FAQS:
Do I have to go to the CADY studio to get my senior portrait taken?
YES! The number of seniors who were no-shows to on-campus photos was huge. It was difficult to justify having a photography company on campus more than six times in the fall semester, and some days only had 10-15 slots full. So, we now use a photo company with a full studio only 4 miles from LHS and with lots of really great options for senior photos. However, seniors must make their own appointments. The good news is seniors will get more time spent on them in the studio, making sure they look their best. Also, there is still a FREE session option that includes both your yearbook pose and cap and gown pose.
I'm having difficulty securing an appointment slot. What should I do?
Keep checking as new days and times become available every day.
When is the last day to take senior portraits?
Senior portrait slots at the studio are open. The last day to take senior portraits will be the last day of the fall semester in 2025.
What pose will the yearbook use?
The yearbook will be using a casual pose of the student's / family's choice. However, if the student / family would prefer to use the formal pose, that choice is up to the student and his or her family. The yearbook will NOT be using the cap and gown photo. The yearbook will NOT use a full-body casual shot to ensure that student's faces are visible in the portraits.
My sibling(s) graduated from Leander and didn't have to go to the studio to take their senior photo. Why do we?
The number of seniors who were no-shows to on-campus photos was huge. It was difficult to justify having a photography company on campus 6+ times in the fall semester, and some days only had 10-15 slots full. We made the decision to use a photo company with a studio only 4 miles from LHS and with lots of really great options for senior photos, but it requires seniors to make their own appointments. The good news is seniors will get more time spent on them in the studio, making sure they look their best. Also, there is still a FREE session option that includes both the yearbook photo and cap-and-gown photo.
Will Leander High School be sending out a sign-up genius for senior yearbook photo time slots?
No. Seniors will need to make an appointment at the CADY studio.
Do I have to get my senior photo taken by CADY?
For the 2026 yearbook, you must use CADY for your senior yearbook portrait. However, you can choose any other company for additional senior photos.
Do I have to purchase photos from CADY?
No! The CADY yearbook session is free. No purchase is required.
Let's move on to the most important question - what should you wear?
Although we encourage students to dress nicely for the photo, it's important to note that I won't be enforcing any specific dress code beyond what's already outlined in the student handbook. Students are free to choose from a variety of clothing options, including everyday attire like jeans, T-shirts, and casual dresses that reflect their personal style. Most students seem to prefer a dressy/business casual look, such as collared shirts, blouses, or casual dresses that strike a balance between casual and formal. However, some students are opting for a more formal look, which is perfectly acceptable. Students can even wear a traditional tux if they choose to do so, but ultimately, it's up to the students and their families to decide what they wear.
Click here to see outfit inspiration
So, what are props, and can I bring props to use in my casual senior yearbook portrait?
Yes, below is a list of props we recommend.
PROP RECOMMENDATIONS: • Favorite Books • Musical Instrument • Band Uniform • Mascot Costume • T-shirt from College You Plan To Attend • Armed Services Uniform • Trophies/Medals • Senior Ring • Confetti Or Balloons • Then & Now Photo Comparison • Car, Truck Or Motorcycle (Only Outdoor Scenes, please) • Artwork (Your Painting, Drawings Or Sculptures) • Costumes (Favorite Superhero Or Character) • Pets (Bring A Pet Carrier Or Someone To Watch Your Pet While You Complete Your Session) • Sports Equipment (Ball, Cleats, Gloves, Helmet) • Letterman Jacket Or FFA Jacket • Uniform Or Jersey • Pom Poms • Sunglasses • Pageant Crown & Sash • Hats – Ball Cap, Cowboy Hat or Tierra/Crown (Save For Last So You Don’t Have Hat Hair Your Whole Session)
Is it possible to use a horizontal photo for my yearbook portrait?
No. When referring to "senior yearbook portraits" or the "portrait section" of the yearbook, the term "portrait" specifically means individual photos of students and staff. These photos are taken in a vertical orientation, also known as "portrait orientation," to capture the subject in the best way possible.
Ok. Then why did my CADY photographer take horizontal photos?
Well, they are professional photographers, and changing camera orientation is like second nature to them. It's Photography 101. So if you're super worried about it, just remind them while you're in the studio, and I guarantee they'll try their best to keep the camera vertical.
When I previewed my photos at the studio they were in color, but when I received the link a few days later, they were in black and white. What happened?
When you were at the studio, you were shown unedited preproduction photos. These were RAW images that you examined to ensure that you were happy with your smile, hair, pose, and hand position. The photos were later converted to black-and-white during post-production because you likely chose that option when booking your appointment. To confirm, you can either check your CADY account or contact the studio directly for information on the scene you selected.
I've heard some stories where CADY has messed up, and some seniors have had to go back to the studio for the second time.
Yes, there have been some instances where one of the CADY photographers have forgotten to take the casual pose. While this is certainly not ideal, I want to reassure you that CADY has taken steps to ensure that this does not happen again. However, we are all human, and mistakes do happen, but they are doing everything they can to make sure your studio experience is a smooth and positive one.
What if I don't take my picture by the deadline?
You will not be pictured in the senior section of the yearbook, which is such a bummer! We want ALL our seniors pictured to look at in May when we get the yearbooks AND to look back on in 10, 20, or 50 years!