Photography has always been a huge part of my life, especially when it comes to documenting the milestones of my two younger sisters. As a photographer, when Carley’s junior prom rolled around last May, I was ready to capture every special moment. From helping her get ready to taking stunning portraits in Downtown Menomonee Falls, it was a day filled with laughter, love, and of course, plenty of photos!
The Pre-Prom Prep
As a lifestyle photographer, I love being involved in the entire process leading up to a big event. For Carley’s prom, that meant heading over to my dad’s house early to help with her hair and makeup. We had already talked about her look in the weeks prior—what hairstyle would complement her dress, what nail color to choose, and the perfect accessories to bring everything together.
While I usually was pretty good when it comes to styling, we came to realize I might be a little out of practice. One side of her hair would turn out perfectly, but getting the other side to match? A struggle! After a few adjustments (and lots of laughs), we got it just right—or maybe just good enough, HA! Thankfully, there were no last-minute dress alterations needed this time (unlike my other sister’s prom, where I had to do some emergency sewing and even cut her hair… but that’s a story for another day!).
The Big Reveal & Prom Portraits
Once Carley was ready, her boyfriend, Matthew, arrived at our dad’s house for the classic “first look” moment. She walked down the stairs, and you could see the excitement on his face as he saw her in her dress for the first time. It was such a sweet moment.
We then headed to Downtown Menomonee Falls, a great location for a natural, candid lifestyle photographer. The area’s mix of greenery, riverfront and waterfall views, and charming architecture made for the perfect backdrop for their pre-prom photoshoot. Carley’s friends met us there, and we took a mix of group shots, couples’ portraits, and fun, personality-filled candids.
My Approach to Prom Photography
Prom photography can sometimes feel repetitive with the same classic poses, but I always aim to make each session unique. I worked with Carley and her friends to get the traditional shots they wanted while incorporating my own artistic touches. Using my fractals, I added dreamy reflections and creative compositions to elevate their portraits. I hadn’t yet started integrating multiple exposures into my workflow at that point, but looking back, this would have been the perfect setting to experiment with that technique as a lifestyle photographer!
Why I Love Capturing Milestones
There’s something so special about being part of these milestone moments as a photographer. Watching my sisters grow up and documenting their journeys has been one of the most rewarding experiences. You could say they’ve been my test subjects since day one, helping me refine my skills and push my creativity.
Prom for many can feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I love being able to freeze those memories in time for my clients. Before we know it, prom season will be here and I’d love to capture even more proms this year! My sister’s senior prom is on May 17, so I’ll be booked that day, but if you’re in Lake Geneva, Elkhorn, Delavan, Burlington, or my old stomping grounds—Menomonee Falls, Slinger, or Germantown—count me in as the photographer of your 2025 prom moments!
Whether it’s high school seniors, couples, or families, if you’re looking for a lifestyle photographer in Southern Wisconsin to capture your special moments, I’d love to be part of your journey!
📸 Enjoy these highlights from Carley’s Downtown Menomonee Falls prom photoshoot—make sure to click on the photos for some special surprises! Are you ready to create chaos together? Book me and let’s make it happen!
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