Olympia Senior Portraits: Bridging the Gap Between Quality and Access
There is a calm before the storm that is senior year. The passing of winter melts into spring, you get one last summer, and suddenly your Junior is a Senior. That is a lot to unpack emotionally, physically, and financially.
Come spring, most families in Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey will start the search for a senior photographer. The Puget Sound is home to hundreds of fantastic creatives who can make your teen look their best for the yearbook. But let’s be real: the financial strain of hiring a professional is real. It is one that I, too, have faced.
When you receive those final photos, it is a proud moment. The beauty of photography is that it lasts forever. Capturing a massive milestone in someone’s timeline is a privilege I do not take lightly. It is easy for kids to overlook how big these moments are now, but in twenty years, they will look at that photo on the mantle and either chuckle and think “cringe,” or feel the memories flood back.
My goal is to make sure it’s the latter.
The Elephant in the Room: The Cost
Being a photographer is expensive. Hiring a photographer is expensive. These are just facts, but I think it is important to understand both sides of the coin.
The Photographer’s Side Professional gear is an investment in reliability. When I show up to a shoot in Thurston County, I am carrying over $5,000 in camera bodies and lenses alone—not including lighting, editing software, and the years of experience that ensure I get the shot even in low light or rain. I don’t tell you this to justify exorbitant rates; I tell you this to create perspective on what goes into the "click."
The Parent’s Side But you didn’t think I was going to forget about your expenses, did you? This is the side of things that the industry rarely talks about. While businesses are busy calculating profit margins, clients are often left out of the equation.
Dropping $500+ on a photoshoot can be the difference between capturing these moments or buying new school clothes. You are already footing the bill for food, sports fees, and college applications. Squeezing in another huge fee when expenses are popping up left and right is stressful.
Professional Photography Should Be Inclusive
When I started Russell Moore Photography, I made a decision not to chase "rich." My goal was to create professional, equitable experiences while remaining inclusive. You shouldn’t have to be a six-figure earner to afford great photos of your child.
Over the last year, I have launched specific initiatives to help our community thrive:
1. The Community Headshot Project I believe good representation matters. A professional headshot can go a long way in getting you noticed on LinkedIn or in a casting call. That is why I launched a project to help members of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities gain access to professional headshots. I accept one sign-up per month, and everything is handled with the exact same care, consultation, and quality as my paying clients—at no cost.
2. Equitable Access for Seniors Expanding on that mission, I launched my Equitable Access Program. This allows 1-2 high school juniors (incoming seniors) to sign up for a Pay-What-You-Can pricing scale. This is a no-questions-asked transaction. You receive the same professional photoshoot, the same editing, and the same files as my full-rate clients.
Join the Class of 2027
Representation, style, and access are at the core of what I do. As I write this, I am currently looking for high schoolers to join my Class of 2027 Rep Team.
I am putting together a Lookbook to help future clients choose their styles, clothing, and locations. If you want to be part of a team that values grit, authenticity, and community, I want to hear from you.
The Class of 2027
Be the face of the brand. Get exclusive perks, earn print credits, and define the look for the upcoming year.
Apply for the Team