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Segment 24 - Senior Panel: Teens' Perspective

Come on. And we have Forest. Alexis and Joseph. How are you? Great. How are you? Good so far. Obviously was in the video. Already have met him. But I've never met you guys. Thank you for being here, Alexis. And just aggregate. So welcome. Are you guys ready to chit chat about social media you didn't bring your guitar for? No, I thought that would be just a little pretentious. So Well, maybe play for later. OK, let's just jump in with some questions. I have some written down. We may take some from everybody else. Sarah is on the line. She made jump in with some answers as well. Okay, so I would love to hear from each of you guys how senior photos are taken in your area. In other words, do you have to have a yearbook photo and a senior session? Or is your senior session one that you can submit to the your book? Yeah. So when I did my photos, all the required for school was one photo that I would need for the yearbook. So my family just sort of wanted me to have some sort of an inventory ...

that I could showcase to the rest of my family and just be like, Look so beautiful. I'm a graduating senior. Oh, yeah. Um and so, Yeah, it was cool, though. I I did a session in Golden Gardens in Seattle, Washington, and it was not as laid back as I would have liked. Like I got to do with session with you, which is really nice. And I think the reason why is because what you did a lot when you were photo shooting was you were doing, like, a lot of action shots. So you got a lot of, like, natural, um, you know, captivity of who I was, which is cool as opposed to posing. You know, I'm terrible opposing you. 11. I don't think any was Yes. Oh, sorry. It was sort of sidetracked there. Just like that was my experience. Just a lot of posing. But I only needed one photo high school, the one you submitted for the year, but was from that way, had to do a few months or selection, right? Yeah. So you didn't have to get Teoh like a photo shop photo shoot at school. One have, like, the drape, and there's nothing And then how did you find your photographer? Actually Was a family friend of ours hooked up. Okay. Um, OK, Alexis, can you tell me, um well, similar to his? We don't really need to have a bright pictures. You just you just pick one out of a shoot that you go and find your target here. That right? You have to get a school photographer, you pick your own, and then you submit one. Is there a deadline that you guys have to meet? I think it's at the beginning of a school year for mine. Very beginning. And have you had yours taken yet? You have. And how did you find your senior photographer? My best friend was actually getting hers done by this lady. And I went with her. And I really liked how Shealy didn't like it was very just, like, totally awesome. That's awesome. Okay, get. And did you like your experience? Yes. You've already had your steak and it was fun. And you already submitted the one that you want. I haven't We haven't done the review yet. Okay? But this coming school starts. And when you guys start school in September September 2nd And what about you? Just if I had both the just senior singer foes for just a photographer and then one for my school school and was the one that we used in the yearbook was just I was actually outside my school, Just kind of by a tree. Okay, Just wear whatever you want it. Yeah, I could just wear something. Are Weber wanted? OK, obviously. Just a little bit formal, but it kind of casual the same time. And then for the one that my parents kept, it was at bottle landing, okay. And obviously was like, multiple locations. Kind of had me walk around and take pictures at just different, different, like marks. And did you change outfits? You have more than 10 I just wear one outfit. It was just multiple poses. Right? And what was the reason why you went on and have that 2nd 1 done? Did you? Because the 1st 1 simply was for the yearbook. You didn't like it her way. The 1st 1 was actually the one that was for just my parents. They just want t o. I didn't actually know. Fine. If I could submit that for my school. So I just taking a separate one with the photographer that was connected to the school. OK, so there was 11 photographer that took everybody's at the school. Right. Okay. And did you enjoy both of them, or did you like one of the I like the one that my parents picked out because it was a lot more casual with one for schools, very rushed and kind of awkward at the same time. And it was basically just two pictures and he picked everyone get through a bunch of Yeah. Yeah, it was kind of dead last cause I didn't know I needed my picture taken. Eso I, like, rushed out of class to go see my picture. And how did your parents or you pick the one that they chose the photographer? They picked one that looked casual at the same time. Very, very clean. Just didn't look to pose. That doesn't just obviously something very casual. And in all of your cases, where your parents the one other than you because you knew about your best friend. But near your cases, where your parents the one that said use this photographer of book, this photographer were you the one? My parents knew them? Yeah. There is no interaction with me and my parents. My parents picked photographer and just told me to go take pictures. Do you think it's a difference Because you got your guys and your girl? Yeah, Exactly. Okay, good. Good to know. Hey, Sarah. We didn't ask you and you graduated in 2013. But what was it like for you? Did you pick your own photographer? And could you submit that to the yearbook? Yeah, So we could go to anyone. We could use our contract id school photographer if you wanted Teoh. But you can also choose whoever you wanted. So it was like, either way. And did you pick yours or did your parents figures I picked one. And what made you pick him or her? I use my friend who also does photography. So again, it was because kind of because I have felt more comfortable with her so