Another of the home-schooled students we’ve had the pleasure of photographing this year, Jasmine was the one (of her two other siblings) who wanted pictures the most. She was fun, enjoyed posing, and wanted plenty of variety. We have that!
You know, we get a lot of really great people in our studio. Some have outrageous ideas, and others have no ideas at all. We work with ’em both, of course.
This young lady wanted something a little more retro than most, so we accommodated her. She graduates as a home schooled senior this year, and we wish her all the best.
Eddie seemed quiet at first, but quickly became a good conversationalist. We talked about track & field, his desire to work in law enforcement, and graduation.
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.
I get mixed feelings about the prom. I was not a big prom-goer in high school. I went to one, but it wasn’t a great experience. I was more a behind-the-scenes type anyway. So when I get to see all the kids in their finest attire and with their amazing personalities shining through, I get this happy feeling in the pit of my stomach that screams out “YES!!” and I cheer for these kids, having their last blast before the end of the school year. For many, it’s the end of high school altogether.
We took pictures on Friday and Saturday of last week for proms that were going on that night. It was for people who wanted something traditional, but that didn’t look like “school pictures.” No tricks, gimmicks, or overprocessed images. Just some good old-fashioned fun and portraits like nowhere else.
Now, I wish I could post all of them. But instead, I’ll post one that kind of epitomizes the great times we had.
We were thankful to learn that there were no major incidents at all three Berkeley County proms, and that safety was the main consideration for everyone. Good luck to everyone for the remainder of the school year!
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The rite of spring for high school students everywhere is the The Prom. And the Berkeley County proms are THIS Friday and Saturday!
But sometimes one of the biggest hassles of the prom is getting photos done. First, there’s the line… it’s usually long, and takes up almost an hour of the limited amount of time you have at the prom. Then, there’s the background and photos… you have NO say in how those photos are done, and there’s always only one background – like it or not. Finally, there’s packages that you may not want, or packages that don’t meet your needs.
We’re offering a solution that answers all your concerns.
First, our prom photos are going on BEFORE the prom starts, from 3-7pm at our studio. There won’t be a line; at least not one to speak of. And when you arrive, our professional team will be ready to help you look your best, and give you directions along the way to get you in and out quickly.
Second, we’re offering THREE different background sets. Two will be exclusive offerings that combine great lighting and amazing set design… you will never see anything like this in a school prom portrait. The third background will be all white, a look that is timeless and focuses on JUST YOU! We will have a collection of additional props, chairs, and accessories you are welcome to use for your pictures, too. Just as a teaser, imagine having your prom photos with a feather boa, shimmery gold fabric or something else really cool! Since we will have time to spend with each couple, we can do MORE than just take your picture and shove you out the door.
Finally… we’ll have build-your-own packages available. Yes, we’ll have some pre-made packages, too. But if you don’t want any of our packages, you can create your own to your liking. You aren’t locked in to just one thing that way. You can select from desk prints, wallets, and several special items we will have available.
Let me wrap this up by telling you that this is a unique experience. And the only thing you pay for is the pictures. Packages start at $12, and we welcome car loads of your friends.
Interested? Go here for details, you can download an order form, and even get directions—> Prom Portraits!
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