Emma’s mom contacted me to schedule her senior portrait session the summer before her senior year. Life has been challenging with Covid restrictions and she wanted to create a memorable experience for Emma with beautiful portraits to commemorate her senior year at the McDonogh School. The campus is incredibly beautiful (it had been on my bucket list for YEARS) and her mom had one special request - Emma rode horses throughout her childhood and would be stopping when she went to college. She wanted to make sure her favorite horses were included in the session. To say I was excited was an understatement!!!
Originally, the session was going to be in early Fall, but we moved to later October due to a horse competition. It didn’t bother me one bit because McDonough and the entire Owings Mills area always has the most beautiful change of seasons and I knew we were destined for magical leaves decorating the hills of the campus.
We did a Zoom consult two weeks before the session to talk through the plan - where were her favorite places on campus? What did she love about herself? How would her friends describe her? What outfits would she wear to hang out with friends, or if she was going to something more dressy? As we talked through her vision, we developed the perfect session plan. Emma is casual and laid back and wanted the session to reflect her style. She already had an incredible wardrobe planned, which she shared with me, as well as her hair and makeup, so I could pull together a plan for the afternoon.
I made the mistake of wearing new Converse the day of the session - don’t judge. Because if you’ve ever been to the McDonogh School, you’ll know the campus is BIG. We started by her favorite red doors to the chapel, explored the beautiful fall leaves, beautiful pillars, incredible fields, and finally the horse barns. All the while, Emma and her mom shared with me the history of the school. I learned so much that afternoon! The irony is - I spent 15 years working LITERALLY next door, but never had the opportunity to explore the campus.
The last half of the shoot was with her horse at school. Thankfully, we had someone at the stable who could assist and make sure everything was completely safe. Her horse was the sweetest, gentlest horse I’ve ever met. (Can I tell you my inner 5 year old was SQUEALING the entire time???). Seriously - at one point, I swear he kissed her. And you could tell the feeling was mutual. It was pure magic.
Emma- It was INCREDIBLE to work with you! The future holds big things for you, girl! I can’t wait to hear how you take the medical world by storm. Good luck in college!!! <3
XO
Jane
Location: The McDonogh School, Owings Mills, Maryland
Gear: Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon 100mmL, and some sore ankles thanks to shoes I hadn’t broken in (don’t do that - it’s not smart)
Ready to book your session? Drop me a line via the link below.
Hey Class of 2022!
Jane Mack is a high school senior photographer based in Baltimore, Maryland. Jane’s sessions are fun, relaxed and authentically you. Contact Jane to book your custom senior portrait experience, follow her on Facebook and Instagram, and check out more of her work on her website.