During the final week of high school, an era comes to an end for your senior. It’s definitely a bittersweet time- and in just a blink, you will be at the Big Days: Prom and Graduation. But there’ still the sweet story of an ordinary-ish High School Day that is there for the telling, if you know where to focus during this windup-week.
Begin right before they wake up. It’s not creepy. It’s art. LOL! Capture a photo of their room, their desk, their bookbag on the floor. Just a wide angle shot through their door will tell the story of how their High School days began- and what their room and desk looked like at this moment in time. In just a few months- this will all change- so push pause with that camera.
Pro tip: either tell your teen you’ll be doing this and to just deal with it- or put that phone on silent so you can snap away incognito. If you promise (and keep the promise) to NOT post any of these photos- chances are, your teen will let you have this fun. Explain the importance to you of this project- and that graduation is a journey you are taking right along side them- Bonus points to them if they take POV photos too. Consider a bounty of a buck a photo! or 5 minutes on their curfew!
Be sure to document their morning routine. This could include waking up, getting ready, packing books, making coffee and/or eating breakfast. These seemingly ordinary moments will one day evoke a sense of nostalgia. The simplicity of these activities, the calm before the storm of the day, offers a tender insight into their daily life.
Capture them as they step out of the house, and then, posing against the backdrop of your home, a place that has provided comfort and stability throughout their turbulent teenage years.
Now onto the journey to school: If they drive, a shot of them in the car, ready to venture forth, can be a powerful memento. Similarly, if they walk or take public transportation, these moments too are worth capturing.
Once at school, ask them to take a selfie or just a shot of themselves walking into school.
After school, capture the moment your senior returns home. This image, whether it’s of them walking up the driveway or driving during sunset, speaks volumes about the changes ahead.
At home, document their study time. What does it look like when they do their homework? These last few days may be packed with tests and papers- so they will be in the mix of it! It’s best to go into stealth mode for these shots- I speak from experience. Camera on silent- peek thru the door and get the job done!
Capture family time, too. Whether it’s preparing dinner together, playing a board game, or simply watching television – these school night simple moments will never really play out the same way again.
If you have pets, consider capturing your senior with them. These photos will help tell the story of the bond between your child and their furry friend.
Each photo will serve as a tangible reminder of this fast forward time time in their life. Grab your camera and start pushing pause. Your Senior will thank you in the years to come.
Want a Cheat Sheet of these photo ops? Just CLICK HERE and it’s yours to work with!