Why I Offer Pay-What-You-Can Senior Portraits in Olympia

Senior year is one of the biggest milestones in a young person’s life. It marks the closing of a childhood chapter and the beginning of... well, whatever comes next. It is a moment that deserves to be documented.

But if you have looked for a senior portrait photographer in Olympia or Thurston County recently, you have probably noticed a trend: it is expensive.

The average session fee for senior photos can easily range from $400 to over $1,000. For many families, especially with the rising cost of living, that price tag turns a celebratory moment into a source of financial stress.

I founded Russell Moore Photography to capture our community, not to gatekeep it. That is why I decided to offer Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC) sessions for high school seniors.

Here is why I made that decision—and how it works.

Every student deserves professional senior portraits that capture their true vibe—regardless of budget.

1. Photography Shouldn't Be a Luxury Gatekeeper

I believe that every student deserves to look and feel like a star before they graduate. You shouldn't have to choose between paying a utility bill and having a high-quality portrait that captures who you are at this age.

When we put a high price tag on memories, we exclude a massive part of our community. As a father of three, I know how quickly expenses pile up during the school year—yearbook fees, sports gear, prom, cap and gown. Photography should add to the joy of senior year, not the debt.

Your session can be a mix of casual outfits and your uniform. Let's capture the sport you've dedicated four years to.

2. Equity and Inclusivity Are Actions, Not Just Words

You will see "Inclusivity" mentioned a lot on my website. To me, being an inclusive photographer means more than just being a safe space for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC students (though it certainly means that, too!).

Inclusivity is also economic. By removing the financial barrier, I get to work with a much more diverse group of students from Tumwater, Olympia, North Thurston, and beyond. I get to meet athletes, artists, and academics who might otherwise skip photos altogether. That diversity makes my portfolio better, and it makes my business stronger.

I don't do 'stiff' here. Real texture, real lighting, real moments.

3. "Pay What You Can" Does Not Mean "Discount Quality"

There is a misconception that a lower price means lower quality. Let me be clear:

A PWYC session gets the exact same "Russell Moore" treatment as a full-price commercial session.

• You get the same professional camera gear and lighting.

• You get the same high-end editing and retouching.

• You get the same pre-shoot consultation to plan your outfits and location.

• You get the same energy and hype during the shoot.

I don't hold back frames or lower the resolution because you paid less. That’s not how I operate.

How It Works

I keep it simple to avoid any awkwardness.

1. Book Your Date: Reach out via my Contact Page and let me know you are interested in a PWYC Senior Session.

2. The Session: We meet, we shoot, we have fun. Whether we are at the track, downtown Olympia, or a local park, we focus entirely on creating cool images.

3. The Payment: You pay what fits your budget. No questions asked. No income verification required. If that’s $50, great. If it’s $300, great.

Let’s Create Something Awesome

If you are a Class of 2026 senior (or a parent!) and you’ve been stressing about the cost of photos, let this be your sign to breathe easy.

Let’s focus on capturing your vibe—whether that’s in a sports uniform, holding an instrument, or just hanging out in your favorite hoodie.