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This year I had the privilege of spending the school year with nine amazing seniors, working with them through senior photos, individual and group portrait sessions, and fun social gatherings throughout the semester. As members of my 2023 Senior Rep Team, these students applied to take part in a one-of-a-kind opportunity throughout their senior year, taking part in unique, styled photo shoots and plenty of team adventures. Of course, we documented every moment together, creating a truly unforgettable experience… and incredible galleries of senior photos to show for it! But don’t take my word for it. Let’s hear from the Reps themselves!
Maryn D.:
“Being part of the rep program has been even more fun than I imagined it to be, because I have been able to grow closer to some incredible people as we have spent time together taking pictures and hanging out. We have made some incredible memories, and have amazing senior photos to memorialize them. At our holiday party this year, eight girls went from practically strangers to wonderful friends in a matter of hours, and we were able to not only get amazing pictures out of the experience, but also great relationships. We are a group of people who would never have another reason to meet, much less hang out, yet we have discovered an awesome community through this program.”
Advice for future program applicants: “Juniors, you are currently finishing one of the hardest years of high school, and I know the idea of graduation, and all the life changes that come with it, seem so far away. But it’s closer than you think! The new experiences and chances that I have embraced during my senior year, like being a senior rep, have resulted in amazing memories and incredible opportunities, and this is no different. I have become friends with eight other seniors from across the city, and we have had an incredible time hanging out together! Being part of the rep program is an opportunity that has been so impactful for me, and I encourage you to do it (while you can)!”
Claudia:
“I wanted to become a senior rep to meet new people from across all parts of Colorado Springs. It’s really important to meet new people who don’t live in the same area as you to broaden your horizons. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with all the other senior reps! They’re all super kind, sweet, and welcoming. I think we all have a common goal of meeting new people, and this was a great way to foster that curiosity.”
Advice for future program applicants: “There’s really no downside! Meeting new people, having fun, and supporting a small business is a great way to get active in the community. I’ve gained so many new friendships from this experience. I can’t say enough about how positive of an experience this has been. Going to Cheyenne (Mountain HS), it’s very easy to be stuck in a bubble and only make friends with the people around you. As a senior rep, you make friends with people from all over.
By posing and getting physically close with one another, it’s very easy to become emotionally close with the people around you as well. I think this is also a great skill to have for when you go off to college. Not everyone is where you’re from, so having the experience of making friends with people that don’t come from where you do is definitely advantageous.”
Katie:
“I have enjoyed working with Sarah. It has been an amazing experience, and I have also enjoyed the friendships I have made!“
Advice for future program applicants: “I would say: You’re only a senior once! Enjoy it while it lasts. I would totally encourage anyone to be a senior rep because it is so fun and the people are amazing! I have made some of the most incredible friendships with people through the senior rep program and also got to reconnect with some amazing people! Every shoot of senior photos has been so fun and just something so cool to be a part of!”
Trinity:
“I wanted to be a senior rep because it was something new and fun that I wanted to be a part of. I’m always ready and up for new opportunities that are presented to me. I got to meet a lot of great and fun people. Some of them I’ve been friends with for years, some go to my school, and I got to learn more about them and see them outside of a school setting. Others I found out I have a lot in common with, even if I have never met them before.”
Advice for future program applicants: “It’s a great way to step out of your comfort zone and meet people who are in the same class as you. From fun hangouts to tiny little road trips, I’ve had so much fun this year, and with each senior photos session, there came lots of fun memories that have been captured. We’ve all become such a close group, and it’s been really great to be a part of.”
Amanda:
“I love the passion and story behind Sarah’s photos, and how she loves learning about people. I also love learning about people, and human nature, being part of this, and inspiring others!”
Samuel:
“I wanted to be a senior rep because it seemed like a great way to get professional photos without the same price tag. It seemed like a good way to meet people, and as a guy, I knew there were going to be pretty girls, so that was a plus. I really enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know them. I already knew one of them, so we were able to become better friends.
It was also great to see how the senior photos turned out. Every single time I was amazed by how good she made us look. Sarah is really fun to work with, she has great ideas, and works with your ideas as well to get the best pictures. Also the group picture session(s) were a lot of fun, and I had never done one of those so it was a new experience for me.”
Ilana:
“I wanted to be a senior rep because of the amazing experience of meeting new people. I also wanted to work with Sarah, and of course, get beautiful pictures to capture my senior year. I’ve had so much fun this year working with the other reps. I went into this not really knowing anyone and I have been able to make great connections. No one else from my school was a rep this year, so I’ve been able to meet people from many different schools, and we’ve been able to bond over the shared experiences we have at our different schools and extracurricular activities.”
Advice for future program applicants: “I think being a senior rep is a great way to capture your senior year as well as make more friends who are there to support you in all your senior year adventures.”
Allie:
“I have had a great time being a senior rep. I think the best part has been the friendships I’ve built with other seniors. Also going on photo shoots is very fun with Sarah. She makes me feel comfortable and it feels easy to take senior photos. After getting them back it’s so much fun to look through the gallery.”
Advice for future program applicants: “I would encourage others to sign up because you’re only a senior once. Being a senior rep is super unique. I have loved the opportunity to take pictures as a group. I think this has helped me open up and build relationships with people. The best memory so far has been carpooling with a group of girls to a photo shoot and having a ton of fun there and after stopping to get ice cream.”
