One of the most rewarding experiences within my Student Model Program is the “Best Friends” theme. This unique opportunity allows students to create lasting memories with their closest friends through professional photography.

Best Friends: More Than Just Selfies

The primary goal of the “Best Friends” theme was to provide students with high-quality photographs that captured the essence of their friendships, offering a more meaningful alternative to casual selfies. I also hoped to introduce the Student Model Program to a wider circle of friends and potentially attract new participants.

Capturing Best Friends in Motion

While I didn’t impose specific themes or styles, I encouraged movement and genuine interaction. I wanted to capture their friendships in a lighthearted way, encouraging them to laugh, spin, and engage in playful activities like splashing each other or giving piggyback rides. Of course, we also included a variety of poses, from close-up portraits to more traditional group shots.

Behind the Scenes

Ionia State Recreational Park provided the perfect backdrop for these summer shoots. The beach offered stunning scenery and opportunities for dynamic poses, while the nearby fields provided a more relaxed setting for those wearing jeans.

Scheduling was definitely the biggest challenge, especially coordinating schedules with friends outside the program. I’m exploring alternative scheduling methods to streamline the process for future “Best Friends” shoots.

Memorable Moments and Reflections

One of the highlights was seeing Ariel and her friend coordinate their outfits with a fun country vibe – cowgirl hats, boots, and bell bottoms! It was also heartwarming to reconnect with a former student model who had previously had to leave the program due to scheduling conflicts. She was a joy to photograph, and it was wonderful to see her again.

While the “Best Friends” theme didn’t directly result in new program enrollments, it was an incredibly rewarding experience. I learned the importance of personalized interactions and plan to incorporate more documentary-style shooting and spend more time getting to know each friend before the shoot.

I hope this blog post captures the essence of our “Best Friends” theme and inspires future participants in my Student Model Program. Here are a few of my favorite images!

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The Student Model Program

The program is designed for middle & high school students (6th-12th grades) as a fun way to get their portraits taken by a professional photographer, feel like a model, and have a unique experience.

Students who apply are active on social media and are involved in school activities and their community. They have reliable transportation and have good time management skills to participate in 3 photo shoots a year.

Student Models have special Senior Portrait Pricing, receive cash referrals, exclusive themes, discounts on prints, digital images, products, and mini sessions. They have opportunities to earn Model Points, which can be applied to images or sessions.

The Student Model Program offers a variety of locations, poses, and a mix of individual and group photos with the other models. Student Models also gain confidence and learn time management and communication skills by working with a professional.

Ariel Lynn Photography | Senior Portrait Photographer | Ionia, MI