{Free-Range} Photography

Free-range photography is a term I like to throw around when planning senior portrait sessions. As part of the pre-session consultation I love to gather key details from my clients on the overall feel we aim to accomplish and the settings my clients have in mind. Often times this starts with the question rural or urban setting and from there we build a package. In most cases our two key locations are set, but I like to throw in a bit of free-range photography. An urban setting offers that flexibility creating a fun, diverse portfolio of images for my clients to select from.

Say hello to Mahala, a Wayland Union High School senior that not only did I have the pleasure of photographing, but was completely flexible in my free-range ideas. I provided a list of location options for consideration and Mahala selected Gerald R. Ford Museum as a starting point for our session. Upon arrival we reviewed the outfit selections that we planned to incorporate into our session and formulated a loose plan of locations. There are so many unexplored, great areas to photograph in the city!

As we roamed the streets between locations, I had a chance to chit-chat with Mahala. I enjoy connecting with my clients, learning about thier past and what the future has in store. I love laughing, connecting and people in general! A small connection, even if brief can help clients relax if they are feeling tense behind the lens. Together we covered some serious ground and found some great locations. In all honesty this was one of my favorite sessions this year.

Crystal Snider is a photographer specializing in children, senior, newborn and family portraits. Crystal Snider Photography is based in Dorr, MI and servicing Western Michigan . Areas of service include but are not limited to Byron Center, Dorr, Hopkins, Wayland, Shelbyville, Allegan, Caledonia, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Hudsonville, Grandville.