on. And we do a lot of photography stuff together, so it just kind of worked out and made sense. Well, I mean, it sounds like a common theme. Friends or or your parents know somebody which helps make connection, and that's that's always a good thing. So that sounds like a good tidbit for us to take away. Okay, So when it comes to see your photos hiring your own guitar for not for the school stuff, but for your own petard. Free What? What do you think is the most important thing? Somebody that makes you feel comfortable? Somebody that has fun. What is your thing? I mean, if their personality lines up with mine and that's about it, I want someone who's gonna because photographer, what they do is you know, they basically are trying to captivate who you are inside of an image. And I want someone who is gonna understand who I am enough to the point that they could do that. Maybe I don't know. I haven't I e I know you have fun whether you want todo very comfortable. How about you tell me what you really look for? Other than the fact that your friend had used her But what stood out to you? I really like the fact that she made it like who you are. Like for me. It was sailing feelings. A big deal for me and so making it nautical theme was a really, really big deal. That's awesome. And so I was really glad that she put she put singly into it for right, like she made it comfortable. And how did how did she do a questionnaire to find that out, or how did you just told her? Kind of told her, That's awesome. So I imagine you were on a boat, Yes. Or adopt with vote stock speeches. That's really fun. Some. Okay, that's good. And how about you? I I just want someone that's very casual and just kind of makes you feel like you're not actually taking a instead of more just just like with somebody who happens to have a camera in your face. Exactly. But I like I wish I could have taken something with. It was something that was like for me. Like I play soccer golf. So maybe, like by ago, of course, or something, Right. That would have been good, but we just took it at a park, so it seemed a little impersonal, but the same time Just a little question, right? Do you play golf for your high school team? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, that was a little personal. Touch is always a good idea. Sounds like. Okay, let's do this. Teoh Hope, take a picture. And over the best. Just kind of. You look good. And from which one you think you would best Exactly. I contacted this agency like you guys were, like, bring your guitar like that was, like, instant. Like you didn't even hesitate, Teoh. Well, I mean, the one thing I will say I loved about your suit is because you were more comfortable in your element. And so I didn't want oppose you too much because you were natural this way, you know, playing the guitar and stuff. So? So I thought it was You know, that is who you are. So, like, you brought that. And, yes, the golfing or the soccer thing would be a cool thing to have, because it does tell us who you are to on the sailing thing. That's amazing. Yeah, and even your outfit was a nautical theme, Teoh. Very. And did you have hair makeup? Yes, you did that. It was all inclusive experience time. Yeah, right. That's awesome. Um, okay. And Sarah, where were years taken? Um, I was taken at a little farm, Just like 20 minutes away from a So I didn't. I just kind of went like I just wanted a pretty place. Yeah, I didn't really incorporate, like, any, like, activities or anything like that. So I just I knew I wanted the nature and, like, the water and stuff like that, So I chose. Yeah, Awesome. Okay, so, um, we've already kind of touched on this, but you do pay attention to your friends use. At least you did. And you guys, your parents, your parents paid attention to who they knew. So that's a friend connection. That's important. Do you ever pay attention to your friends on social media and who they're using and see something like, Did you maybe see something? And in that respect and say, Oh, you know, that looks kind of cool or anything like that. You follow post? Yes. And usually they'll say, this is the photography agency that I got my photo sticking. But for the most part, if they were doing that, I mean, I don't want to generalize you guys, but it was usually girls like, Yeah, it was for the most part of the female population right on my feet. You know, like, look at me. Shout out, share about photography. You know just what it was. Um, yeah, but for you, you stay a little bit more for and I was there at the shoot, so and you were there. Did you get the pictures of you and your best run together? No, but I got a couple of her like and her I e you brought your photos? I would love to show him that would be awesome. I loved the nautical things. Yeah, maybe you get those before tomorrow. Okay. So Okay. So, as far as what you want from your senior photo session, I'm gonna ask you a little bit more than y'all because you guys clearly did it for your parents. And I think that what type of products did you want? Digital's. Did you want print? Did you want an album? Like what kinds of things? Interested you? My mom. You really haven't talked about that yet? You haven't still figuring out like what we want. But when you when you thought of seeing your photos in one thing, popping your head more than ever, I just want my picture taken to get your picture. Second, do you think your mom will want something different than you? I don't think so. I don't know, but it wouldn't be interesting to you to share if you had the digital photos. Would that be something that you would share with your friends and posted? Yeah. Okay. And then I know you guys had them done because of your parents. Do you know what they bought? Like, Did they buy a print? Did they? Just by the one image to put in the yearbook. How did that? I know you have a print print, like hang on the wall here, and that was pretty much it. Okay. And how about you? From either put on, put in a frame, were right or hang up so good? Yeah. That's