Senior year is now halfway over for the Class of 2025 and what better way to “capture” this bittersweet year than having senior photos taken? Although many teachers, families, and Instagrammers thoroughly enjoy the senior picture content, the importance of senior pictures comes with more pressure on students than some might think. The personalization and freedom that is allowed to flow through this process may bring seniors anxiety. The final photoshoot to encapsulate your senior year should bring excitement, but under the surface, seniors could very well welcome an identity crisis. The time and money funneled into these photographs apply much pressure to take full advantage of the experience in order to get it “perfect.”
As I reflect on my own experience of taking senior photos this summer, I can confirm the overwhelming amount of check boxes I needed to mark off my to-do list. I spent so much time scrolling through outfits and preparing for these iconic photos. I thought to myself, Are these capturing the real me? Will I regret my outfits? Does my location match the aesthetic I am looking for? I can still remember overthinking even the smallest of details in hopes that the decisions I was making would not be regretted later on. Even the day of, I had to face challenges that caught me by surprise as I was not prepared for the unexpected. For example, I had to take the summer heat into consideration, lather up with bug spray in fields, walk awfully gravel roads in heels, and run barefoot in the mud. Granted, this was my own hectic experience, but I believe these moments made the experience a personal and memorable one to me. When I look back at these miniature setbacks on this day, I think it stands as a lesson for me to take away and remember going forward.
I believe all people, including myself, can learn to embrace the hardships of life and laugh in the face of stressful times. I understood at the time that my senior photos were supposed to be light-hearted and I should enjoy the bittersweet photoshoot, one that honors my high school years. Of course I knew that challenges would make their way towards me, as nothing can ever truly be “perfect.” But this realization was one I needed to see and feel first hand in the moment. It was important for me to remind myself that I could not control things like the weather, bugs, and wind, but instead embrace these factors which lay outside of my control. Sometimes we create a vision for ourselves, a vision of how things are supposed to play out by setting our expectations unreasonably high. Although this strategy helps to gather a plan, it is most crucial to be our unapologetic selves during this senior photoshoot and to not let the anxieties of the day dim the way we shine.
These well remembered senior photos are to be used throughout senior year and referenced even in years beyond highschool. Many seniors want to leave their photo shoot session feeling satisfied and relieved in hopes of having a confident expression of themselves shown through photographs. Senior photos are a staple to the finale of one’s high school career. For this reason, I compiled a few responses to some questions from those who have experienced senior photos. Their insight brings more light to all the tedious preparations involved with senior photos along with mentioning vital considerations one should make when planning senior photos.
When did you start planning?
“I began planning winter of junior year.” – Molly O’Halloran
“Some seniors I knew were already stalking photographers’ pages early January to see when bookings for the summer were open.” – Siri Beecher
What made you decide on a photographer?
“I love the way my photographer edits her photos and I also just think it was so me. I loved her emphasis on warm tones and her versatility in sport shoots and regular shoots.” – Mollie Janeczko
“Her style aligned exactly with what I envisioned my photos to look like.”- Sydney Ervin
“It is always helpful to look back on the seniors of last year and get a glimpse of what photographers are up for grabs and which ones have great client feedback.” – Saryn Ingalls
What were you thinking about when you picked out outfits?
“I picked pieces that most represented me and colors I know look best on my skin tone and my overall aesthetic. I had to think about colors that would pop in certain locations or the type of clothing pieces that ‘fit’ the location I was shooting in. For example, it was recommended to me to wear neutral colors in nature.” – Audrey Lynner
“I wanted all my outfits to be different from each other, having diversity between dresses and business classy outfits was something to think about!” – Saryn Ingalls
“It was important to me that I listen to my photographer’s advice on outfit planning. I wanted to take her professional advice and pick from her recommendations. I would encourage people to ask their photographer questions as they know what colors and locations clash.” – Ashley Staun
What made you choose the locations to shoot at?
“I went for the aesthetic that was most comfortable for me. I loved my nature shoot in the fields or being surrounded by pretty plants because that is what I love.” – Mollie Janeczko
“I wanted to choose places that would enhance my outfit.” – Ella Rogers
“I just went for a variety of places in mind from outdoor, studio, and in front of buildings downtown.” – Molly O’Halloran
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Lastly, the most important advice I can offer is to welcome the anxieties of senior photos but to not forget to enjoy this special showcase to who you are through the art of photography.
