The senior yearbook photo hasn’t changed in ages! The tux and black drape are the classic formula to make all students in the yearbook look exactly the SAME. They serve a utilitarian purpose, but they are homogenous, completely uninspired and show next to nothing about your senior’s unique personality.
This summer I had the chance to go through this process with my daughter, and it was a really enlightening journey in market research! While it was an okay experience, I wanted to share a few insights about a senior yearbook photo session with a high-volume school photography studio:
- we scheduled a time slot online from the link given to us by my daughter’s high school
- we received an email confirming our time and where the studio is located
- the session was 15 minutes long, and they were very punctual
- the studio provided the black drape (tux top for boys), school-appropriate cap & gown, and a few other “Class of 2023” themed props
- there was a poster of 20 poses that the photographer routinely went through for every single student
- everything was photographed in a booth with the exact same lighting (the subject is extracted off the white background and we were able to select the desired backdrop from seemingly hundreds of choices)
- we were given QR code to view the proofs on our own and make a decision about what we wanted
- we placed our order online and received our digital download instantly
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Senior Yearbook Photo Pros & Cons
PROS:
Overall, this was a very efficient process. The investment in time was minimal, and we were able to schedule the session, have her photos taken, review the images, and make the selection for the yearbook without much effort.
CONS:
The only time that we got any personalized, human attention was when Emma was actually in front of the camera.
We thought that since this was the yearbook photo she didn’t need to bring any other outfits with her. Turned out that more than half the photos were taken in the clothes she wore to the studio (which were definitely not photo-ready!). There was no education on how to prep, what to bring, what to wear, etc.
If you think this is going to be your inexpensive option, think again! I was so confused by the mind-bending print packages offered. We purchased one single digital file just to have the classic yearbook photo, which was $159.
Not only that, but retouching is NOT included in any of the pricing. This added up FAST: $9 for “basic” (don’t know that that means but seems required), $11 for teeth whitening and $15 for shine reduction. And this is for EACH image.
The digital files are advertised as “high-resolution” but the file we received was a mere 2400×3600 pixels, which translates into printing an 8×12 photo. Totally fine for loose prints, but definitely too small for anything I’d want to print in a large format. To be fair, if you don’t spring for the additional retouching you’d be unlikely to put it up on the wall anyway.
If all you are looking for this year is to capture a few senior photos, then this is the route to go – it’s quick and easy (and already required by the school to show up)! Check the box, you’re done.
Beyond the Senior Yearbook Photo: A Custom Senior Portrait Experience
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But what if you’re looking for a little something more? Imagine if you could have:
- A FUN experience that is tailored specifically to your child’s interests and preferences in Lowcountry locations (AND invites your entire family to be included into the frame for a few pictures to capture you all together one last time before you senior heads to college)
- A custom, heirloom-quality keepsake of your child – one that showcases their unique personality and things they love – that you will enjoy for generations
- Experienced guidance every step of the way, from how to prepare for your session, wardrobe advice, and what to DO with your senior’s portraits when the session is completed
- Expert retouching that comes standard with every single purchased portrait
- The guarantee that you will LOVE what we create together
Your senior is more than a two-inch square in the yearbook. They are becoming independent and fascinating people on the edge of adulthood with their own hopes, dreams and goals. This is such an important year to celebrate them and to capture them just as they are right now.
As a senior parent myself, I know that these next twelve months will likely slip through my fingers so quickly. What better way to hold onto my baby when she flies the nest? Personally, I love a thick, substantial album that will tell the story of her entire senior year. Other folks may prefer a stunning, window portfolio box full of matted prints or a custom-framed print on the wall.
Whatever suits your style, I can help you create an amazing keepsake of your child to cherish for years to come – don’t settle for the boring senior yearbook photo. Ready to find out more? Contact me today to schedule a call and learn how I can help you!
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