10 Reasons I love photographing high school seniors!! T.H. Peterson Photography - Topeka, KS Senior Portrait Photographers

 One thing I love to do is blog and I usually do so by blogging sessions after I'm done with them. I decided this afternoon to talk a little bit about why I love specifically photographing high school students and some of my motivation behind my shoots. I have been photographing portraits since 1999 and have in the past 10 years or so worked on my own business. It has come a very long way and I am so blessed to be able to do what I do. So I thought it would be fun to give 10 reasons why I love shooting high school senior portraits!

 1. Seniors are awesome, adventurous and down for anything. If any group of clients I would say are down to get creative and allow us to try new ideas and have fun, it would be teenagers. They want "something different". I hear that ALL the time. They don't want what everyone else has. And because of that, while they might have their own ideas, they are usually VERY open to whatever I want to do. After all, as a photographer, I want to "interpret" what I see in each client and portray them in the most awesome and flattering way possible!

 2. I feel young at heart. It's hard to believe but this year is my 20 year reunion but I still feel like it wasn't but a few years ago I was in high school. I love young people. I love being around them. I like laughing with them. I love making them laugh. It seems that as we grow up, often we lose our youth like outlook on life. I like to tell people, "Some people never grow up... Thank God!"

 3. You can shoot them any time of the day or night - This is a big one because with families for example, around golden hour is usually best. With babies, you are at their mercy when it comes to their schedule. With seniors however, anytime of the day is a good time. With the right lighting, you can get creative shots at high noon or midnight, not just at golden hour.

 4. It's something that means a lot to parents. - You wouldn't believe how many times I see parents cry and tear up hardcore when they're looking at their baby's portraits. I'm a parent of 2 boys. I get it. This is a huge part of their life. They are moving on. They are growing up. They are becoming grown men and women. My sons are 8 and 6 months and I already feel a bit emotional thinking of how they will be grown up one day. I want to do justice to something as important as this. I want not only to create amazing images but I want create an experience for the senior and the parents. Something they will cherish and love for the rest of their lives.

 5. It boosts their confidence. - When I was a high school senior, I was very unsure of myself. I was very awkward and hated being around anyone. I was so shy and terrified of attention. I was actually living in a situation where I was miserable because of it. I remember my senior portrait experience which I hated. I begged my mom not to make me do it. The photographer just kept saying, "smile! smile!" Ummmm.... yeah that doesn't help. I realized that I needed to help seniors feel good about themselves and that would make them be themselves in front of the camera. If you are nervous, you won't be vulnerable and be  yourself. I know if I make a fool of myself, that will automatically make the senior more confident and not feel silly smiling or doing whatever I ask. I remember on several occasions, I have shot seniors I KNOW had very low self esteem and were extremely shy. They or their parent told me that we made them feel really confident and good about themselves. I know that doesn't stop once the session is over. It will affect them for a long time. I wish I had someone help me with my self esteem when I was younger. This aspect is very important to me.

6. I always feel like I'm playing, not working. - Sometimes I pinch myself. I can't believe I do this for a living. Photographing pretty girls and cool dudes and getting paid?! Last night I was up at 4am still working on editing sessions. I wasn't irritated or annoyed. I still thank God everyday I can do this for a living. I will never take it for granted.

 7. It's an outlet for my creativity. - I tell everyone I am creative in terms of loving to create things but not as much just coming up with new ideas. But it doesn't matter because photography gives me an opportunity to try things I would never in the normal world. One thing that keeps me passionate about photography is lighting and lighting of all things is something that you can always be creative with in photography. I love experimenting with it and seeing what different settings, angles, diffusers, etc will do. I love creating beautiful images and I love light, so photographing high school seniors, you can't beat it.

 8. I can show up to work in shorts and flip flops - I used to work for Olan Mills traveling church to church shooting family portraits for their directories for years. Dress shoes, dress pants, button up shirt and a tie.... I used to get in trouble all the time for taking off my tie. I know it sounds silly but this is huge to me.

 9. I want to challenge myself to be better and better in photography - I feel that by shooting seniors that are totally fine with you being creative and artistic, the ability to push myself to get to new levels creatively is right in line with my goals for the senior shoot.

 10.  There's no better job in the world than being a high school senior photographer - One of my idols said that to me. He said, in our world, we are rock stars. There's no better job in the world. I love it. I truly do. I am passionate about all of it. The people, the art, the light, the business. I am glad I do this because it is what I love. I have shot full time for almost 20 years and I am still not tired and  bored with it. I am only getting more and more excited every year. I am meant to do this.

 There's my impromptu blog post on why I love shooting seniors. Thinking about using us?! Do it!! You WILL NOT REGRET IT!!! I am passionate and KNOW exactly how to create any idea you have.  You will NOT be disappointed!

To book your own session, please call Tommy or Holly at 785.793.2492 or 785.213.0812 or email tommy@thpetersonphoto.com