Arizona Senior Photographer: A Special Senior Photo Shoot

May 11

Graduating from high school is a milestone achievement in anyone's life, but for those who are first-generation college students and have also had to overcome the challenges of learning a new language, it's an even greater accomplishment. That's why a senior photo shoot is an excellent way to celebrate and commemorate this important occasion.

Creating a Senior Photo All Call

About a year ago I went to my good friend Julie, who is an ESL teacher at a local high school, and told her that if she ever had any students graduating from her class that needed senior photos taken then I would love to help. This year she called on me and what resulted was a session for 7 talented young women, all the first in their families to graduate high school and move on to college.

My friend, their teacher, Julie drove the school bus to our location - Evelyn Hallman Park, just north of ASU. They all filed out of the bus dressed to the nines, with cap and gown in hand. I had already walked the park and knew several locations I wanted to take pictures…between the palm trees, on the walking bridge, and amongst the beautiful blooming Brittlebrush flowers. I came towing a wagon because I knew this was going to be a walk and with 7 ladies in tow someone would have something that needed to be carried. Fortunately they heeded my advice, came dressed in flip flops and placed their heels in the wagon for easier walking.

Celebrating Milestones

For first-generation college students who have also had to navigate the complexities of learning English as a second language, a senior photo shoot can be particularly meaningful. It's an opportunity to celebrate their perseverance and determination, as well as their academic accomplishments. It's a chance to show their families and friends the fruits of their hard work and to inspire other students or siblings who may be following in their footsteps. Graduating high school is a major accomplishment, maybe something we even take for granted here in this country, but education around the world is often limited, of poor quality, gender biased, or non-existent. These young women have worked their be-hinds off and needed the milestone marker of senior photos just like everyone else.

The list of accomplishments collectively is too large but here is a small reel of highlights: 5 of them off to college, all with at least partial scholarships, some with full rides. There is also a successful business for one young woman…must be why she got accepted to the ASU W.P. Carey School of Business. One young woman will be moving out of state to work with children. Grit, determination, hard work, all of these mark the character and integrity of these girls.

Click Away

I knew that there was an ease that this generation has in front of the camera, but I didn’t know until I really got to see it in action. I remember telling them it would be like me taking all their selfies for them, you know, trying to ease any nervous jitters. Ummm, no jitters just straight mastery of angles, poses, hand placement, playful smiles, coy glances, and confident stares. I honestly need them to teach me how to cue someone, who’s not as confident in front of the camera, to do what they did so naturally.

We even had some parents tag along on the shoot! One mama was so helpful; encouraging the girls into different poses, helping with cap and gown, fixing dresses, etc. One father brought flowers for his daughter and she a couple of proud tears when I photographed them together. I hope these photos from the senior photo shoot will be cherished by the student and their family for years to come. They serve as a visual reminder of the student's accomplishments and the hard work that went into achieving them.

Wrapping Up this Senior Photo Shoot

Wandering back to the bus I found that it was ME who felt immensely blessed by this experience. I was reminded of younger years…big dreams, the world at my feet. These young women are no different, high school…check, next up…college! Take it by storm ladies, may you accomplish all that you set your minds to and in so doing inspire the next generation that comes after you.