the senior photo experience breakdown

December 18th, 2025

What exactly is a senior photo? Is it the same as a yearbook photo? NO! There are huge differences between the type of senior photo sessions I offer my clients and the traditional yearbook photo.

All across the Midwest, senior photos are done differently. In some areas it is super popular to hire a professional photographer for a senior photo session and in other areas not so much. In Nebraska, I believe most high school yearbook photos can be taken by a professionally hired photographer. They don't have to be the stuffy-standard school photo experience you're used to doing the past 12+ years ... that's just one thing that makes your senior year that much more special!

Hiring someone or having your moms friend take a photo for your yearbook picture doesn’t have to feel like just a simple task to cross off your mile long senior year "to-do" list. Senior photos can actually be a fun, memorable highlight of your year. Here’s what makes the difference…

-- The Yearbook Photo --

Let's start with what a yearbook photo is ... a yearbook photo is the photo that all students have to get in order to be in the schools yearbook. The yearbook photo you've been participating in since Pre-K is typically taken the first few weeks back to school by a large photo company that sets up a backdrop and artificial light. You can choose your favorite shirt and maybe get a choice of background colors, but the yearbook photo is one-shot, one-pose session. This is done so that the yearbook class photos all look uniform and consistent. The typical yearbook photo is traditional, cohesive and just makes sense for grades Pre-K through Junior year. However, Junior year is when traditional yearbook photos come to an end and the type of yearbook photos I specialize in offering begin!

-- Your Individual Senior Photo Session --

With your individual senior photo session, this is where YOUR personality truly shines. Each individual session is planned according to your interests, dreams, passions, personality, etc. During your individual senior photo session, you can wear whatever you want and have more than one outfit to really showcase your personality. Plus - photos will be taken from multiple angles instead of just from the waist-up, so every accessory and detail gets to shine through with you during your senior photos! Yes, even your shoes + nail colors + any props you bring along! Seniors have the opportunity to choose a few different locations for backgrounds, instead of just one generic backdrop. From a open grassy field, to a sunflower field, to an urban downtown setting or even your families farm place -- each senior can pick what backgrounds they want!

The entire process of an individual senior portrait session is what makes this time memorable. I will assist you every step of the way - if you want a second opinion. If you already know exactly what you want - that's great too - I can be as hands-on or hands-off during the planning process. But I just want you to know that I'll be there for any question you may have along the way! Before your individual senior session, you will receive a senior session planning guide packed with information to help you start brainstorming locations, picking outfits, deciding which props to bring and so much more. Leading up to the session we will get to know one another more through the planning process & at your session I will make sure to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Unlike the yearbook photo which is getting as many students through as possible ... a senior session with Otter Creek is PERSONAL, professional and fun. After all, you are only a high school senior once and I want to make it as memorable and special as possible for you & your family.

After your photo shoot, I will send you & your family a link to your online gallery. Here you will be able to create a favorites list of the images you'd like access to download. Each individual senior session comes with a set number of digital downloads included - which depends on session length, outfits, backgrounds etc. Once you've created your favorites list of digital images, I will transfer them to a downloadable set where you can download your photos to use anywhere. Post them on social media for #SeniorSunday, print them to hang around the house or gift them to grandma for Christmas. I do NOT require clients to order physical prints, canvas' etc. through me. I understand the rising economic costs of purchasing these memorable moments and want you to be able to purchase physical prints-in a cost effective way through an online printer of your choice. If you plan to order physical prints larger than 8x10, reach out & I'd be happy to send you a high-resolution digital file that will fit your online printer size requirements. No need to worry about blurry photos or high priced physical memories to cherish forever.