Senior Pictures are a BIG DEAL! Ask any teen from the midwest and they know someone who’s had killer senior photos taken.  The trend for senior sessions the last few years has been an “editorial” style. If you’re wondering what that means, just open any fashion magazine and there’s your answer.  Nope, you won’t see the black drape and pearl necklace circa 1986.  Especially for the gals- they want it ALL! They want “boho” that “Free People” style and then some. One location, nah, that’s never enough. One outfit- “are you kidding me”?  Today’s senior photo shoots are an EXPERIENCE (at least with Hill Photo) and it’s memorable- and you are special! Think model for a day.

So as you plan for your shoot be sure to send me your clothing choices and questions and ideas. Occasionally what looks good in the mirror just doesn’t photograph well.  Book time for your hair and makeup and please, please don’t show up with chipped nail polish! I’m here to help from beginning to end!

Your session is a reflection of you. So if you like ripped jeans, wear them. If plaid checkered skirts are your fave, then wear it! Check out Pinterest and your favorite style blogs and magazines for style ideas. They’re all over the place!!

See you soon!

xoxo Hill

Last year my makeup artist, Ally, was just beginning her journey as a freelance artist.  This year she has a website/blog and she’s off and running!  Her knowledge of brands, application and artistry is astounding.  Her skills as an artist will bring your best you forward.  Consider following her blog and even booking her for your senior photos or for any occasion where you must look TOP NOTCH!!

And yes, she is my daughter (I guess you could say she gets it from her momma)

Check her out! Aleigh Beauty and follow her blog for the most up to date info on makeup trends and new products.

Well I’m super excited to announce the collaboration with Winds of Change & Gypsy Sole.  Not only does Angela know how to merchandise, she knows how to buy the most up-to-date and fashionable styles.  If you’re in a style rut or you just need some new great pieces, this is the place for you.

In the years that I’ve been shooting senior photos, styles have changed a bit and all clothing options are not created equal for all shapes and sizes.  Angela will help you look your best.  You might just need a few cute tops or a cute statement jacket or just some cute accessories or shoes- you’ll find something there I’m sure!

When you book with me we’ll also do a style consultation via FaceTime or Skype and discuss your looks and options and gear up for the big day. And on the day of your shoot I’ll pose you, we’ll laugh and listen to music and you will leave feeling like a super model! A day to remember for sure!!!

If you’re reading my blog then chances are you’re considering working with me.  SO  book your senior session and I’ll be happy to send you a one time use code for $50 off your $200 purchase at WOC and Gypsy.  All you have to do is schedule your session with me by making a 25% deposit and I’ll send you your code.  Then just schedule a shopping day with Angela or one of her stylists and you’re off to fashionable photos!

Winds of Change is in Hudson and Chagrin Falls and Gypsy Sole is in Chagrin Falls. You can call and schedule your appointment in chagrin at : 440.247.2420 or in Hudson at: 330.653.8033

Talk soon!

Here it is 6 years into my life as a business owner and I’m happy to report that I continue LOVE what I do. I sometimes struggle try to find balance between family time and work time. It’s not always easy but having the support of my husband and my children certainly helps. The occasional “you didn’t make dinner?” or “I don’t have any clean clothes” comments can throw me off into a self induced guiltfest, but it’s usually short lived and it reminds me to once again prioritize.

I’m a pleaser. I wear A LOT of hats. Did I say I love what I do? While I’m not a perfectionist in my every day life, I do strive to be the best photographer I can be. I’m not punctual. I forget to wear my apple watch (so it can alert me it’s time to be somewhere) but I take really good photos. I will capture the personality of the person in front of me. I will make them laugh and smile even when they don’t think they’re going to enjoy themselves. I’ll shoot until I know I’m satisfied with the session- even if that means going into “overtime”.

I’m passionate about my craft and lucky to call this work. As I prepare my own children for college and the real world –  I keep in mind the passion quotient. Remember the quote “if you build it they will come”? Well the same holds true for passion.  If you are passionate about what you do – you will excel and eventually someone will pay you for your talent.  I was a journalism major.  There are probably too many commas in this and run on sentences and so on.  I always wanted to be a photographer…..Just sayin’

So where was I? Oh yes, why I love what I do. So this handwritten, unsolicited thank you note arrived in the mail yesterday. I’ve put it together with a beautiful photo of Kayla.

Thanks for reading and I hope to write more often.

Passionately yours,

Hilliary

So before every session I try to send a text or chat about what to bring.  We were all set to take some pictures with the football and the helmet and the letter jacket- but wait, there was NO football.  How funny that Ryan’s mom said- “you texted me to bring the football helmet”- BUT I texted her to bring the football, helmet and jacket. 🙂   Texting isn’t always the best way to communicate but we all had a good laugh.  Who needed the football, these pictures came out great anyway!  And for a guy who wasn’t real excited to take his photos- he looks like he had a great time with that genuine smile.

Wow, this was great- Andrea contacted me after seeing her brother’s senior photos from last fall.  It was another hot summer day- but we did it!  There are so many great pictures from this session- one of which I can’t show you because nobody knows “baby H’s” name…but I do!!  Stay tuned, baby “H” should be along any day now and we’ll have newborn pics right here on the blog- keep watching!  Good luck Andrea and Dan!

After all the rain we’ve had and now it’s 93 degrees and we’re shooting in the weeds with crickets, bees, flies and grasshoppers.  But that never stopped Dena from smiling and posing!  We had a great time in the meadow- even though we all needed major hydration and showers afterwords!  Dena’s package included a studio shoot as well- thankfully we had booked that for another day so we could all look and feel refreshed! Love her two different looks!

Adrianna arrived with both her mom and dad.  She came dressed, hair done and ready to smile for her photo shoot.  This was only the third shoot I’ve done for a Communion.  Adrianna’s mom was a great assistant and positioned the rosary just right, which was so helpful. Since we cruised through the studio shoot we decided to head to one of my favorite sites, a grassy field. I love the ease of a studio session – but there’s just nothing quite like natural light.  I know Adrianna’s mom really liked the studio shots, but she loved the outdoor shots.  One of the perks to my sessions can be an add on video with live footage added in. Take a peek.