Kennison | Class of 2027 Senior Portraits
Kennison is a kind, respectful and easygoing young man, and I truly enjoyed getting to know him and his family throughout his 2027 Senior Portrait experience.
One of my favorite parts of photographing High School Seniors is the consultation before the session. This gives me the opportunity to learn about each Senior’s personality, interests, hobbies and the things that are important to them. After talking with Kennison about his passion for wrestling, his plans to join the Army after graduation and, of course, his pickup truck, the ideas started flowing! My goal was to create a collection of Senior Portraits that told Kennison’s story while giving him and his family images they will be proud to display and treasure for generations.
Rustic Senior Portraits at The White Barn Property
We began Kennison’s outdoor Senior Portrait session at one of my favorite locations, The White Barn Property. With its rustic textures, open prairie and variety of unique settings, it was a perfect fit for his laid back style.
We started inside the train car surrounded by beautiful, rich dark wood. Kennison kept his outfit simple and classic, which photographed perfectly and really brought the attention to his eyes and relaxed expression.
From there, we headed into the open prairie for a series of portraits around the green farm gate. Kennison changed into his Army T-shirt, proudly representing his decision to join the United States Army after graduation. That made these images about much more than his Senior year. They represent the direction he has chosen for his future and the commitment he is preparing to make after High School.
Thank you for making that commitment, Kennison!
Next, we headed to the wooden bridge where everything came together beautifully. The light was incredible, the surrounding landscape was full of rich color, and the rustic farm setting gave us another completely different look for his Senior Portrait collection.
Senior Portraits With His Pickup Truck
We wrapped up the outdoor portion of Kennison’s session with something I knew needed to be included: his pickup truck.
During our consultation, Kennison showed me a photo of his truck on his phone, and I immediately started thinking about ways we could create something beyond traditional Senior Portraits. His truck has an undercarriage light kit that glows purple, which gave me an idea. I brought along my lighting gels so I could build upon the purple illumination and create an even stronger effect around him and the truck.
These were SO much fun to create!
The dramatic lighting completely changed the atmosphere and gave the portraits a bold, cinematic quality that fit Kennison and his truck perfectly. Rather than simply photographing him standing beside it, I wanted these images to feel intentional and give him something he could look at and think, that is seriously cool.
Mission accomplished!
Classic Studio Senior Portraits
Next, we moved into the studio.
During Kennison’s consultation, we discussed how important it was to his family to also have classic Senior Portraitswith him dressed up, while still keeping the clothing appropriate for his personal style rather than putting him in a suit.
Knowing his clothing choices ahead of time allowed me to plan the setting specifically for him. I chose a timeless studio scene with paneled walls and dark wood flooring that complemented his wardrobe beautifully.
Kennison was relaxed and confident in front of the camera, giving us a polished series of portraits that will never go out of style. These are the photographs that will look just as good hanging on the wall decades from now as they do during his Senior year.
And then it was time for wrestling.
Wrestling Senior Portraits
This is where Kennison was completely in his element.
Wrestling has been a significant part of his life for many years, so I wanted his wrestling Senior Portraits to show more than his uniform. I wanted them to represent the work, strength and dedication behind the athlete.
We began with dramatic directional lighting designed to define his athletic build and create strong shadows and dimension. These images highlight the physical commitment required of a wrestler and gave his portraits a powerful athletic look.
From there, we transitioned into a more intense series designed to capture the feeling and energy of being on the wrestling mat. We incorporated different poses, expressions and movements that felt natural to Kennison rather than forcing him into something that didn't represent him.
And because every athlete has a fun side, Kennison also gave us a few comical poses inspired by traditions he and his teammates share during meets. Those photographs may not be the serious ones, but I have a feeling they will bring back some pretty great memories years from now!
We also talked about Kennison’s routine before and after a match. Those small habits and mannerisms are part of an athlete's story, so we incorporated them into his session. Instead of only documenting what Kennison looks like as a wrestler, these images capture a little of who he is when he competes.
Telling His Wrestling Story Through Art
The final piece in Kennison’s Senior Portrait collection brought his wrestling journey together in one image: his custom Locker Room artwork.
For this piece, we included several of Kennison’s favorite wrestling singlets along with a few from his earliest years in the sport, when he was just a little guy beginning his wrestling journey.
Seeing those early singlets alongside the ones he wears today tells a story that
words really can't.
Years of practices.
Years of matches.
Wins, losses, lessons and growth.
And countless hours of dedication to becoming the athlete he is today.
This is exactly why I love creating personalized Senior athlete photography. A Senior Portrait session can be about so much more than documenting what someone looks like at 17. It can preserve the interests, accomplishments and experiences that helped shape who they became.
Have an Amazing Senior Year, Kennison!
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to photograph Kennison and to get to know his parents and little brother along the way. Thank you for trusting me with such an important milestone and for allowing me the creative freedom to build a collection around so many different parts of Kennison’s life.
From the rustic outdoor portraits and his pickup truck to his Army plans, classic studio photographs and years of wrestling, this collection truly represents Kennison’s Senior story.
I hope your family treasures these photographs throughout his Senior year and for generations to come.
Have an amazing Senior Year, Kennison!
I know you will make it a great one!
Ready to Create Your Own Senior Portrait Experience?
Every Senior has a different story, and your Senior Portraits should reflect yours.
Browse my Senior Portrait galleries by clicking here to see more creative, classic and personalized Senior Photography.
Then contact Michelle Conklin Photography by clicking here to schedule your complimentary consultation and begin planning your own Senior Portrait session.
Michelle Conklin Photography | Senior Portrait Photographer serving Kaneland, Maple Park, Kane County, DeKalb County and surrounding Northern Illinois communities
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