[Michael Allen Photography] Senior Portrait Sessions-

Here are a few of my favorites from Anna’s session – We took Anna out on a photo adventure, starting with a Rural Session- Very early in the morning…..then we went exploring the Downtown Art District and discovered some fun and interesting places. Anna’s session reminds me of a classic all American girl! We ended up at Sun Studios for a few images before the scorching temperatures of 105 degrees drove us away. I want to personally thank Elvis Presley for lending us his portrait for our session at Sun Studios.

Over the years of photographing fashion models, I’ve created a signature style of edgy, photography that gets noticed a lot. Some people see my photography and ask me {who shot that photo?} and I respond, thank you for the compliment. I’m kind of a humble person, so I don’t always rave about my own photography, but I do admit that I love what I do, and I’m very confident in my work.

I get calls all the time asking me to photograph seniors for their high school portraits. Up until just the past few years, edgy, artistic portrait photography for senior high students was unheard of. Just the typical cap and gown photos, and maybe a few photographs by a tree in a park setting. Now the trend has shifted 360 degrees to an edgy, urban art style. Color tones, sepias, black and whites are all very in demand with students. I’ve also photographed a lot of musicians and rock bands, that gives my portraits a unique style that students love. When I go on shoot for a professional singer/ songwriter, they are wanting images that sell their brand, and give them compelling art for the album cover. I take a similar approach when photographing students.

I love to scout locations and come up with some fun and different scenes for my senior high portrait shoots. Its usually a spot that you’d never dream of. One of my favorite places in Memphis is near the old train bridge on the Mississippi River. It has become a very popular icon in Memphis, and makes a great contrast from our history of old to the modern traditions that are shaping our world today. If I can find a spot like that for my shoots, then I know when the students look back, they will see the art and history of the photographs that I shoot of them. I still like to shoot in natural settings, but shooting in a garden is not quite my style. But, if you make me shoot in a garden, I will break the rules and shoot images that you would not think of. I love to think out of the box and think creatively.

Here is a session with Claire. She did a great job with coming up with different looks and styles for the shoot. Having several color combinations helps give the shoot more character and appeal. If you see these images and like them, spread the word. I love photographing students, they are so much fun!

I love photographing high school seniors with my edgy artistic style. Over the years of photographing rock concerts on the one extreme, to photographing fashion models on the other extreme, I’ve ended up creating my own style of edgy, artistic senior high portraits. The photography world is catching on, and they have labeled senior portrait photography as “Rock Star” photography.  {Some mom’s get scared when they hear about my style! Don’t worry…} my mission is to catch senior students being themselves, having fun, and establishing an identity that shows their friends who they are. {I call it self esteem – moms – it really is good for your kids to step up and claim their spot in this world} I do my best to help them see how great they are, and their potential.

Ok, enough about the image stuff. Here is Meridith’s Senior Portrait session. She was a blast to work with. For my sessions I like to meet the students on a location of their choice and shoot some pretty amazing images, very edgy, very fun! We went into downtown Memphis and found a few of my favorite places, then we went on an expedition to find some more cool spots. I’m always shooting downtown, and I worked downtown for several years, so I know all the backstreets, safe havens and cool places to shoot.

I also can shoot on locations like Shelby Farms with the horses, or on our lake at Riverwood Farms, or in my studio for some really cool fashion model looks and styles. We can also schedule a hair & makeup appointment and give you some really amazing looks right in our studio! For the fashion model shoot styles, I bring in several scene changes, backdrops, some funky furniture pieces and shoot with some fun music, just like a professional model shoot!

In the old days students just got a senior portrait package with one or two photographs in their graduation cap and gown…schools still offer that style, and you can usually get a very cheap set of photos for the wall in the hall back at home. My sessions go a bit further. My packages cost a little bit more, but I shoot on location with a few outfit changes, then I offer a complimentary rock star slide show set to some really great music, and they get to post a copy on their own Facebook or personal website. Next I create a really amazing personal album of the session that students really love. A custom layout in a custom album all their own. Then I create a personal card layout design for thank you notes or graduation dates. On top of all that, they get their images posted online on my website with a link to order A La’ Carte prints and other products.

You will absolutely love my Senior High Portrait photography. Edgy, artistic, fun!