generally what bigger it small to jump in on that one. We have several folks online who are wondering about including LR circus. The wallet size images back back in the day way. That was one of the things that we all had were the little wallet size that we gave to her friends. Of course, now there's a lot more digital and digital India. Is that something that still interests teens? I think that's the coolest thing ever. I was really, I mean, at least for prom. I think problem is the coolest thing, because it was a way for me to just, like, whip out, like, used the Girl Way e. I don't know. I think it's weird if it's just a picture, you though, because I mean, unless it's like you're family, it's going to give them out That, I think, like that's the most convenient way to have a printed photo. OK? Yeah. Well, yeah, mostly. I didn't get it from my photographer, but I ended just kind of printing it out like he had digital. And so I had a digital image toe put in my wallet. Right? Obviously, you don't want one really? Of yourself. So you more in your wallet of you? Yeah, e o yourself. So it's more comfortable. Have, like, picture with some friends, Like especially problem homecoming or something, Or just anything formal. Okay, so yeah. All right. Go about a question. I'm wondering, Are the acts a big deal? Because I did. Just are offering those this year like Alexis will get one with her session on day. I've had a lot of feedback from seniors. Like I just wanted to make sure I'm, like, on track there. Right? Yeah. I mean, I'm my singers tend to love it. Um, I'm gonna guess for you to that. Maybe it's not as important because you guys did it for your parents, but there and there's an app out there is called the Well, there's probably more than one. That sticky albums is an app that so you would get it on your phone, and it would be a like an album on your phone. Your phone. So it's like a digital way to share photos. Yes. I don't know if your mom's maybe even had, like, a brag book when you're a baby. Like what? The digital version on your phone. You don't actually have to have the brag book. You know, domain. Would you share that with your friends? If you had it, you would I want Okay. Yeah, I am on Facebook. I mean, it's the only social media actually is. And I mean, it's just all my friends were there, right? Just really easy to whip up. Yeah. Maybe I If it's more convenient than Facebook because, I mean, if it takes me more time to load Facebook, go through my photos, pull up the photo, right, right. Then it would for that. Then I would rather have you ever used sticky albums. T know whether you know, I haven't. I'm definitely looking into it low because it definitely seems like something that everyone like all the teens love. Um, I don't use it yet, but I am thinking about it. Yeah, they love it in mind. I offer it as a bonus thing in the top package, so they do tend to love it. The moms really love it, because again, I describe it as a brag book. I mean, I remember when my Children were first born. I had a It was a little like four by six album, and I had it my purse. But now I just pull out my phone and can show, you know, look, you know, or whatever, So I love it and it works great for for senior rips. I think I can share. Yeah, because you can share. You can share it. They can contact you. Like, for instance, if you were sharing your sticky album with your friend. You're like showing them your phone with all your photos. They could right then hit contact and send an email and say, Hey, I just saw Alexis's photos and, um, I want a book. Iverson, your session. So that's awesome. You can add music to it. Um, I think you can even add video now, so yeah. So, anyway, um, I do think it's probably a good idea, though, Um, what do you think would be the most like the reason you would talk about your senior session with a friend like, because you felt good because your photographer did a great job because your photos you really love, like, what is them emotional aspect that would make you want to say, Hey, you guys got check out this photographer, She's awesome or whatever. The photographer did something that I thought was so unique that not another photographer could replicate that. I would totally enjoy that. It was weird when I when I got back my photo shoot like I had my photos, Um, I had to select some photos for I did choose from like I think, three photos, which one I wanted to put onto the yearbook, and I ended up sending one to my high school. And there was a a bunch of sunlight and said the photo. It was like there was, like, these bright orange trees in the background, and it was just all the sun coming through. And then it was like me in the center, and it was so bright that, like they couldn't use it as a photo on. So I had never actually, like, considered that, like, high school would, you know, right? B so picky. But at the same time, like it was this really unique thing that, like, I really loved about my photography. So I think if there's enough artistic expression with the way that they work, that's something that I'd love to share with others. Yeah. And how about you? What would you tell us about your often? Tell your brand you had a good time. You what? It was very she comfortable. It was I liked it in. I would want to brag about it. Right. You like, go to her. I like it was really fun. I just I would want the people to go to her than anything. Okay? Yeah. And what would you share? Uh, if they were, like, pretty just lay back and not kind of pressure, you know? Like, like, pose in some certain way that you really don't really want Teoh? Yeah, it's a little bit. It gets a little bit much, just a little bit overdone. So if you're kind of just casual about your picture, I think it makes you until you tell people that you were it wasn't really that big of a deal, Even though, you know, it's gonna be like a picture that you're gonna keep. Rest likely. Yeah, but at the same time, you looked just completely casual in the picture. What as a guy, were you? Because