What exactly is a senior photo?

Is it the same as a yearbook photo? NO! There are huge differences between the type of senior photo session I offer for my clients and the traditional yearbook photo.

All over the country, senior photos are done differently. In our area, your you can have your photo taken on your own and submit it to the yearbook instead of using the annual "school pic."

The yearbook photo is one everyone will remember you by, it is DEFINITELY a priority! Also, if that's your only goal, you are missing out on something special- this is an opportunity to capture who you are in your senior year, the grand finale of your childhood!

So how is the yearbook photo different from a senior portrait experience? Let me explain. The School Photo. Yes, you can use this as your yearbook photo if you wish!

Let's start with what a yearbook photo is...a yearbook photo is the photo that all students have to get in order to be in the yearbook. These photos are typically taken in August before the senior year begins. They are done at the high school with a large photo company that sets up a backdrop and artificial light, with optional alternative digital backdrops that look like they came out of another decade. The experience is express & impersonal. If you feel unnatural in front of the camera, your photographer doesn't have the time to help you relax and capture the "true you."

Option 2- a cell phone picture. I am ALL for iphone quality (seriously, it's what I use for my personal use!), and we are capable of capturing the essence of our friends with this device we use daily- so great! Now think about that fun pic your friend took, or your favorite selfie. Excellent for a casual instagram post, but probably not the way you want to be remembered FOREVER by your peers.

The Courtney Holcomb Photography Senior Experience

With a senior photo experience, YOUR personality shines! Each session is planned according to each client. Seniors can wear whatever they want and have more than one outfit to really showcase their personality. Props can be used and seniors can choose a few different locations to really showcase what they love. From a country field type setting to an urban downtown location, each client can pick what works best for them.

In addition to the different outfits and the different locations, many of my senior photo shoots begin with professional hair and makeup (for the girls) which allows each client to feel really special and look their absolute best for their shoot.

The entire process of a senior portrait process is an experience you won't forget. We get to know one another, I make sure to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, I spend time with you at hair and makeup and give you guidance throughout the entire process. Unlike the yearbook photo which is a process of getting as many students through as possible, a senior session with CHP is one that allows me, the professional, to guide you, the senior, through the process and make sure you get the most out of your experience. After all, you are only a high school senior once and I want to make it as memorable as possible.

After the photo shoot, I guide you and your parents through the image choice & order process and help you pick the products that fit your needs best. From digital images that allow you to show off your photos in a variety of ways to wall prints, or albums to show off at your graduation party, you are able to choose what works for you. And you can ask questions and create something special just for you if that is what you want. I am with you throughout the entire process.

If you are looking to capture your senior year in a fun, unique way, book a senior photo session with CHP and get more than a yearbook photo- I would love to work with you! Contact me by emailing me at info@courtneyholcomb.com, calling 360-399-6121 or messaging me here to get more information and available dates. 

Would you like a free info guide to finding the right Senior Photographer and preparing for your session? Get the it here!

header location: Artist's Point, North Cascades National Park, backed by Mount Shuksan

Below locations: Christianson's Nursery, Downtown Mount Vernon, WA