Growing up in Japan, where there is no prom, I always thought that prom was such an interesting rite to passage. One of the things that fascinates me about prom is prom dress. The dress each girl choose really show their personality, so I was really looking forward to seeing Daija's dress.

Her dress was so unique. Black lace, backless, sprinkled with gorgeous stones all over, and cut to fit the hourglass shape. It looked like something that an old Hollywood movie star would wear. Her short honey blond hair was swirled into waves of elegant pompadour, and the shaved sides made it modern and edgy. Daija was breathtakingly beautiful. Strong, powerful, bold and intelligent. Deep brown eyes that sparkled with confidence. The dress really suits her, I thought.

Daija's senior prom 2015Daija and her date, Deandre Daija's Senior Prom 2015Daija & Deandre

When we got to historic downtown Buford, I knew I wanted to approach her prom with cinematic style. I started shooting by placing Daija and her date, Deandre, under the large oak tree where their shape would be rimmed by backlit sun, but their face would in the shade. I used Canon 580 EXII speedlite with non-brand 24" softbox to light them, and over exposed their background to make their black attire pop. From there, we moved on to the railroad setting...

Daija's Senior Prom 2015Daija & Deandre by the railroad in downtown Buford

Daija's Senior Prom 2015Daija and Deandre on the railroad in historic downtown Buford

Daija's Senior Prom 2015Daija & Deandre in historic downtown Buford

Daija's Senior Prom 2015Daija's date Deandre and his friend, Antonio.

Daija's Senior Prom 2015Deandre and Antonio with Brooklyn the Boxer Girl

The shoot was so fun and the results were gorgeous! I always thought the railroad shots were so cliche, but not this one. I think Daija looks like a heroine in film noir. Daija wasn't the only one that looked cinematic; I think these young men look like they're straight out of GQ, don't you? 

Koko