Senior Portraits in Downtown Sacramento

04-15-2016
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair

“He’s looking for something out of the ordinary. He’s into film these days, and wants to study it in college. You know, he’s really into Tarantino right now.”

My quick exchange with Reed’s mom gave me the sneaking suspicion that making his senior portraits was going to be a blast.

I parked near the California State Capitol building and slung my camera gear across my back. As I did, I was greeted by Reed, saddled with a bunch of his own camera equipment/props: a DSLR camera, a directional mic, and most notably an old Super 8 video camera. You’d have thought that we were both headed to a movie shoot. But today was Reed’s day to get out from behind the camera and star in his own senior portraits.

Reed and I had talked a bit before our session about what his hopes were for his photos, and the goal was something urban and cinematic. Something that felt like Reed. So we set off around downtown Sacramento in search of angles and alleyways, killer lighting and just the right amount of texture.

We discovered all sorts of great Sacramento nooks and crannies during Reed’s senior portrait shoot, and we got to know each other better. As we walked and talked and geeked out over gear, I recognized a great creative fire burning in Reed. Not only that, but maturity and insight beyond his years that must come from a thoughtful heart. This guy is a deep thinker as well as an artist with incredible potential. I’ve got high hopes for Reed, and I’m eager to see what emerges from his imagination on to a silver screen near me in the years to come.

Congratulations on reaching your final year of high school, Reed, and best of luck as you start into college this fall!

Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
A budding young director, ready for anything.
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
The close-up, with J.J. Abrams’ trademark lens flare.
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
A rebel with a cinematic cause?
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
Who needs a movie set when you’ve got a 10th Street alleyway?
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
Cool, but not too cool for film school.
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
Proving you can still smile in a gritty alleyway.
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
The Crest Theater: site of his feature film debut?
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
The Super 8 camera at the ready.
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
Red light.
Senior Portrait of a young man with brown hair
Green light.

Looking for some smashing senior portrait photography of your own, or for the graduate in your life? Check out my portrait packages for more info!