Dylan looked fantastic too in his black-on-back look. A red bouttonniere added a pop of color.
With prom season just around the corner, I though it would be fun to plan a prom-styled creative shoot with a couple of Class of 2018 seniors. Lucky for me, Arroyo Grande High School senior Makenzie (one of my favorite clients and models) was available and she recruited her longtime friend Dylan (also a senior at AGHS). My models supplied their own formal wear, and since Makenzie had gorgeous gowns from both last year's prom and this year's upcoming prom, we were able to get a great variety of looks/shots.
Collaborating with me on this shoot was my favorite hair and make artist, Ruby Villalobos from Heritage Salon in the Village of Arroyo Grande. I send many of my senior portrait clients to Ruby and she never fails to maximize each client's natural beauty and features. For this shoot, Ruby created a beautiful, romantic updo and natural, bronzy makeup that highlighted Makenzie's striking blue eyes.
Shooting the couple poses was so fun! Makenzie and Dylan have been friends since middle school, so they felt very comfortable with each other. Being actors and part of AGHS's Theatre Company, these two were able to easily switch gears between big laughing smiles and serious expressions right on cue.
Prom-Styled Shoot
April 10, 2018
Halfway through our shoot Makenzie changed into her incredible red satin strapless gown which she'll be wearing for her upcoming prom in May. She took my breath away!
For our location I chose the Leaning Pine Arboretum on the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo. It's an amazing spot with beautiful, expansive gardens and a really cool greenhouse building where classes and research are conducted.
Tracy Waitkus Photography 805.264.2771
Avila Beach, California
I could have shot for hours with these two, but before long it was 5:00pm and the Leaning Pine Arboretum was closing for the day. I'll definitely be coming back for more shooting, and I hope Makenzie and Dylan have a wonder, magical, memorable time at their REAL prom next month!
Dylan had the coolest assortment of outfit choices, including a vintage maroon blazer that belonged to his Dad. Unique one-of-a-kind pieces add such an awesome touch to portraits!