A Minnesota Senior Session | New Year's Eve shoot

Today's featured senior session comes to you from Photography by Kelly Klatt, located in Monticello, MN."This year I planned 2 large group shoots for my senior models. The first shoot was done in the spring (American Eagle Inspired), and was a big production (lots of hair/makeup, clothing provided, videographer, second shooter, multiple locations, etc.).This second shoot is a lot more low key. I rely on the girls to find their own wardrobe and do their own hair/makeup. I provide inspiration boards (via Pinterest), and they each text me their wardrobe ideas/options a few days before the shoot.I wanted an indoor shoot with studio lights so I didn't have to reschedule due to weather (December in Minnesota is chilly and often dark). My studio is attached to my home, so to keep things simple, I used my studio as our location. To get the large group shot I envisioned, I had to set everything up in my unheated garage (yup, my husband loves when I do this kind of thing to him). We did half of the shoot inside my warm studio in small groups (the New Years theme), and did the large group + individual shots out in the freezing cold garage!"Gear: Nikon D81050mm Sigma Art Lens24-70 Nikon 2.83 Alien Bee 800's1 large octobox (main)1 umbrella (fill)1 large softbox (fill)1 roll of Savage Paper hung side by side to double the width (this was a huge PITA trying to hang from 12 foot ceilings)!!Inspiration: "I've always loved the Vanity Fair Spreads of famous celebrities draped in gorgeous gowns. Annie Leibovitz makes it look so effortless!This probably would have been easier with a smaller group, but I love the outcome nonetheless! The challenge was to pose everyone quickly (30 degree temps and tiny high school girls in sleeveless gowns don't mix).I also did a separate New Years Eve theme inside the studio. I knew my girls would love a little sparkle, and I find that giving them something to do (with the little props), helps them to feel more relaxed and confident!"MUAH: "Makeup Artist: Emile Ann Makeup Artistry. My models did their own hair & makeup for this shoot (they did great)! However, I had my MUA set up in the studio, and she spent about 5 minutes with each girl doing 'touchups' (adding a fun lipstick, blending eyeshadows and making them look more polished). It was so slick! If your studio does more than 1 big shoot during the year, I would absolutely recommend going this route. The girls still feel pampered, but the time & money saved is awesome." WOW, what fun!! You can't tell it's cold (way to go for you AND the models!!), and everyone looks to be having a total blast! Thanks so much for sharing this session with us!You can find more of Kelly's work on Facebook and Instagram!Happy New Year!-Megan