The submission of senior pictures for the yearbook is well behind the Class of 2015, and seniors Addison Silva, Erica White, and Sean Stein made things a little easier for students.

    Being displayed at graduation parties, used as custom “thank you” notes, and distributed to every relative, senior pictures are very important. That being said, every student — not to mention, their parents — wants them to come out as best they can.

    Yet the cost of senior photo sessions is steep, reaching prices well into the hundreds. The additional fees for prints really make the costs add up. Silva, White, and Stein have helped out many peers by taking senior portraits for a substantially lower price.

    Addison Silva got into photography for fun in middle school. Using a Canon 60D, she prefers photographing people, and said that “you can totally learn a lot from a person just by how they are in front of a camera.” Silva is happy she can take senior pictures because “they should be available to everyone. They can get really pricey depending on packages and prints.” Having photographed multiple seniors, Silva edits the photos to perfection. She is known for bringing out the vibrant colors, which tend to match the personalities of those she photographs. Mairead Treanor is extremely happy with her pictures by Silva, and said that “she’s really easy to work with.”

    Erica White has also photographed many seniors, using a Canon 60D as well. White feels it’s “difficult to find a photographer whose style captures who you are as a person,” which is why it is so great that students photograph their classmates. She also said, “It’s nice to get to know people and have fun taking their pictures.” White aims to take pictures that truly represent who she is photographing. She then brings out their personalities even more through her editing. Katie Irish had her senior pictures done by White and speaks highly of her work, saying, “She is extremely talented and it was so great to work with her.”

    Sean Stein originally became interested in photography after taking Photo class with Mrs. Hendrickson. Using a Canon T2i, Stein photographed Joseph Downing and Ellis Rose. While Stein enjoys photographing people, he enjoys photographing nature most. Stein also chose to use his camera for his own senior pictures, and said jokingly, “If I pay someone to do it, I’ll have to, you know, smile, and do my hair and dress nice.” Speaking of the future, Stein said, “I hope to do a photography club in college.” Stein also showcases his photography on Instagram, and it’s no wonder he has over 1,000 followers.

    Silva, White, and Stein all plan to continue with photography in the future, which is understandable given their talents. Students are incredibly supportive of these photographers’ works, as SHS is truly a school where the arts are celebrated. This encouraging attitude toward students such as Silva, White, and Stein speaks to the great sense of support among students in the SHS community.