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!

When it comes to what to wear for college graduation photos, the answer has a lot to do with how you want to use, display and share your pictures. I recommend a bit of attire mixing! There are three basic looks that I generally always photograph: 

1. Professional attire without graduation gear 

These photos are really nice to have for your post-grad life, ready for professional use on social media, resumes, and portfolios. 

2. Cap and Stole 

I spend a large majority of graduation sessions in this look, because it’s flattering, and it clearly says “graduation photos.” (This is also a great time to pull out any other special items you may have brought.)

3. Traditional cap the gown

This is what I’d consider the “full attire” look. It looks incredible, and it captures the excitement and joy of graduating. I typically have students put the gown over their shoulder. I may take a few photos with the full gown on, but not a ton, so keep this in mind when you’re choosing what to wear! 

What to Wear for College Graduation Photos: Ladies

Ladies, you really can’t go wrong with a simple dress or skirt! Why? Dresses are easily the most flattering outfits out there, and the cute Spring ones are usually pretty comfortable. The style and colors you choose can take your photos in a formal direction, or in a fun, free and celebratory direction! Just make sure you’re comfortable in whatever you select, because you will likely be doing a fair amount of walking. (Hint: If you don’t love walking in heels, wear flat shoes and change into heels later.) 

DRESSES

Dresses that follow your figure or simply have a cinched waist such as a fit and flair are some of the most flattering for graduation pictures. Boxier, shapeless dresses can add extra bulk, so instead, try your favorite sundress or that formal dress you love! The important thing is to make sure the dress length is the same as (or shorter than) the length of your graduation gown. A fitted outfit also helps minimize the volume of the already bulky school-issued gown, which we’ll try to incorporate in a much more attractive way than actually wearing it.

COLORS

Since these are graduation photos, consider matching your outfit to your school’s colors. (Although I totally get it if your school’s colors are not particularly flattering to your skin tone.) If school colors aren’t for you, a simple black, white or cream-colored outfit will be perfect! You could always bring in your school colors with your shoes and/or jewelry selection. (And nude or beige heels always look great with a white dress!) 

What to Wear for College Graduation Photos: Gentlemen

Guys, your graduation outfit is quite simple. Just choose your favorite dressier clothes! (I know you have some.) Or wear what you would (or did) wear to impress the person of your dreams on a first date. 

Are you in slacks and a button down? Iron them. If your clothes are a bit more casual, throw them in the dryer with a damp cloth for a while, then hang them up immediately after they dry. Doing this will keep your clothes from looking too stiff and uncomfortable, but nice enough to show your grandma – who really wants a printed graduation photo of you to brag about.

Tips for Friend/Group Graduation Photos 

These are truly some of my favorite photos to take! We can lean into the fun and joy that each and every one of you has when you’re together, and create some natural, candid and posed photos to remember these days and these friendships forever. Here are a few things to consider before showing up for your group portrait session:

• Decide on your outfits. If you are all going to wear the same colors, are you also going to wear the same color shoes or mix it up? It’s best to know before everyone shows up!
• Some groups of friends like to do half the session in school gear (t-shirts and jeans) and the other half in a more formal look. Decide what you want to do as a group, and make sure everyone knows the plan! 
• Decide where you want to go ahead of time. A larger group means more photo time (which is amazing and SO fun), but keep in mind that it does take time to resituate locations and walk from one to the next. Have an idea of your favorite campus spots ahead of time and go from one to the next in the most time efficient way. 

Essentials to Bring to a Graduation Photo Session:

• Traditional graduation threads: Cords, cap, stole, gown
• Chapstick/lip gloss, and a hairbrush or comb, in case it’s windy 
• A change of clothes (if you’d like), and any alternative shoes or accessories to go along with it
• Your best smile!

BONUS: Four personal items that can add flair or school spirit to your session: 

• A bottle of champagne 
• A school pennant, flag or banner
• Party Poppers (check with your school… we don’t want to make a mess in a location that isn’t permitted) 
• Cheer or sports gear to commemorate your collegiate athletics career

Chances are, most of you know these things already, but hopefully these tips serve as reminders, or give you a jumping off point as you prepare for the big day! Have fun, enjoy the opportunity to dress up, and remember how special this time of your life is.

Are you graduating this spring? My 2024 grad sessions aren’t limited to Colorado Springs! Check out my travel dates below, and reach out to reserve your time ASAP. To see more photos, click here.

Travel Dates 

• Miami University (Oxford, OH): April 16-22, 2024
• Indiana University: April 22-24, 2024
• Booking Colorado Springs & Denver locations: Limited weekends in May!