Sydney:
“I wanted to be a senior rep to meet other seniors in the same stage of life. Others who I wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to meet. It’s also a very unique experience as I’m only a senior once. I felt I needed to jump on the opportunity and I’m so glad I did! I have enjoyed the relationships I’ve formed getting to know such a kind group of people and making memories together. I’ve also enjoyed getting to grow into myself and find new confidence through being a senior rep. I’ve had so many fun experiences that I will treasure for years to come.”
Advice for future program applicants: “I would absolutely recommend the senior rep program because you get to work with such amazing people, all with different stories and aspirations. You also get the chance to preserve the memories in beautiful photographs forever. I’ve met friends through the senior rep program that I may have never come into contact with otherwise. We are all coming from different schools and communities. It’s been amazing to gain different perspectives on what senior year looks like. But also realize that we are all sharing in this collective experience of moving into the next stage in our lives, whatever that may look like. I’ve been so grateful for and inspired by everyone I’ve met through this program.”
Class of 2024: Intrigued to learn more about this one-of-a-kind senior photos experience? Find out more about my Senior Rep Team or check out some of the photos and content on social media.
Sarah Arnold Photography is currently booking slots for Class of 2024 high school senior portraits for summer and fall 2023! Limited spots available! Ready to learn more? Snag a spot for Class of 2024 senior portraits today!
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It’s 2023, and professional cameras have come a long way – so have camera phones. Let’s face it, some of today’s devices are equipped with lenses that rival our own professional equipment! And while that’s usually a good thing, when it comes to wedding guest photography, navigating the waters of etiquette can get a bit murky. (Some couples have even gone so far as to opt for an “unplugged” ceremony, keeping all phones in attendance silenced and tucked away.)
And while it’s best to keep your professional photos to well, your professional photographer, there are some advantages to seeing all the snaps your guests capture from the big day! Read on for this week’s wedding tips and tricks… and some of my best advice when it comes to wedding guest photography.
Do: Set Expectations
Above all, remember that it’s your day—even when it comes to the photos your guests take! You’ve hired your own photographer for a reason, and while your guests’ bonus images are a lot of fun to look at (especially while you’re waiting for your professional sneak peeks and wedding albums), they should definitely be taken on your terms. Talk to your spouse-to-be and decide what you’d like the parameters to be at your ceremony and reception. Then make sure you communicate those guidelines to your guests.
Don’t: Assume Anything
It’s never a good idea to assume your guests know what’s appropriate when it comes to wedding guest photography. After all, this is still a new issue that advances with every new phone model and trend! Even when it comes to something as simple as keeping guests’ phones silenced (remember that clicking camera shutter sound phones make when you snap a pic? Not exactly the sound you want to walk down the aisle to.), don’t assume everyone in attendance knows what’s expected… or that they remember!
Pro Tip: There are ways to make expectations known without coming across as overbearing. Little things like having your officiant make an announcement about photo rules before the ceremony begins, or even having a cute sign printed and displayed at the ceremony site’s entrance can be super effective, and even beautiful décor.
Do: Encourage Guests to Take Photos
When it comes to wedding guest photography, I definitely recommend encouraging photos at your reception. You’ve put a lot of time and money into this event – You’ll want to remember it from all angles! If you’ve limited screen time for your ceremony, make sure your guests know they can let loose (and when).
Don’t: Allow a Free-for-All
Do you want ceremony photos from your guests but don’t want everyone looking at their phones during the processional? Encourage people to stay in the moment and enjoy the experience with their own eyes! On the other hand, if you DO want plenty of first-hand photos from the ceremony, make sure people know that, too.
Pro Tip: Believe it or not, there is a way to encourage guests to take photos – without getting in the way of your expectations, or blocking your professional photos. Make staying in your lane fun with an “I-Spy” game for your big day! Print out an insert for your programs, or a sign for a high-traffic area. Include the photos you do want taken, and none of the ones you don’t! Make it a straight-forward list, like “a photo of the group at your table” or “a toast.” Or make it more of a scavenger hunt with prompts like “something red” or “the bride and groom holding hands.”
Do: Share the Images
Like I said before, these bonus pictures are just that… a bonus! And they’re not doing any good just sitting on someone else’s cloud. Wedding guest photography provides an inside look at your big day from a perspective only they can provide. These images could even end up being some of your favorites, and some of your guests’ favorites, too. So share them! Trust me, no one will ever say know to seeing a photo you took of their day.
Don’t: Wait to be Tagged
All that said, make sure your guests know how you want these images to be shared. We all remember the nightmares of being tagged in a less-than-flattering image on social media, right? Have a plan for image sharing in place before things end up in a totally public online post. (Especially when there’s a lot of attendees pictured!) Candid dancefloor shots snag amazing images of your guests, and if they don’t know each other, they can’t be tagged. Make sure no one misses a moment with a designated searchable hashtag or similar.
Pro Tip: Choose a photo sharing app, and print pretty cards with uploading details. Then scatter them around your reception tables (or at the bottom of your I Spy cards)! You can even create a QR code for a Google Drive or Dropbox link. Need some more ideas? Check out my journal entry, Four Ways to See Your Guest’s Wedding Photos here.
