It’s early and I just poured a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats.. My cell phone rings and I have a choice… do I pick up the call and risk a soggy bowl of cereal or send the call to voice mail. Hmmm … this early in the morning it must be important so I take the call. The rather frazzled Mom on the line is freaking out because she just got the dreaded CALL. It’s that call from your School’s Yearbook Photographer telling you to be at his Studio at 9am on the 21st. He tells the Mom, “be here or your daughter’s photo won’t be in the yearbook”. Every parent gets “The Call” or the postcard in the mail. Although it’s not common knowledge but just about every school in Georgia (and most other States) has a contract with one of the mega-portrait studios. These are the photo studios that do school yearbooks, sports functions, prom pictures, etc. I tell you this not to complain but to let you know … YOU HAVE A CHOICE ! That yearbook studio has the contract to do your School’s Yearbook Portraits. OK that’s fine and dandy. Fear not… go ahead and have them take your Yearbook Photo. Everyone is wearing the same drape or “velcro” Tux. For some reason, most school like the idea of everyone looking pretty much the same in their yearbook photos. I’d prefer more personality and diversity but that’s just me I guess… However, don’t let that yearbook guy talk you into “extra” photos. You know the ones I’m talking about. These “extra” photos are the ones that all your other friends did last year and the year before. “The leaning against the tree”, ” the leaning on the big numbers”, “the sitting on the fence” … Everyone does those. Where is the personality? Where is the YOU? Your yearbook guy makes most of his income from these “extras”. I do want you to know that your School cannot tell you who or where to go to get the really fun, cool, & creative senior pictures that I know you want to have for yourself and to show & share with friends. You worked really hard through 12 grades and you earned the right to decide who creates YOUR Senior Portraits. I’ve had so many Moms tell me… “my teen’s school officials told me that their yearbook photographer has to do all of my High School Pictures”. That statement could not be further from the truth. You very well may have to use their yearbook guy for the posed “Yearbook” photo but that is it. ALL other Senior Pictures are YOUR CHOICE !!! DO NOT let your school tell you where to go… to get YOUR Senior Portraits. That is personal and private and completely up to you. There are so many super talented Photographers in just about every city in the world. If you don’t know one of these photo superstars ask your friends or watch to see who is posting cool senior pictures on Facebook. Just make sure your Photographer choice has tons of experience, a cool style of photography, reasonable prices, and is fun to work with. Your Senior Pictures are some of the most important memories you will ever have. Graduating from High School is one of the biggest accomplishments of your life. Treat yourself to a gift of celebrating YOU with cool, creative and fun photography expressing your personality and beauty. And don’t forget … your Senior Pictures are Your Choice !!!
Live-Love-Laugh Cheers, Don
For more info and samples visit our website: www.studiosparks.com/seniors
