All three of us wanted some variety in the pictures, so we planned the afternoon session for multiple locations around the Lakewood and Cleveland areas. After a little time in my Lakewood studio, we headed out into the beautiful October weather. We shot a little in Cleveland’s west flats, as well as locations around Lakewood.

For each senior portrait session, I like to include something personal about the client. For Elise, she was absolutely in love with her mid-eighties Mercedes Benz. This opened us up to shooting at a location I had on my list for a long time – a simple car wash in Lakewood. I knew the light streaming through the wash bay in the evening would be truly magical. In the end, the shots at the car wash turned out to be my favorite, and we happily avoided the standard car wash cliches.

Here are just a few highlights and some personal favorites -

Shooting in a truck parking lot might not seem like a good idea a first. However, the light passing through the golden fall leaves creates a gorgeous color palette with Elise’s fair skin and blonde hair.

Elise brought an amazing variety of outfits to her senior session. This allowed us to mix and match the outfits and create something unique for each location. Not to mention, she just has great style!

I drive by this car wash nearly daily and I have always wanted to shoot here. The light can be really amazing. I just love how the light seems to flood everything and be constrained at the same time.

Right as the sun was setting, we were able to capture the last photo below. I love how the light moves through the water spray. Elise’s “straight” glance is also priceless.

So that’s all for Elise’s senior portrait session. We had a great time, and Elise and Mary were very happy with the results. I was just happy I could help. Looking forward, I will have a few more senior portrait sessions coming soon and I’m really looking forward to them. The sessions are definitely a welcome change of pace.  To see what we are working on this very moment, stop by Facebook for a quick peak.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

After meeting Paul and his family at their home, I realized that working with a peer was only one benefit of the session. Paul’s family is absolutely wonderful. His kids are polite, but spontaneous. They are complete individuals and a dream to work with. Paul’s son mirrors his father and loves Harry Potter (hence the constant presence of a homemade wand). Paul’s daughter is a complete ham and loves the camera. No surprise – she is the daughter of a photographer. The best laugh I had all day is when the young girl said “but he’s using a Nikon, and Nikon is evil”. I guess Paul must shoot Canon, which is evil .

The weather and location could not have been better. It was a cool summer evening with a never-ending sunset. Paul thankfully requested Holden Arboretum for the location, which is one of my all-time favorites. His family has been members for years, dating back to Paul’s father. They even have a dedicated bench at the arboretum.

I love family portrait sessions, and below is a visual example of why -

The first young girl I have met who actively searches for snails at the park.

Above is a great example of the blue and golden hour. At dusk, most of the light comes from the blue sky, making for amazing portrait photographs. The setting sun then adds highlights of orange and peach.

What you can’t see is that his magic spell worked like a charm – his sister was turned into a toad (temporarily of course).

Given how much the kids love Harry Potter, I guess bringing sparklers along was a good idea. Personally, I love alliteration, but I clearly use it too much. The next time I use an alliterative title, it’s time for an intervention.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

Equally amazing is Cyndi’s family – Lee, Jordan, and Natalie. The two girls are brilliant beyond their years and truly hysterical! They threw themselves into the event and had a great day. As we were wrapping up the session, Jordan asked “So, I’ll see you next year?” A little perplexed, I responded “Sure, what for?” Jordan jumped in with “Senior portraits, silly!” I just melted and have been in a good mood ever since. What an amazing vote of confidence in my work.

So here are just a few of my favorites, and I certainly hope you enjoy. Judging by Cyndi’s early reaction, I think the Dillard’s will just love their new portraits.

Working with the Dillard’s was such fun that I have decided more family lifestyle portrait sessions need to be in my future. Weddings are great, but I certainly love doing both. Thankfully, I have another family session coming up in August. Check back soon to see more.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

Having the right idea is the most important part of a tattoo. A close second is finding the right artist. Neither Brooke nor I are big into tattoos so we thought searching for the right artist would be difficult. Turns out, finding Cole was really easy. Fast even.

Cole was recommended by some friends and he has a great portfolio. Brooke wanted a realistic honey bee…behind her ear! It was clear Cole could really make the tattoo shine. Meeting Cole for the first time was awesome. He truly is a great and very funny guy. Not to mention, he is in Lakewood as well. Cole is also part of the team behind Classic Tattoo Cleveland located on Lorain near Westlake and North Olmsted.

Needless to say, Brooke is very happy with the results. Something tells me this will be the first of a few tattoos for her. Personally, I love the tattoo. It is very fitting for her.

I really enjoyed coming along to watch and photograph the experience for her. Then again, I had no choice. If someone is sticking your wife with a needle, you need to be there. The pictures may seem like a departure from my normal wedding photography work, but taking portraits of various subject matters helps to keep me engaged.

P.S. – I am next on deck for a tattoo

P.P.S. – It will be a chicken and strangely, it has meaning

See y'all soon,
Hunter

For Troy it was an edgy portrait shot on a white background. I said “anyone ever tell say you look like Biggie”? Troy just laughed and I snapped a couple quick shots.

For Sherita, I went a little softer with the lighting and setup to create a portrait that really brings out her beauty. Meanwhile, Troy is in the background making funny faces at her. I think I grabbed a portrait just before she burst out in laughter.

I love my wedding clients and I certainly love giving them little surprises. To say the least, I am looking forward to their wedding later this year and the engagement photos in the spring. Imagine a Cleveland engagement in spring and a wedding in October. It really should be gorgeous!

See y'all soon,
Hunter

This dawned on me for the first time over the summer during a BBQ at a friends house. Below are, simply, some of the resulting images, and my friends loved the resulting images. I think half of them are using them on Facebook for profile images.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

These were shot on a valley wall between two highways that cross the park.

See y'all soon,
Hunter

At that point, they both wanted to capture some great photos of their little family before it grew one person larger. Since then, I am happy to report they have a healthy baby girl.

For their maternity portraits, we started off in Rocky River, stopped by my studio, and then went to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland. Some of the best photos are clearly from the park.

Within the park, we found a great little spot on the valley wall overlooking the river. The sun was setting and it really made for some stunning photos. I was really pleased with how these non-traditional maternity portraits turned out. Hope you enjoy.

See y'all soon,
Hunter