Senior portraits are an important part of many high school experiences. For decades, young adults have taken photos to commemorate their time spent in high school. But what has changed about senior portraits since the 1960s? How have evolving technology and societal trends influenced the types of photos that seniors take? From staid, formal headshots to options that are far more personal, this article will explore the many ways senior portraits have evolved over the years.
The 1960s: Staid, Formal Headshots
In the 1960s, senior portraits were still very formal and traditional. Most students had their portraits taken by professional photographers, with many schools offering the same background for everyone. Photos featured stale smiles and starched collared shirts, and there weren’t a lot of options for students to personalize their photos. This type of portrait prevailed through the 1970s before the face of senior photos started to change.
The 1980s: Flash and Fun
The ’80s saw the introduction of much-loved, iconic senior portrait styles. Photographers started to encourage students to let loose and be themselves in their pictures—promising photos that showcased their personality and interests. Fuzzy, overexposed shots became popular, as well as images shot in front of lush green scenic backdrops. Studio shots that featured small groups of friends also began to gain traction. This decade marked a shift toward photos that were less formal and more looking to capture the spirit of the student.
The 1990s: The Introduction of Digital
Since the start of the 1990s, computer technology has continued to evolve in leaps and bounds. Senior portraits grew to be a reflection of this as photographers began to experiment with digital cameras. This technology allowed for a lot more creative freedom and experimentation. More and more photos were taken outdoors or in mixed-lighting conditions, capturing the intensity of the student in a more candid light. Gone were the days of mismatched curtains as studios began to offer custom backgrounds that truly reflected the student’s individual personality.
The 2000s: Individuality Reigns Supreme
Technology was again a game-changer in the 2000s. Digital cameras were mainstream and smartphone cameras had become increasingly powerful. Seniors now had access to hundreds if not thousands of shots taken of them throughout their high school years, and could use these to create custom collages. It was now possible to get photos as unique as the student it represented. Many professionals began to stray away from the formal portrait pose, opting for more candid and naturally shot images. Props began to make a reappearance in senior photos, such as sports equipment or musical instruments. Digital retouching gained traction in the studio, allowing for minor edits and airbrushing.
The 2010s: A Time of Innovation
In the 2010s, many studios began to offer 3D pictures as well as personal photography packages that allowed students to be photographed without leaving their homes. These photos were taken with much more relaxed poses, and could be easily uploaded and shared on a range of different social platforms. Professional digital retouching became more accessible, allowing students to have the minor tweaks they were after without looking like they had been “shopped”. And with the rise of photo booth companies, many high schools started to offer photo sessions at school events and dances.
The 2020s: The Time of Extreme Customization
In the current decade, senior portraits have become a reflection of the hyper-personalization of today’s society. Companies now offer custom packages tailored to the student’s interests, featuring unique locations and settings that are tailored to the individual. Digital and hand-drawn art have both had a resurgence, allowing students to truly express themselves in their senior portraits. Professionals are also now offering more innovative product lines, such as interactive photo albums or 360-photo stands.
In conclusion, the evolution of senior portraits throughout the decades has been remarkable to witness. Today’s seniors have an incredible amount of options available to them when it comes to capturing their high school memories. No matter the portrait style, senior photos will forever be a cherished memento of many young adult’s lives.