Local photographers bring free senior picture sessions to Visalia area grads
Graduating from high school is a big milestone and an exciting part of a teenager’s life.
There are many traditions that go along with high school graduation. One rite of passage is the taking of senior pictures. However, this tradition comes with a hefty price tag.
A local photographer is trying to ease this stress for students who can't afford to pay for pictures. Danielle Ruby is a professional portrait photographer in Visalia. With the help of 20 local photographers, they will offer students professional pictures at no cost.
"Photography is my greatest joy and passion, and my favorite gift to share. Because graduation is coming up, I had posted to several local Facebook groups offering free senior portrait sessions to 2024 grads who would otherwise be unable to afford them," Ruby said. "Thanks to our community’s interest and support I was able to provide free sessions to 10 local grads, but I simultaneously became aware of a much greater need."
It was at that time, Ruby added, that Isabel Montenegro also recognized the need and without hesitation, stepped up and offered to take a leading role in organizing a greater effort to reach more grads.
"With Isabel’s selfless dedication and overwhelming support from local photographers, high school teachers and staff, and community volunteers we will be able to provide professional senior portraits to 90 Visalia 2024 Graduates," Ruby said.
The 90 selected seniors will be offered photo sessions on three different days in May at three locations. Teachers and staff at the high schools will help determine who is most in need of this opportunity.
“The need is great. Times are extremely tough and professional portraits just aren’t possibly for many families in our community,” Ruby said. “These graduates have worked hard through adversity to achieve this milestone and they deserve to be honored and celebrated. A picture is worth a thousand words, and we strive to make them words of encouragement.”
Portrait sessions will be held from 3-5 p.m. on May 11 in downtown Visalia, May 18 along Lort Road near Exeter and May 19 at Kaweah Oaks preserve. These locations will allow students to pose in local spots that offer beautiful and natural backdrops for special senior photos, Ruby promised.
“For many, photos represent a special moment in their lives. I believe that every photo captured is a special memory to look back at and remember. Every picture tells a unique story, is the way I view it,” Montenegro said. "My inspiration to be the volunteer coordinator of this event is because I know how special pictures can be. I unfortunately, was a senior who didn't get to experience that. So I want to give back to my community and be the reason other graduates get to experience this. They are our future and are deserving of these professional portraits. Overall, we hope to inspire other communities, to do the same for their senior graduates.”
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Photographers offer free senior picture sessions to Visalia area teens
