Rachelle has such a classic look, it was so easy to work with her. We enjoyed a very special moment during our first shoot together, when a friend of hers showed up and had a reunion moment; yes, caught on film.
Rachelle attends Jefferson High School, and we photographed her brother’s senior portraits two years ago. We’re looking forward to continue working with her this season.
For more information on senior portraits, visit our senior site.
Like so many of our best clients, most people come to us because they know someone who is already our client. Nicole, who attends Jefferson High School, came to us because her mom got some headshots done awhile back. We also did some restoration work for her.
Nicole is a very self-assured young lady, and we can’t wait to show you some more of her images… it’s going to be a great year!
To review all of our services, please check out our main website.
When we first meet most seniors, they are a little bit shy and reserve; not Samantha. She acted like she’d known me for years. And maybe she has… but it almost makes no difference. Her happy go lucky personality is so endearing (and contagious) that you can’t help but like her almost right away.
Samantha has been asking about seeing her photos since day one, even adding “my grandma wants to see them, too!” I accused her of pulling the “grandma card” on me. But here’s the first, with many more to come. Hedgesville High School will never be the same. 🙂
Want to learn more about our photography, including senior portraits, visit our main site, or go straight to our seniors-only site.
Here’s an eye-opener for ya. We photographed Mari’s older sister, Michelle, for her senior portraits some 13 years ago. That’s right… now we’ve come full circle with another great family. But how I met Mari is kind of funny, too. Michelle told me to say “hi” to her sister Mari for her when I was going to take Jefferson High School softball pictures last year. I went up to Mari and said “your sister said to say ‘hi’.” After a bit of a cross look, Mari (who is also nearly six feet tall) asks “how do you know my sister?” <gulp>
Recently, during one of Mari’s sessions, we agreed I was an okay guy, despite me being a “near-creeper” when we first met. Can’t wait to show you more from Mari’s sessions, but for now we have this little intro.
For more information about senior portraits, please visit our senior website.
I guess you could say that I met Kayla first as a dancer, and have known her for awhile. But Kayla moved on to other interests, which includes cheerleading for Martinsburg High School. She has a persistent smile, so I’m sure that helps.
One thing that is familiar among many of this year’s models is height. Kayla comes in at just under six feet tall, which always makes for an interesting opportunity in street-level shooting. In the studio, we just made her sit down. 🙂
You will be able to see more of Kayla’s (and all our senior models) images on our Facebook page. You can learn more about our senior portraits on our website.
This is the first in a series of articles about senior portraits. Not how to photograph them, market them or even get into the business of them. But more along the lines of education for parents and students alike who want to go into the senior portrait season with a bit more savvy & educated about the many choices they have available.
Let’s start out with what exactly senior portraits are.
In short, they are thought of by many as a rite of passage. The “it’s my turn” phenomenon started somewhere along the way, giving young people an opportunity to give family and friends a picture of themselves, maybe as a celebration of the graduation prospect, but more likely a final “farewell” to the days of high school and a “hello” to the adulthood which follows.
Whatever it may mean to you, this area is passionate about senior portraits. Not all areas of the country are. Some portrait photographers in other states routinely ask the question “what are senior portraits?” After a brief description, they say “kids will never go for that, much less the parents.” Around here, participation in senior portraits is pretty healthy (as in, there are lots of people doing it).
High schools typically engage a photography company to take senior portraits. The photography company is responsible for scheduling the seniors to have their portraits taken (usually at the school) during a 2-3 week period during the summer between their junior and senior year. While students are always encouraged and compelled to participate, it is not a requirement. Many schools require that the school photographer take their yearbook photo, due mostly to the desire to avoid a multitude of different backgrounds and dress codes. Just for the record, we comply with the background and dress code requirements for Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan county seniors. The reason why the schools select a single photographer is because the photographer makes a deal to donate back up to 50% of their sales to the school. This usually helps fund the production of the yearbook, and keeps the individual cost of yearbook sales down.
Students who want to comply with the school’s mandated dress code and background for their yearbook photo should either have their yearbook photo taken at the school (they usually do it at no charge), or select an area photographer who meets the requirements and can do it for them. We do not charge to take the yearbook photo, as long as you are also having other pictures done with us. We do charge for taking and submitting the yearbook photo if you are having no other photos taken.
After all is said and done, a senior (and parent, most likely) will look at the photos, the packages, and their picture needs and decide what to order. There is such a variety of photographic products now, I’m going to hold off on that for another installment.
So, that’s the basics. There’s more to come. Next up: Choices.
Lynsey was one of those people I’ve photographed quite a bit, but never knew it. We first “met” when we have photographed her as part of her band performances at Boonsboro High School. When her mother called about the senior models program, well, it just had to be done.
Very quick-witted, Lynsey was able to keep up with my constant patter during her shoots. We’re very much looking forward to working with her in the coming months. Oh, and look for a post about her sister!
For more information about senior portraits, please visit our Senior Site!
Katy contacted us about our Senior Models program (and so can you!) from Musselman High School. She has a lot of ideas, and we have enjoyed working with her now for two complete sessions. I’m sure there’s much more to come.
Are you interested in getting discounted senior portraits? Refer someone to us, and get a 10% discount off your order (up to a total of 50% off!) For more information, go to our Seniors Page.
Haylee first impressed me some twelve years ago, when I met her as a tiny dancer. Her attitude hasn’t changed much; she’s in love with life, and has a passion for being what she wants to be.
Haylee is a 2012 Senior at Hedgesville High School. Her sessions were full of life, opportunity and drama… this is but one of many more to come of Haylee. If you have an opportunity to ask her about our senior portrait program, do so… she is one of our local models/ambassadors.
For more information on senior portraits, go to seniors.tlcphotography.com.
First, it’s important that you know that all the babies were beautiful to us, and we completely enjoyed the opportunity to meet all of them. And you should also remember that WE do not have any input into the judging of the babies… that is done by four individuals who review the pictures separately and make their own votes known to us.
That said, we want to share the news.
In reverse order…
These are our two Honorable Mentions…
Coming in at third place,
We first met Abigail’s mother some 14 years ago when she was a dancer at a local dance studio. Now she’s a mom, a full-time student and has a very beautiful little girl. 🙂
And the second place slot goes to…
I’m not sure how much resemblance there is now, but Calyssa’s older sister was a contestant just a few years ago!
And with no further delay, we announce our grand prize winner, Miss Naomi!
When we first photographed Miss Naomi last year, we were stunned by her beautiful eyes and playfulness. Now she is still as playful, still has those beautiful eyes, and can make one heck of a mean face! (her mom will appreciate this)
Congratulations to all our winners!