It's a familiar scene: Senior year. College applications loom, tuxes are rented, and yearbook photo deadlines tick down. But for some, these milestones call for more than just a standard school portrait. They crave a session that reflects your senior’s individuality, ambition, and the excitement of being on the edge of adulthood. Enter the Dallas cityscape photoshoot: a chance to paint the urban skyline with their unique brand of senior swagger.
Recently, I embarked on such an adventure with a young man named Julian (or Jet as his family and friends call him, which are his initials). An FC Dallas Academy league player, Jet wasn't your typical "jock in front of the locker." He wanted his portraits to embody his cool style, and relaxed manner and stand apart from the common park setting.
After some discussion in his planning session, we decided upon the Winspear Opera House in downtown Dallas. The entire area around the opera house is full of interesting architectural elements and we made use of all it, including the reflecting pool – more on that below. Julian arrived, casually dressed and we took advantage of the back side of the opera house and its glass walls to make some creamy, dreamy, and colorful images.
Then he changed into a suit and shut the front door! Young Rat Pack, Ocean’s Eleven, George Clooney personified! We headed across the street where I knew there were some granite columns and stairs that he would look great in; Julian and the location didn’t disappoint. When seeing the pictures at the ordering appointment, his sister said “You look like a handsome businessman who just finished a hard day at work in the city.” That. When you have a picture that conveys that kind of storytelling, you know it’s special; he just looked so effortlessly cool.
Lastly, Jet changed into his favorite jersey (a gift from a friend) and he decided to go barefoot in the wading pool to juggle and make some kicks (thanks to his dad for fielding those major kicks before they hit the building – Jet’s got a leg on him!).
Julian’s session wasn't just about capturing his senior year; it was about capturing a feeling. It was about the raw potential that hums within every high school senior, the fearlessness, the anticipation, and the unknowing of what the future will bring.
So, if you're a DFW metroplex senior looking for a portrait session that breaks the mold, consider trading the suburban park for a rooftop. Let the city be your spotlight, and let your unique spirit illuminate the skyline. Because your story, like the ever-changing skylines, is one of endless possibilities.
Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Master of Photography and Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism.
Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, family, and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.
1 Comments
May 2, 2024, 9:38:10 AM
Rudy serna - Are you available to do this type of shoot this month ?