SENIOR PHOTOS VS. YEARBOOK PHOTOS
What exactly is a senior photo? Is it the same as a yearbook photo? Absolutely not! There are significant differences between the senior photo sessions I offer and the traditional yearbook photo.
Across the country, senior photos vary greatly. In some regions, they’re incredibly popular, while in others, they might not be as common. Here in Birmingham, Alabama and surrounding areas, yearbook photos are taken by a school-appointed company, ensuring a uniform look for everyone. You can’t just submit your own photo for the yearbook.
When I first started mentioning senior photos, many assumed it was just the yearbook photo. But relying solely on that means missing out on a unique opportunity to truly capture your senior year.
So, what sets a yearbook photo apart from a senior portrait experience? Let’s take a look.
The Yearbook Photo
Let’s break down what a yearbook photo is all about. Basically, it’s the picture every senior has to take to be featured in the yearbook. These photos are usually snapped in July before senior year kicks off. They’re taken at the high school by a big photo company, with a standard backdrop and artificial lighting. Everyone looks the same: boys in a fake tux and girls in a black drape. It’s all about keeping things uniform and traditional for the yearbook. While that’s fine for what it is, there’s so much more to capturing your senior year than this cookie-cutter approach. That’s where my personalized senior photo sessions come in, giving you a chance to shine and truly express yourself.
The RDP 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. You might prefer a more natural setting like Tannehill State Park in McCalla or Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. Or maybe you’re drawn to an urban, edgy vibe at Sloss Furnaces or a downtown location in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, or Homewood. You could even go for a mix of both! Whatever your style and personality, you get to choose the perfect backdrop for your senior photos.
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 seniors through as possible, a senior session with Randy Daniel Photography 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 order process. I show you a
slideshow of the images 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 large prints or graduation
announcements, 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.
So if you are looking to capture your senior year in a fun, unique way, book a senior photo session
with Randy Daniel Photography and don’t just get the yearbook photo. I am currently booking for the Class of 2025 and I would love to work with you. Contact me by emailing me at rdaniel@randydanielphotography or calling/texting (205) 266-0722 to get more information and available dates or CLICK HERE to contact me via my website.
