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Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2005 > August > 20 > Entry
Seniors going too far
The Associated Press is reporting the bizarre story of a girl mauled and killed by a tiger while posing for her senior picture.
Senior pictures have gotten a little out of hand. Back in the day, you just showed up in an ill-fitting sport coat and a tie you borrowed from your dad for the senior picture cattle call. Just look at Kevin Costner’s senior photo and you’ll see what I mean.
That’s no longer good enough. Now everyone seems to get their own photo professionally made. I noticed this trend about six years ago while covering education at a smaller paper. Part of my job was to organize an annual graduation section, complete with photos of the top students from every school in our area.
In the course of handling dozens of senior photos, I saw kids posed with with their musical instruments, in their sports uniforms, on their motorcycles or even with their pets. And the photos were getting increasingly racy — girls in slinky dresses, shirtless boys.
Now, as this tragic story shows, the kids are going even farther. If you don’t know what I mean look here and here to see a few examples of the glamour shots that pass for senior photos today.
Have you seen even crazier photos than these? What do you think about edgy senior photos?
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: My Favorite Posts
Comments
By John
August 25, 2005 11:12 PM | Link to this
I feel that Senior Photos have gotten way out of hand. I agree that it is not just the kids fault parents can say no. I would also say that in Columbus, OH the trend for glamour shots goes back more than 6 years, more like 15. My comment has been exactly why do you need a change of clothes for a Senior Picture? I’ve seen several that have ahalf dozen or more outfits and even more poses. It seems that they are creating a porfolio to give to modeling agencies rather than a senior photo. I’m sure in two years when my Sophmore daughter wants her pictures taken I’m going to be one very unpopular Dad as I believe that you only need one photo. I might concede to two, one for friends and one for relatives but that’s it (I hope) WHo knows I might be eating these words in two years!By Tim
August 22, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this
I can understand why the kids want them. I’m sure they think these pics are cool. But I guess this is one of those times when parents need to say, ‘no,’ both verbally and financially to those sorts of pictures. There’s nothing wrong with kids having their senior picture taken with the things that matter to them, be it a skateboard, a football, a tennis racket, even a prized horse. But they don’t need to be action shots, IMHO. That seems excessive. But I think it’s up to the parents to impose some sense on the kids, if they don’t have it for themselves in this situation.By Dirk Smiggler
August 22, 2005 4:37 AM | Link to this
America: Veinest Society EVER.By Fish3210
August 21, 2005 10:35 AM | Link to this
Ohio’s legislators, who were told by the Ohio Supreme Court to change the funding system, chose not to do so. And virtually all who were not term-limited were re-elected. So I’m not sure who the “someone” is who will make the state of Ohio comply.By ELAINE
August 20, 2005 7:23 PM | Link to this
Dixie Schools face cut backs- tax payers can’t stand any more taxes-when is someone going to make the State of Ohio come in compliance with the Ohio Supreme Court ruling stating that the means and manner Ohio supports education in unconstitutional?