Retro Editorial Photoshoot at Chick-fil-A in Avalon Park, Orlando
I've been wanting to push myself creatively lately, and that meant stepping outside my comfort zone with new locations and trickier lighting. So when I started thinking about where to shoot next, a fast food restaurant kept popping into my head.
Chick-fil-A is one of our family's favorites, and the new location in Avalon Park is right by our house. I asked the manager if I could do a photoshoot there, and they said yes, which made the decision easy.
I picked October on purpose. It's the calm before my busy season, and it's also birthday month for my daughter Kiley and her best friend Sophia. They love modeling for me, so this was the perfect excuse to do something just for fun.
The goal was an editorial, film inspired look with a little retro feel. Shooting in a public place with a mix of window light and indoor lighting is a real challenge, and I loved it. It forced me to pay attention to where the light was falling, move quickly, and find the good spots in a space that wasn't built for photos.
Styling was important to me too. I never want the outfits to be so bold that they take away from the overall aesthetic, but I do want them to reflect the shoot itself. I focused on texture and muted tones, which let the retro, film inspired mood come through and kept the attention on the girls and the setting instead of the clothes.
My favorite part was shooting through the window. Instead of always standing in the same room as the girls, I stayed outside and framed them from the other side of the glass. It gave the photos a layered, candid feel, like a still from a movie, and it's something I never would have tried in a regular park session.
Kiley and Sophia were total naturals, and honestly the best part was watching them have fun with it.
What I loved most is that this shoot proved you don't need a fancy studio or a famous backdrop to make something that looks special. Everyday places close to home can make beautiful, creative portraits.
If you're an Orlando or East Orlando family, or a senior looking for something that feels different from the usual park session, I'd love to plan something creative with you. Whether it's a favorite local spot, a unique location, or a style you've been dreaming about, send me a message and we'll make it happen. And if you're not sure what to wear for your own session, I'm always happy to help you pick outfits that feel like you and photograph beautifully.
