Seriously? You're writing about this stuff?

Grumpy Cat

Usually when people say, "Seriously?" they're being a little sarcastic.

As in, "I can't believe s/he really said that."

Or, the person is surprised, shocked, taken aback, etc. and thinking, "OMG, I never KNEW that!"

Whether you are feeling sarcastic or stunned, welcome to "Seriously?"

I say that about a lot of things, lately.

Most recently, I say "Seriously?" about senior pictures.  I have a senior in high school this year.

School pictures totally suck, but senior pictures have those beat ten times over.

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If you're having these taken professionally, be prepared to pay through the nose. It's totally an investment, getting your child's senior photos done.

Prices in my area range from (the least expensive, smallest photo package) about $500 to (the most expensive) $1800.

Now, I realize that prices have gone up since I was in school back in the dinosaur age. However, senior photos shouldn't cost as much as my first used car and I shouldn't have to take out a personal loan in order to have my child's face memorialized on photo paper. Or canvas. Or tin. Or whatever other trendy thing is in for pictures to be printed upon.

I had considered staging a small-scale rebellion and encouraging everyone, via social media, to take their seniors to a studio such as Sears or JC Penney or WalMart for senior photos, but didn't think it would gain much ground.  I kind of wish it could happen though, but there are just too many parents who are willing to indulge their princesses (and princes - the photo packages/options for the boys are just as nauseating as the girls) and are willing to pay those prices.

Some people are handy with digital cameras and take beautiful photos. They don't require the services of a professional photographer. I am not one of those lucky people. If digital cameras had actual film, I would be the one exposing it.  Or taking the photo with my finger over the lens.

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-worst-senior-portraits-of-all.htmld caption

I am aghast at the cost of senior photos.  They're beautiful pictures, quality work. But I don't really think my child needs a photo shoot like she's a runway model or something. What the hell, anyway?  Apparently, it is now a terrible thing to just have one pose for senior portraits, and one outfit and one hairstyle for said photo. One must now have a multitude of clothing changes, different scenes - live and local as well as studio locations, and include such props as golf clubs, french horns, horses, wiener dogs, and kayaks.

We are lucky enough to know someone who is willing to do us a huge favor by applying their professional skills to this task of senior photos. I'll be forever indebted to this kind person for easing the pain of the costly photo shoot.

Now - I'm trying to convince my daughter to wrangle the family cat for her portraits. Or maybe the lawn mower, or that pile of dirty laundry . . .

Seriously.