Senior Citizenship

The day is finally here; my senior portraits are done. I remember the times, not so far in the past, when I envisioned pictures of me in my senior yearbook, ones that would hopefully enshroud my chronically uncomfortable smiles in yearbooks past. I imagined the senior photo shoot as dynamic, allowing for a level of freedom and creativity that a good ol' "say cheese" yearbook mugshot can't convey.

My expectations for the photography session were certainly upheld. A family friend recommended getting the photos taken by BSAWeaver Photography, a business in Decatur managed by Brenda Weaver. After discussing various senior portrait options with Ms. Weaver, we settled on doing a photo shoot at Allerton Park, a beautiful place I had seen a few times but never got a chance to sufficiently explore before this Sunday. I planned out a couple outfits to wear, and that afternoon, I got ready and my mom, brother, and I made the half-hour trek to the park.

"Smile nicely."

"Remember to fix your hair if it's windy."

"Be thankful it isn't raining."

Forced to look out the backseat window by my brother's unexpected call for "shotgun," I thought of all the ways to make this afternoon go swimmingly. At first I regretted not bringing my math and philosophy textbooks to do work during the ride, then I realized in a weekend swarmed with vector equations and Socratic arguments, a few hours away in a tranquil place was just what I needed. The area was totally serene aside from a few families walking their dogs; I doubt I could have chosen a better place to spend the afternoon.

It was a great time. The weather was warm, Ms.Weaver was more than friendly and accommodating, and I think many of the photos turned out nicely. I have yet to see all of the pictures from the session, but a part of me just can't wait to pick one out, crop it to 4 x 4 inches, and submit it to the yearbook. There is definitely a sense of pride in making it through many years of school (and mediocre school pictures) and finally being able to choose your favorite way to represent yourself in your senior portrait.

I'm getting a bit nostalgic, thinking about all that I have learned in life up to this point and the uncertainty of what lies in the future. Having my senior pictures taken was bittersweet--it marks a time in my life full of change and more responsibilities--and yet entirely enjoyable. I had so much fun at Allerton Park during the session that I didn't even notice when two hours passed and it was time to hop back in the car (this time in  the front seat), head home, and finish my remaining work.

In short, the senior portrait serves as a guidepost of growing up, and should be memorable. For those who read this and have not yet had the privilege of taking a senior picture, please remember to enjoy it. No matter how many other things there are to do, temporarily forget about them for your senior portrait; you will look happier and be able to realize the significance of being in a nice place taking the picture that will be next to your name in your last high school yearbook. For those who may have already had a senior picture, I hope this post brings back good memories and can remind us all to enjoy such little things in life--4 x 4 inches, to be exact.