Photography PropsHow To MakePhotographySenior PortraitsPortraitOtherHtmlGREENSBORO, N.C. – As Jada Hooks holds key chains showing two of her senior pictures, she says she feels proud. The Guilford County high school senior is happy that she can look at the pictures and feel like herself. “These are the best days of these children’s lives and the senior year is the best year, so you want your child to be comfortable,” said Ashley Benton, Hooks’ mother. Benton says when she and her daughter went to take senior pictures at Smith High School Tuesday, her daughter’s comfort zone was tested. The photographer shared with Hooks that girls usually wear pearls and a drape. “She said, ‘I'm going to ask a sensitive question. I can see you're not as girly, so do you want to take a tux or a drape?’ And of course I said tux. She said, ‘well they traditionally make you wear a drape,” Hooks explained. Benton says her daughter hasn’t worn a dress in 10 years.

“I could just see her anxiety level go up, and the photographer could see her anxiety level go up,” Benton said. The photographer talked to a teacher who checked with the school’s principal to see if Hooks could wear the tuxedo. The teacher came back to the photo session saying that Hooks would be allowed to wear the tuxedo. Hooks and her mom are thankful for the principal’s decision. “I just want to give him a huge thank you, a huge shout out to him because that was very big of him and very special to me,” Hooks said. “She doesn't have to look back on a picture and say that's not me. That wasn't me and they knew that wasn't me,” Benton said. Benton says what happened to her daughter is about more than a picture, it’s about sending a message to other openly gay youth. “I just think that this is going to be a great story and will help other children as well to maybe not be so scared to say ‘I don't want to wear that,’” Benton said.

The school’s principal was not in the office Friday to be reached for comment. However, a spokesperson for Guilford County Schools says that other principals have made similar accommodations. Referencing the school system’s non-discrimination policy, the spokesperson went on to say “GCS works hard to make sure our schools are welcoming, caring, inclusive and celebratory places for all children and young people.” Click to View Video To the Senior Class of 2017 If we have been selected by your school as the Official Senior Class Photographers or you are looking to take senior portraits, it’s time to start making plans for your Senior Portraits at our studio. Yearbook portraits MUST be taken in the summer so that we can meet your school’s yearbook deadline. #1 - What Are Senior Portraits and why do I want to have them taken? Answer - besides Your Yearbook picture being taken, Senior Portraits are photographs taken of You at the most important time of Your life.

They show you off in formal, fun, and casual style. They are an expression of Your personality captured by our Photographer to share with Your friends and family. #2 - What is my Yearbook picture and what do I wear for that? Answer - This is the photograph that will be given to the yearbook committee and will be used in Your class yearbook. The required attire for your yearbook picture will be as follows: Girls: Black Drape, Cap and Gown. Only two small earrings allowed in each ear or small necklace.Used Furniture Stores Mansfield Ohio Boys: Tux, Cap and Gown. Homes For Sale Roanoke Va One Level CAP & GOWN studio supplies Girls & Boys:  silver cap & gown, teal/black/silver tasselAustralian Shepherd Mix Puppies For Sale In Alabama

Girls: Black cap and gown holding red and white tassel Boys: Black cap and gown holding red and white tassel CAP & GOWN studio supplies Girls & Boys: Girls: casual & formal, Dress modest Boys: casual & formal, Suit & tie (no earrings) CAP & GOWN studio supplies Girls & Boys: black cap & gown, teal/gray/black tassel Boys: tuxedo shirt, jacket and tie CAP & GOWN studio supplies Girls & Boys: royal blue cap & gown, white tassel Girls: Black Drape w/ studio string  of pearls or your own metal delicate chain Boys: tuxedo shirt, jacket and tie, haircut and clean shave (No hemp, rope, or wide necklaces) CAP & GOWN studio supplies Girls: White  cap and gown, green/white tassel Boys: Green cap and gown, green/white tassel Girls: Purple gown, holding  purple cap, gold/purple tassel Boys: Purple gown, holding  purple cap, gold/purple tassel Girls: Blue  cap and gown, gray tassel Boys: Blue  cap and gown, gray tassel

#3 - How much will My Senior Portraits cost? Answer - A deposit of $95.00, that will be applied towards your order, is required at the time of your sitting. There is a minimum purchase of $139.00 and your satisfaction is guaranteed. DON’T FORGET YOUR CLASS RING!! Congratulations Class Of 2017 Please call the Studio to make your appointment as early as possible and when you call let us know of any special requests that you may have i.e.: outdoor portraits, portrait with a friend etc. here are some ideas to help you prepare for your SENIOR portrait SITTING- 1 - GETTING READY Allow ample time to get ready so you won’t be rushed and uptight, you want to look and feel your best. Please arrive at the Studio 15 minutes before your photography appointment to allow time for registration and to discuss your sitting. Wear your hair in your usual style, DON’T EXPERIMENT TODAY. Allow 3 days after a haircut for a more natural look. Bring 1 -2 changes of clothing that best reflect your personality.

Be sure that your clothes are neat and pressed. It’s best to bring your clothing on hangers for finished look. We are interested in making your Senior Portrait the most important portrait of your life! We want these portraits to reflect YOU!! You are encouraged to bring personal items that reflect the real you - hobbies, musical instruments, uniforms, sports equipment, cars, trucks, etc.. You can have your friends in your photos too!! Just have them come along with you and we will include them in some of your portraits. Be sure to let us know if you are bringing a friend when you make your appointment. Glasses often change magnification and can cause reflections and distortions that sometimes cannot be corrected in retouching. This can be a major problem, especially in outdoor photography. 7 - MAKE - UP Blemishes may show on previews, but our retouching will minimize them on your finished portraits. Girls - Keep your make-up natural, normal daytime make-up is best.