Buffalo Senior uses her session to send a powerful message! – #MMIW

This senior portrait image, photographed by Neal Urban Studio is extremely powerful. There is so much meaning behind it. If you are unfamiliar, do some research on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. Read their stories and how bold these Native American Women are making a difference.

Neal Urban Portraits had their work cut out for them on this amazing senior portrait session. It started out in the Neal Urban Studio. Very high fashion, movie glam. Then outfits changed to a more casual Cape Cod vibe. That part of the session was taken right in our very own Neal Urban Studio backyard!

This senior incorporated her love for lacrosse and volleyball into the session as well. She attends and plays for Niagara Wheatfield High School. Then we headed outside to Fort Niagara State Park. This is where Neal Urban Photography captured this gorgeous senior in her Native American Regalia. Not only her own, but also the outfit that her grandmother made and wore. It was passed down to her mother and aunts to wear before her. Next up, it will move on to her sister.

Neal Urban Studio was ready to wrap up the portrait session, when mom brought out the red paint. Neal Urban already knew some information on the MMIW movement, so now all we had to do was figure out the perfect spot for it. This was taken outdoors in a part of the woods at Fort Niagara State Park. Keeping the image super dark, with a tiny splash of light created this dramatic image. Thank you to mom for the precise handprint as well.

After the session was complete, an album was designed by Neal Urban Collections. The album started our very playful and fun, then ended with this powerful and dramatic image. What an amazing way to tell this soon to be graduates senior session story. Keep following the Neal Urban blog to see her amazing album!