What I Love About Being a Senior Photographer
There are so many things I love about being a senior photographer. It is truly an honor and privilege to be a part of such an important milestone for high school students. This is such an exciting time in their lives. As a senior photographer, I get to be there every step of the way: from first day of school butterflies to that sense of accomplishment when they pick up their cap and gown.
How I Became a Senior Photographer
Though I have been a professional photographer for more than 17 years, I did not start out in senior photography. I have a bachelor’s degree in professional photography with an emphasis on portraiture, and I have always been passionate about capturing portraits that show each person’s natural beauty. Portraits allow you to look back on the best times of your life and remember exactly how you looked and felt in those moments. Photographs are so important, and I encourage high school seniors and their parents to see the value in a senior portrait session with a professional photographer.
Workshop for Senior Photographers
A few years ago, I participated in a senior portrait workshop with Holli True in Bend, Oregon. This intimate weekend getaway introduced me to just how empowering senior portraits can be, and I was hooked! It was so much fun to work with high school girls and help them feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. The VIP Senior Experience that I offer empowers these seniors to see their true beauty and self-worth while boosting their self-esteem. No one is perfect, but every senior is beautiful.
Instilling Confidence in High School Seniors
Senior year is all about becoming a better version of who you already are as you spread your wings and make plans for the future. A huge part of what I do centers around instilling confidence in high school seniors. I love getting to watch my seniors grow throughout the year. A lot happens between our first meeting and their graduation day.
I also love working with sporty girls who don’t get glammed up as often. It is so awesome to show that strength is beautiful! I have worked with so many athletes, including gymnasts, swimmers, softball players, and cheerleaders. Showing off their powerful bodies is an ah-mazing way to celebrate how hard they have worked to get to where they are today.
Connecting with Parents
A significant part of being a senior photographer is connecting with parents. It means so much to me that I get to meet the families of my seniors. Senior portraits are also an important milestone for the parents. I encourage my seniors to bring their parents along to their senior portrait sessions! I simply love helping parents and their teens create memories, and I know the portraits will be cherished for a lifetime.
The AHP Model Team
For teens who want more of their senior year documented, I offer a truly unique experience. The AHP Model Team is a team of girls who are selected from schools in the Seattle-Tacoma area. The goal of the AHP Model Team is to create a positive environment without the pressure to fit in. Each year, the team becomes a tight-knit community where everyone has a place. These young women come from all walks of life. Many of them have overcome tough obstacles, from learning disabilities to sports injuries and bullying.
I get to know these girls throughout the year as they also get to know each other. We have group photoshoots with professional styling, hair, and makeup. I have an awesome studio in downtown Tacoma where we do themed photoshoots and have so much fun. Each year, we also participate in the Project Beauty campaign, an inspiring photoshoot that celebrates natural beauty – without any retouching or editing for the photos. It’s a campaign that perfectly encapsulates what I want my seniors to embrace before they graduate.
Creating a Unique Experience
Being able to offer a unique experience for each senior who steps into my studio is something I truly love about being a senior portrait photographer. From a VIP Senior Experience with unlimited wardrobe changes, professional hair and makeup, and access to the AHP Style Closet, to offering internships to teach seniors about photography and running a business, this is my passion. It is truly a privilege to be part of such an important time in these teenagers’ lives.
Let’s Connect
I want my work to speak for itself through the gorgeous images I feature on my blog and share with prospective seniors. If you have any questions about the VIP Senior Experience that I offer, I would love to connect! I have a contact form on my website that makes it easy for seniors and their parents to reach out. You can also reach me by phone at 530-412-0730 or by email at [email protected]. I can’t wait to hear from you!
