Athletes+Sports
Teens+Tweens
Seniors
As summer morphs into fall, a whole new Class of Seniors officially enter into their “Senior Era.” They walk the halls of their high schools at the top of the totem pole, checking off an entire year of “last firsts.” For both the students and their parents, Senior Year is full of conflicting emotions. Senior Year is bittersweet. Senior Year is wonderfully chaotic. But Senior Year is something to be celebrated.
Here at LPJ Photo, we celebrate and pamper all of our clients, but every year we have a handful of Seniors who sign up for the ultimate Senior Photo experience of our Senior Rep Team. They get an extended, full of frills senior session, and we hold at least 4 themed shoots throughout the year. I am SO excited to introduce you to Team 2025 and their first group shoot!
Team 2025 leaned into the Taylor Swift “Eras” trend for a Back to School themed shoot. I gave them each an “In My Senior Era” t-shirt, then asked them to make Senior Jeans… and their creativity BLEW me AWAY.
Just check them out:
But before I introduce you to our Team 2025… if you aren’t a senior yet, but you’re thinking this Rep Team thing might be something you want to know more about, I have all the details about how it works on the home page of my website. Just scroll down until you see this photo, then click on the “iPad”:
Annnddd… here is Team 2025!
Casey, Roanoke Rapids High School
When I asked Casey to describe herself, she said:
“I am very easy going and relaxed I would say. Family and friends are important to me and I go above and beyond to please them and others. I play soccer, volleyball, and do swim along with dance.”
But she is being humble… Casey is a STAND OUT on the field, on the court, in the pool, and on the stage. This future nurse has a brilliant mind and a sweet personality, and is the 2025 Roanoke Valley Distinguished Young Woman of the Year.
I had the privilege of photographing her four older brothers and sister (YESSS… Casey is the youngest of FIVE)… and I could NOT be more excited that it is FINALLY her turn!
Emily, Northern Nash High School
Emily has a resume that will make your head spin. It’s as if the term “well rounded” was coined just for her. She is a 4-sport standout, playing Volleyball, Golf, Basketball, and Softball (you’re looking at Northern Nash’s 2024 female athlete of the year), but she is so much more.
Emily’s athletic accomplishments are matched by her talent as an artist and her work in the classroom. When she lost her grandad to cancer, she found a life’s mission: to become an oncologist and serve those walking that same road. Fitting, for a person whose selfless attitude values family above all.
I had the honor of photographing Emily’s brother last year and she made the trip for us to shoot her for Prom last year. I CANNOT WAIT to have her in front of my camera again!
Natalie, Liberty University Online Academy
When I speak to Natalie, I am left feeling refreshed and uplifted… she has THE kindest, most genuine soul. I don’t know how to describe it, except when I talk to her I’m struck with the overwhelming knowledge that she is GOOD, wholesome and sweet.
Natalie feels at home on the stage, where she participates in beauty pageants and has danced since the age of 3. While dance is her passion, Natalie is also a member of the Girl Scouts of America where she is working on her Gold Award.
She will finish high school with an associates degree in interdisciplinary studies and then go to college. While her career plans are up in the air, one thing is for sure: I am SO thankful to get to photograph this gem of a girl this year. It has been such a pleasure getting to know her!
Paris, Roanoke Rapids High School
Exactly half of Team 2025 is a younger sibling of a past LPJ Photo Senior, and Paris is one; but much like Casey and Emily, this little sister is in no one’s shadow. She is as kind as she is gorgeous, and her sweet spirit is as striking as her beautiful blue eyes.
The thing I love most about this Varsity Cheerleader is that while she carries herself with confidence, she understands that HER light shines brighter when she lifts up others around her. She is a “girl’s girl,” someone who others can count on; someone who will invest time and energy into maintaining strong bonds with family and friends.
When I asked her why she chose to be part of Team 2025, Paris said, “I want to be on this rep team to make friends and strong connections, and obviously rep LYMARIE and her awesome work!”
Friend, I CANNOT WAIT to work with you… I already know your shoot will be EPIC.
Austin, Roanoke Rapids High School
Let’s be honest. Having all eyes on you during a photo session can be awkward, so I try to meet all my Seniors in person before we ever pick up the camera. That way, they will understand my sense of humor and trust that I am their hype girl, there to bring out the best in them. That way, they TRUST that the posing we are doing LOOKS natural, even if they feel crazy.
The initial consult with Austin and his family was ALL joy, and every interaction I’ve had with him since has only made me like him more. We first bonded over our taste in music, and he was the inspiration for the “In My Senior Era” idea. I loved listening to his hilarious back stage stories from the musicals he’s been in. Austin is funny, he is eclectic, he is smart, and best of all he tries to live life by following a strong moral compass.
I had the chance to photograph Austin and his date before his Junior Prom last year, and I am looking SO forward to shooting again!
Maecy, Roanoke Rapids High School
Maecy told me she thought Team 2025 would be a good stress reliever from all the deadlines and hectic schedules of Senior Year. She wants a way to let loose and have fun, away from the pressures of the day to day… and I’m thrilled to hear it because that’s exactly what I want too!
Needing an escape is understandable. Maecy has a full plate! Not only does she play volleyball and softball, but she’s in a variety of leadership, academic, and service clubs at school… but what strikes me most about Maecy is that I know whatever comes her way, she is strong enough to handle it, and that she has a support system around her willing to be there for her when she feels she can’t.
Faith, family, and friends are what is most important to Maecy, as is remembering her Dad, whom she lost last year.
That type of loss, especially at her age has to be brutal, but the way she and her mom forge ahead with strength and grace, together, is something that’s inspirational to behold. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be around them, and I cannot WAIT to get to work with them again!
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