What is Senior Photography Anyway?
What is Senior Photography Anyway?
My ten year old daughter asked me today "so, what is senior photography anyway?" I was stunned when she asked because not only has she helped me with several senior shoots, but she has even modeled many senior poses for me. But that's not exactly what she meant... I mean, she knows senior photography is pictures of high school seniors, she gets that... but she wanted to know why. Why do seniors get this big photo session as opposed to a 5th grader, like herself. And it's a valid question. One I had to think about for a moment. Of course one of the photos is for the yearbook, but why put so much time and effort into a full senior portrait session for just one picture?
Well, we take pictures to document milestones.
That's just what we do.
And what bigger milestone is there than graduating high school? I mean seriously, it's a HUGE time and an amazing accomplishment.
Why shouldn't it be documented in a big way?
Senior pictures used to be a much more modest experience than the senior photography trends today. Instead of going to a studio and using the same old props and the large numbers of the graduation year, today's seniors are looking for a much more personalized and glamorous experience. And really, who can blame them? After years and years of boring, cookie cutter senior pictures, who wouldn't want to stand out and really get into the experience? I mean, we don't get a ton of chances to be "models" in our lives.
I remember when I had my senior pictures taken (it wasn't that terribly long ago after all!)... but it was not a big thing. It wasn't fun or anything special. It was just kind of like this obligation I had to do. So I went, did it, and left with some pictures. Nothing exciting at all. I would have loved to have had an experience more personalized and special... and that's what senior photography today is all about.
In a day and age when Pinterest rules the world and teens are constantly on the search of their unique identity, it only makes sense that senior pictures have become such a production. But why fight it? Parents should be excited to show off their seniors. I know as a parent myself, I will be going all out for my kids' senior pictures, and I am pumped for it! After watching our kids grow up, and just as they are starting to become adults, what a great time to capture who they really are. And we all know that these pictures will be hanging on our walls for years and years to come. Shouldn't they be really great?
I think they should.
After the talk with my ten year old... her exact words were... "Mom, I can't wait until my senior pictures!"
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