I would imagine guys don't typically have their photo taken as much as girls or don't care about having their photo taken as much as girls. Were you apprehensive about it? At first we're worried you wouldn't feel comfortable. Were you worried? You look one way or the other. I kind of went into just Hello. Everyone kind of didn't really want to be there for I didn't really want to take a picture. I kinda just showed up because my mother told me dio a little obligated to show up and take my picture. But I got into it just kind. They eat. It was committed easier. Yeah, you. I didn't want someone who is going to try and make me look super manly. I don't want to look ridiculous. It's like someone I wasn't. You don't look like a big bodybuilder or any real legs stretched out poses or just like to stay way. Have any questions out there. Just want to check in with their What about what about there? Yeah. What? What makes you what made you know you were friends with your photographer, So that probably helps You had that connection. Yeah, but what else would you share about your experience with your friends? Um, one of the reasons. Like besides, like you said that I was friends her that I wanted to go is because I'm very picky. So I wanted to have a lot to choose from. I knew that, um, the other photographers in my town didn't give you very many pictures, and I wanted to make sure that I was gonna, like love one because, like I said, I'm very like picking about it, so I just wanted to see a lot of them and have a lot to choose from. So that was one of the reasons. Cool. I used the shootproof after gel, and all of my seniors get with their collections as well. But I noticed that some my friends, they're having problems with their senior screen shotting their from their app and like putting a filter on it. I know. Why do you think a team would do that? Like put a filter on afternoon? It's a deep rooted issues, Theo. I like this whole like hipster commodity thing. Like I think if you're gonna put a filter on something or like the classic like insta filter where it like, it looks trendy and black, constipated or like the colors or just kind of more unnatural. I don't know. I think there is just like this thing that people clean to about that it goes back to just being like an artsy photo as opposed toe. Just a classic photo. Who you are. I don't know. Can I say something really quick? I e. Something. I've been doing this here because I also use shootproof and as faras the screen shotting the watermark. I was having the same type of problem. So I've been letting the seniors choose any two photos that they want that I'll just send to them for free, specifically for Instagram. So then that doesn't have the water work on it. But I make them tag. My like I was saying, before I make them tag on my thing in the caption because that's more beneficial to me. I'll get more followers. My name will be spread more than if it just had my water mark across it and no photo credit in the caption. And do you think they, um, by the gesture of you giving them those photos? Do you think they use less filters or they still put a filter on it if they want to or not? Um, they actually haven't been this year. Last year there were a few, and I think there isn't. They do it because they don't see them like we do. They like they always bump up the contrast so much that's like one of the things and like saturated a lot. So that was definitely but nobody's really been doing that, uh, husband doing that this year. So I haven't had that problem. Okay, I'm kind of wondering actually that like I mean, if I've gotten photos taken of me in every school time, like in the caption, I always say, like, this is the photographer and and I wonder, like Like one time I got a photo shoot of undated photos and I edited it myself. And I still, like tag to the photographer, right? Like for someone who doesn't have photos for a living or like for you, For someone who didn't take a screenshot of your photo like, Is that insulting or would you rather than, like not, you know, tag you in the photo are like Like it's kind of It's a nifty zone, like Like, what do you want out of that situation, E I know for me, most of my most of my clients found we on instagram with the hashtag, so they appreciate what I'm doing already. But I do also educate them as well to say, Would you please not not do that took all that time to edit? I do educate them with Please. Please don't do that. And they do give me credit. I just kind of explain to them I say that my watermark is on it so that someone else will not steal the photo. You know, you don't want to have anyone else. What? You know what? Your photo. No one would be able to find out that it was me who took your photo. So I just kind of spend it like that. So they more I really don't Like Sara was saying this year, not too many of the year before. It was, like black and white contrast city sepia. Look, I don't know what happened. That year was a bad year. Filter had a year, right? But I just educate them so that they'll know, you know, out of courtesy, You know? Please don't do that. But of course, you always have one. That's just break the rules, right? I did have I really haven't had it so much with seniors, but, um, I shot a family a while back, and, um, she put all of them on Facebook with this crazy filter. And I was like, Who? People are gonna think I did that to those photos. What is going to happen? But I mean, what do you do there, out there? That boy. Luckily, I didn't hear a lot of backlash, which was great, but I looked at them. I don't think the normal I maybe thinks that cool or whatever's and maybe they don't look at it the same way we do. Um, we might would be a little mortified if somebody stuck of filtered photo that wasn't your style on there, but I don't think that would necessarily hinder somebody from hiring you or not. But if you can educate and and prevent that, that's probably better, because at least you're styles out there as opposed to your style filtered, you know?