Kelly contacted me a few months ago about doing some portraits of her and her daughter Lauren. Kelly and I have worked together before when she graciously sat for me on some lighting equipment tests. We finally had a date in December that would work for everyone and she suggested the Dallas Arboretum for the location.

On the day of the shoot it was clear, cold and windy (and cold). As to be expected, much of the aboretum’s color is gone by December. Following a brief reconnaissance of possible locations, we settled on a low spot along a stream.

From the Dallas Arboretum website: The Eugenia Leftwich Palmer Fern Dell, designed by Naud Burnett, is an enchanting mini-garden located within the Jonsson Color Garden. More than 90 varieties of ferns, camellias, witch hazel, azaleas and mature trees border a meandering brook.

The location was shaded (and cold) with shafts of warm afternoon sun punching through the canopy to provide some interesting light. Fortunately a few hardy red azaleas remained and provided some contrast to the greens and browns. We finished the session on one of the many manicured lawns, backlit by the setting sun and fill-light provided by a remote speedlight with a warming gel.