Americana-themed senior shoot at vintage gas station

Seniors

May 20

Clearly I do a lot of paid client work, but every so often I have to do a shoot that is just for ME. Something to get the creative juices flowing. Something to make me remember why I started this job in the first place. Something that makes me happy. Something that is colorful, inspirational, and life giving.

Enter the Ivesdale gas station.

In March I was headed to Arthur for a wedding, taking the back roads from Mahomet. I drove past this ADORABLE old-school gas station, all decked out in bright white tile with crisp red and blue details. I only saw it for a few seconds as I was driving past, but a seed was immediately planted in my mind.

I instantly started brainstorming — outfits, props, themes, models, etc. Sophie & Abigail were two senior clients of mine from 2021 and I knew they would be the perfect fit, and would probably also be up for modeling! I started a chat with them on IG and they were in!

Next I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a bunch of red, white, and blue props. Luckily the 4th of July section was fully stocked and ready for me. 🇺🇸 I also stopped by a Mexican grocery store near me to grab some authentic glass Coke bottles. 🥤 I created a Pinterest board, sent the girls some screen shots, and instructed them to dress in whatever red, white, and blue clothing they’d like.

One last piece of the puzzle — as I was Googling the gas station, I noticed on Google Maps that there were two modern looking (read: ugly) soda machines in place where the gas pumps are. I put out a call on FB to see if anyone would be in Ivesdale who could snap a few photos for me. A past bride of mine teaches nearby and volunteered for me. I was so happy to see in the photos she texted me that they soda machines were gone, replaced by the retro gas pumps you see below! <3 ⛽️

After that, the shoot came together pretty easily. The weather was ok — chilly and overcast. I ended up creating my own sunshine with some flash equipment. I love this method because it gives a warm, sunny feeling to otherwise, drab or gray photos, due to overcast or cloudy skies.

Sophie & Abigail were troopers and I can’t thank them enough for helping me out with this personal project! Congrats on graduation, ladies! Best of luck at your respective colleges in the fall!!