When a student comes in for their Senior photo shoot, they feel empowered, beautiful, and fantastic in their own skin. As a Senior portrait specialist, I see firsthand the effects that social media, celebrities, and influencers have on these young women. It’s my goal to make sure that these girls see their own natural beauty, beyond their physical appearance, and that they feel confident in who they are.
Confidence Is More Than Looks
Confidence is much more than looks. It can be found in how these teens carry themselves. A confident teen feels comfortable in her own skin and understands that inner beauty is the most important. I love working with these teens, guiding them when it comes to outfit choices, posing for portraits, and searching for the best light. But my goal is always to get to know them before their session, and make sure that I capture who they are by showcasing their personality and confidence.
Building Confidence Through the AHP Model Team
Each year, a group of girls become part of the AHP Model Team. For most of them, it isn’t their first experience being on a team. So many of my Seniors participate in team sports, from softball to cheer and basketball. That team spirit carries through in all that they do. Being on a team teaches these teens to feel confident in themselves and in each other. They know that they are part of something larger than themselves, and that they add value to the team itself.
Participating in Project Beauty
Each month, I host themed shoots for the AHP Model Team to participate in. Not only does this give them more time in front of the camera, which helps build their confidence, it also gives them more time with each other. They form friendships with people they may not have otherwise met.
One of my favorite photoshoots to participate in is
Project Beauty. This incredible campaign was started by another Senior photographer, Thomas Nguyen, to help seniors feel beautiful without makeup or trendy outfits. The photos are not edited or retouched, so the girls truly see and embrace their natural beauty. This is such an amazing thing to be a part of, and I love hearing feedback from the girls each year about what it means to them. It gives them a chance to reflect on what beauty means. It also helps them see past society’s expectations of what beauty is and define it for themselves instead.
Helping Parents Empower Their Teens
As a parent, helping your teen navigate high school isn’t always easy. I love meeting the parents of my seniors and getting to know them better. I encourage my Seniors to bring their parents to their portrait sessions, as this is an important milestone for them too. And it gives the parents a chance to see their Senior feeling confident. I love sharing sneak peeks straight out of the camera, so that my Seniors and their parents can see how I capture them in their best light.
Raising a confident teen is tough work, and I so admire the parents I meet who are doing just that. These parents encourage their teens to pursue new opportunities and give their teens the freedom that they need in order to do so. So many of my seniors say that the people they admire the most are their parents. These teens see how hard their parents work, and their parents have taught them to be assertive and positive by example.
How to Book a VIP Senior Experience with Amanda Howse Photography
If you are interested in learning more about the VIP Senior Experience with AHP, I would love to connect. It’s easy to reach out on my website anytime. You can also email me at amanda@amandahowse.com, or call/text me at 530-412-0730.
The Amanda Howse Photography VIP Senior Experience includes professional hair and makeup, which gives each senior a chance to be fully pampered before their portrait session. Our pro stylists highlight their best features and boost their confidence throughout the getting ready process.
Is your Senior interested in the AHP Model Team? I accept applications from Senior girls at high schools around the Seattle-Tacoma area, and select a diverse group of girls who have different backgrounds, interests, and personalities. These girls serve as my Model Team, participating in fun shoots and team bonding sessions that are designed to build their confidence. We create a unique experience that adds so much to their Senior year.
