During my client’s discovery call she mentioned that she loves marine life, so I suggested an aquarium photoshoot for her senior portraits! While it’s definitely a less-common location choice, I am so glad she decided to give this location a try so we could get some unique portraits for her. What a fantastic way to celebrate her passion!
Aquarium Photoshoot
I love photoshoot location choices show off my own clients’ history – where they’re rooted, and from whence they came. Senior photoshoots are all about how far you’ve come and where you’d headed next – a real celebration of all the glorious interests and passions and quirks that makes you who you are. When working with Kristen Hazelton Photography, locations are chosen in collaboration with the client and with intention and care – the location subtly tells your story. In this case, an aquarium photoshoot perfectly fit the bill!
My client is a big fan of beluga whales so we made a point of tracking them down for her aquarium photoshoot!
Can you take professional photos in an aquarium?
You 100% need to reach out to the aquarium in question for special permission. It’s also very technically challenging. In this case I knew that I would not be using flash at all so not to harm the aquatic creatures, and I would have to work around other aquarium visitors, and be very mindful of reflections and glare from exhibit windows. This aquarium photoshoot definitely started off my busy season with a bang, and I’m so pleased with the results.
We got lucky at the end of our time at this location and a beluga whale came up to do some spyhopping next to us! Later, we took some photos with the sea stars – when possible I like to incorporate natural motions and activities into client photoshoots to include more candid photos in the final gallery.
Shedd Aquarium Photos
Shedd Aquarium photos are one of your best bets to incorporate marine life in your portraits if you live in the Midwest! The Shedd has a beautiful set of exhibits showcasing beluga whales, otters, sea stars, and of course Amazon and Great Reef fishes.
Shedd Aquarium Architecture in the Photoshoot
The Shedd Aquarium, named for its benefactor John G. Shedd, first opened to the public in 1929(!) The above photos were taken in the original entrance to the aquarium. The Shedd was built right after the Chicago World’s Fair which saw a popularity boom in a style of architecture known as Beaux Arts, which combined Greek and Roman architecture styles. The chief architect of this project was Earnest Graham, a student of Daniel Burnham, who is especially notable for his contributions to the Rookery Building in downtown Chicago (which is also a fantastic place for a senior photoshoot).
Monterey Bay Aquarium Photos
While I’m based in Chicago during the academic year, I’d be delighted to travel for Monterey Bay Aquarium photos during the academic breaks. Reach out to get the ball rolling! I’d love to take your photos with the moon jellies or with the iconic kelp forest exhibit. Originally from the Bay Area, I know the Monterey Bay Area well and I know just where to go after the aquarium for some beautiful photos next to the ocean. 🙂
Client Review
Here’s what my client’s mom had to say about their photos:
Oh. My. God.
They are incredible!!!
…I am so excited. So many beautiful ones!!!!
Thank you!!!
Kristen Hazelton is a multi award-winning Chicago, IL and San Francisco Bay Area high school senior, university graduate, and family photographer. She also photographs in San Diego, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, Monterey, CA, and Seattle, WA. She is a firm believer in human rights and welcomes LGBTQ+ and nonbinary clients. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!
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