Madison | Senior Girls | Bloomington Senior Photographer

Madison is soooo gorgeous, and is an incredible senior rep for Urban Willow Photography...We had a beautiful time together for her session, and were blessed with perfect weather. I wanted to take a moment to talk about accessories today! As you can see in Madison’s gorgeous session, she was all about the perfect accessories. Here’s a few of our favorite items, just like the ones Madison found:

-Floral Crowns: Whether you choose live flowers or faux, flower crowns are an inexpensive and beautiful way to accentuate your session. They add instant boho appeal, and look great with short or long hair. You can even add them over a high pony or bun for a totally different look. We like the ones at Forever 21, for affordable and fun options...some are only $5!

-The perfect sunglasses: If you’re going for an urban, modern look, sunglasses can be a really fun prop (and practical, too!). Aviators are classic, and add fun and whimsical style to your session. Paired with a moto jacket like Madison’s, they add just enough of a statement piece. We love these affordable ones from Amazon.

-A statement necklace: With Madison’s neutral, delicate lace top, a statement necklace anchored her look. Her white stoned necklace is so cute, and would add instant style to any simple tee or blouse. This one from Charlotte Russe is under $5, and looks perfect with chambray, pink, or burgundy. 

Thank you, Madison, for your hard work as my senior rep!

Brett | University High School | Normal Illinois Senior Photographer

"Graduation is a time of completion, of finishing, of an ending, however, it is also a time of celebration of achievement and a beginning for the new graduate." Catherine Pulsifer 

Brett looks ready to take on the world! This smart and kind senior is graduating from University High School in Normal, Illinois, as part of the Class of 2016. I enjoyed his quick smile and his easygoing spirit as we tried to get lots of poses and styles for his session. He plays football and we included his uniform from his time with the Pioneers! 

What’s the secret to a great guy’s session? First, a great attitude! Being willing to try different styles and have fun (even if you don’t love having portraits taken) is really the best secret I can think of! A great wardrobe is also a good way to get some great looks. Brett chose classic, polished button downs, and then a few more casual looks: his football uniform (paired with jeans for a fun look), and a hawaiian print shirt with shorts to keep things youthful and show off his personality. I loved that he kept things clean and simple but still had his personal style infused in what he wore. I’m always available to my senior clients if you have a question about what is appropriate to wear, or what photographs best!

Free People Inspired Shoot | Bloomington Senior Photographer

The look of the Free People collections is one of my favorites. There is something super effortless about their carefree, bohemian style, and that’s what inspired our latest senior group session! This season’s Free People line is all about the crop! You can find similar looks to what we show here on Free People’s website, like their Sonnet Crop top in burgundy. We also love the look of loose, open-weave crochet...it’s a breezy way to get a little more coverage and add a layered style. This beautiful crochet crop and this crochet poncho are some of our favorites. Although the brand is a little pricy (Free People is a sister company to Anthropologie), their pieces are versatile and will withstand the test of time!

Part of being a senior rep for Urban Willow Photography is being able to participate in our creative group shoots! This one included some of my 2017 senior reps. We had so much fun on this beautiful day, with the sunlight and our fun props. My models were amazing!

Lauren | Senior Girls | Bloomington Senior Photographer

Not only is this gorgeous girl a stunning senior and an accomplished, smart young woman, she is also my niece. I loved getting to do her senior portraits, and visiting with her and three of my other nieces. Lauren will be graduating in May, and wants to pursue photography in college. She is truly one-of-a-kind, and a sweet, wise soul. Thanks for trekking here from your home state to give me the joy of being your senior photographer, Lauren!

Lauren chose gorgeous pieces for her senior shoot, including a white, off the shoulder top. Cold-shoulder and off the shoulder tops are just about everywhere this season, and we love their breezy, summery look. They pair perfectly with skinny jeans, cut-off denim shorts, or fun printed pants, and they look best in whites and creams, or in tiny floral prints. This one is one of our favs, with it’s needlework, open detail, and it’s under $15! If you want a bit of a nicer quality, Free People has tons of embroidered and dressier off the shoulder tops, like this one. Add a wide-brim hat like Lauren’s and you will be perfectly in style, whether you’re off to the Farmer’s Market or the pool!

For more about my senior sessions, click here.

Lauren’s Prom Dress: Couture Closet