Flair For Photography: Seniors Turn Hobby Into Business: Hi-Line Blog

Ellen Gustavson/Editor-in-Chief

With graduation just around the corner, most seniors-in-waiting (i.e. juniors) are likely concerned with party-hopping between open houses, saying goodbye to their senior friends, enjoying the upcoming summer vacation ... and possibly studying for finals, if they haven’t been struck by a premature case of senioritis.

But those who haven’t gone procrastination-happy know it’s never too early to plan ahead, particularly when it comes to senior pictures. In recent years it has become more and more popular for seniors to take each other’s pictures rather than going to a professional. Seniors Erin Keiser, Roxy Danielsen and Dylan Martin are a few of several students who have taken pictures for their peers, each with their own ideas about the debate many seniors have between peer or professional photographers (and each a great option for any juniors in the market for a photographer).

Keiser has taken pictures for Kim Clark (’12), Abby Larsen (’12) and Dylan Martin (’12). She has been interested in photography for quite a long time, finding the whole photo-taking process to be very enjoyable.

“Whenever I get a really good picture, I get excited about it and can’t wait to get home and upload it to the computer and work on it,” Keiser said.

Keiser was first introduced to photography by her father.

“He gave my brother and I our first cheap digital camera when I was in elementary school. We’ve also had various versions of Photoshop downloaded on our computer for as long as I can remember,” she said.

Although Keiser is no stranger to the field of photography, she does not have plans to pursue professional work any time soon.

“It’s definitely just a hobby. By no means am I anywhere near a professional,” Keiser said. She also commented on the demanding and competitive nature of photography as a career. “I still have so much to learn.”

When it comes to peer versus professional photography, Keiser feels seniors should take into account their own preferences first.

“There could be several deciding factors when choosing between a peer or professional photographer such as personal taste with editing and design. Also, I suppose it depends on financial status,” she said. “Some professional photographers are ridiculously expensive.”

As of now, Keiser does not have plans to take any other senior pictures, but that could definitely change in the future.

“I would love to continue with others if I get asked to,” Keiser said.

Danielsen has taken senior photos for Alyssa Roney (’12) and Montana Clasby (’12), along with about 10 test shoots with others including Casey Andrews (’12), Alex Stewart (’12), Richelle Kime (’12) and Erin Harris (’12). Danielsen has taken photos for weddings as well. A unique aspect of her photos is that she leaves her watermark as RedName Photography, rather than just her own name.

“I was looking for a name and just went to a title generator online and kept hitting randomize until I got RedName Photography,” she said.

Danielsen began her interest in photography her freshman year, finding it to be a fun and creative use of time. However, like Keiser, she sees this interest as strictly a hobby for extra money rather than a career.

“I am passionate about becoming a secondary mathematics teacher,” Danielsen said.

Danielsen uses a Nikon D3000 DSLR camera (though she is looking to get a Canon) and Photoshop to take and edit her pictures.

“I feel like I do almost as good of a job as a professional, if not better,” she said. “I am a lot more affordable and flexible with people to work with, and I give you all the rights to the photos after editing, so more for your money.”

Despite not having plans to turn this hobby into a career, Danielsen finds the results of her work to be very fulfilling.

“Taking pictures gives me a certain pride after I edit all of them and see the likes and comments after I post them [on Facebook]. I even get messages from people I don’t know saying they love my photos,” she said.

Martin started taking pictures as a sophomore, her list including her sister, Riley Martin (’10), Karen Davison (’10), Kelsey Einertson (’11), Heather Kelly (’11), Hannah Kemp (’12) and Josh Schoon (’12).

Martin’s skill in photography was sparked when her grandfather gave her his old film camera a few years ago.

Martin remembers, “I played around with that for a while and really enjoyed finding small moments, like an ornament hanging off of a door handle at home or some old music lying on our piano. I enjoyed traipsing around with a camera around my neck and feeling like I knew what I was doing.”

Again, like Keiser and Danielsen, Martin’s photography will remain a hobby.

“Probably mainly because I have too many other interests, and I would pull my hair out if I added another major one,” she said.

Martin notes that peer photography contains some definite advantages over professional photography.

“I think having your peers take your pictures lets you feel more comfortable with what you’re doing as you pose and choose places you go for photos,” she pointed out. “Also, professionals have done so many photo sessions that their photos can become very predictable. Their pictures don’t reflect the senior’s personality and interests as well as someone who’s still developing their style and technique.”

Martin also enjoys observing people change throughout their session and how her photos reflect that change.

“I think the thing I love about taking senior photos is that the photos I’ve taken have been of people I know well and adore deeply — when I start taking the photos, they usually feel a little awkward at first, and so they laugh and giggle. I get some great photos from the beginning of the session when they’re like that and then once they’ve gotten a bit more comfortable their personality comes through beautifully. I love looking back and seeing that progression through the session,” she said.