole nine yards. It was fascinatingly well thought out.

Senior Portraits- Kate D

My sweet, sweet Kate D. ( The “D” isn’t necessarily relevant to anyone else, but when we met there was more than one “Kate” in the musical so the “D” just kind of stuck.) This young lady is such a bright ray of sunshine to me and so much fun to be around. You can honestly tell from the photos how fun she is, right? Her entire face lights up when she smiles and laughs and it’s so engaging. And that gorgeous hair goes on for days.

One of the things Kate told me a while back is that while she loves her family and dog tremendously, college can really not come soon enough! Location may still be unknown, but Kate knows she will land in a place where she can truly be herself and embark on the next amazing adventure in her life. I’m sure there will be ebbs and flows of these feelings throughout her senior year, but it’s nice to hear someone excited rather than already bogged down by the grueling admissions process.

Kate also gets major bonus points because she actually read and loved my summer book recommendation of Ramona Blue, (The best YA novel ever).

Young Actor Headshots- Teddy

Double Majoring in Musical Theater and Vocal Performance, Teddy is clearly willing to do the work to get where he wants to go. Heck, he cut out pasta and dairy this summer and says that as a result, he both lost 25 lbs and his voice is better than ever! ( I do get that and understand the correlation of those foods with his instrument, but… I think I will finish my cookies and cream sundae.)

Teddy credits his high school voice teacher at Walnut Hill School Arts , for recognizing the multi- dimensional vocal skills he possess and encouraging him to try opera as well.

From the tiny bits I got to hear during our session, I have no doubt in his abilities. (yes, sometimes there is singing…and dancing at my headshot sessions. :) )

The “big smile” photos are the true Teddy and while I know next to nothing about the opera world, I do know that Pavarotti smiled…so Teddy can too!

Teddy is the perfect example of why I love photographing headshots for young actors. He is so fun and excited about his future which as a result made me excited for him !

A rising senior at Oklahoma City University, the alma mater of Broadway greats Kristen Chenoweth and Kelli Ohara, Teddy is clear about what it takes to follow in their footsteps.