The Argus

The Student News Site of Gresham High School

The Argus

The Argus

Polls

What is the best way to eliminate vaping in the restrooms?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Seniors use various methods for lasting image

One of the privileges of being a senior in high school is having the opportunity to submit a personalized photograph to the yearbook, rather than being represented through an ordinary black and white school photo. While this has often been a privilege because senior photography can be expensive, modern day technology has changed the way these photos can be taken and submitted.

According to yearbook adviser Brad Cook, only about 260-265 seniors submit their pictures out of around 400. Those students who do not submit their photos are listed under “shy seniors” in the yearbook.

Before the development and improvements in photo quality in simple gadgets such as cellphones and digital cameras, many seniors had to get their senior pictures done professionally, often at a very expensive price, ranging anywhere from $200-$1000 dollars depending on the quality of the photographer, choice of package, duration of shoots, etc. However, because of the recent and rapid development in technological devices, one can very easily capture a high quality photo without having to get the photos done professionally.

“The cameras now are so good that we’re getting more and more non-professional shots,” Cook said. “The quality of cell phone cameras are incredible. iPhones even take great pictures.”

It is important to note that seniors have a variety of options in getting their photos done. For example, getting senior pictures done by an amateur photographer using basic equipment is completely acceptable too.

According to Cook, while professional photographers can offer a high end product, the average photographer with a digital camera or even a phone can take an acceptable photograph for the yearbook.

This provides a more affordable alternative to getting senior pictures done, and recent graduate Morgan Reid has chosen to submit their photos this way. Reid had her sister take her senior photos in the Pearl district using an iPhone.

“My sister took a couple pictures with her iPhone 4S and used an editing program to make them look a little more focused,” Reid said. “I definitely did not plan on using any of the pictures my sister took that day as senior pictures, but I ended up liking them. I was really happy with the end product, especially considering the fact that an iPhone was used and not an actual digital camera.”

According to Reid, she benefited from having her sister take her senior pictures with her iPhone in a couple of ways: she saved quite a bit of money, rather than spending a couple hundred dollars going to a studio to have them done, and also if there were certain things she did not like about the pictures her sister took, she could easily tell her without it being awkward or uncomfortable.

“With the right technology, you may be able to take your own senior pictures,” Reid said.

Reid not only chose to take that route, but also encourages other seniors to do the same, as it has many benefits.

Cook is also an advocate for all seniors to submit their senior photos to be recognized in the yearbook as a part of the senior class.

“It is not a matter of why should students submit a senior picture for the yearbook, it’s more like, why not?” Cook said, “Seniors are a huge part of the Gresham HS community, so why not celebrate it, embrace it and publish it.”

All seniors are encouraged to submit their senior photos and be represented along with the rest of the graduating class. In typical school photos, everyone has the same background and is asked to do the same pose. Cook sees this as an opportunity to show your true personality.

“As seniors, you finally have the opportunity to submit your own picture that shows who you are,” Cook said. “Students are a part of this community and they make up our building. Senior pictures show a sense of school pride.”

Many seniors here have been getting their photos taken by family or friends already. The benefit of this option is that the photographer already knows the student personally, which makes the shoots more comfortable and fun. It may also be more affordable.

Senior Taneesha Lucas, a student photographer, has been taking senior photos for many of her friends, either for free or for a very small fee.

According to Lucas, she takes senior photos for her classmates for the experience, and also because it is fun to get to bond with the person she is taking photos of during the photo shoots.

Lucas is also planning on having her brother take her senior pictures.

“I feel that since I’m more comfortable with my brother. I’m more comfortable telling him my opinion on the pictures, and it’s just more fun!” Lucas said. “Having friends and family members take senior photos can be more comfortable. They also know your style more and what setting would suit your personality.”

Seniors can also get their photos taken in Room 500 by photography teacher Derek Yoshikane, who only charges only ten dollars. Proceeds go toward materials for photography classes.

“A lot of people don’t know the option of coming to our classroom to take photos,” Yoshikane said. “We only charge ten dollars and give them a disc with all their pictures.”

The advantages and benefits of submitting a senior picture include being recognized in the yearbook, showing school pride, representing specific interests and talents, revealing character and being forever remembered through the yearbook.

According to Cook, the environment and background of the photo shoots, the outfits worn in the photos and other props serve to reveal one’s personality and hobbies.

For those invested in athletics, their senior pictures may portray the sport that they are passionate about. For musicians or artists, the style of the photos may represent their musical interests. Additionally, for other seniors, senior photographs may reflect their character and style.

“Most senior pictures have the essence of who they are. It’s kind of like your little legacy,” Cook said.

Senior Picture Deadline:
-Friday, January 25, 2013

Senior Picture Requirements:
– Images can/will be cropped for you.
– Head and upper torso
– Digital files recommended (300dpi, JPG)
– No hats
– Color or black and white
– Avoid tight crops on face

Submission Information:
-Mail to: Gresham High School
1200 N. Main, Gresham, OR 97030
Attention: Yearbook Staff
-Email: [email protected]
Memo: Senior Picture / Students Name

Additional Information can be found on the Gresham school website

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Comments (0)

All The Argus Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *