FAQS:

Who made the decision to switch photo companies?

It was a decision made by Leander Student Media, Mr. Simpson, and myself. The decision to change photo companies after a long partnership with our previous company was based on a variety of factors, including the need for more advanced software and a closer studio. Unfortunately, the prior photo company could not meet our needs in certain areas that we believe are crucial to maintaining the excellence of our yearbook program. We believe CADY Photography is better equipped to meet our specific needs and standards. Our priority is to ensure that we continue to produce a high-quality yearbook that reflects the achievements and memories of our students.

I understand that changes like these might seem unsettling, but please be assured that our main objective is to enhance the experience for our students and provide them with the best possible experience. We are committed to finding a partner that shares our values and dedication to excellence. 

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 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 your yearbook pose and cap and gown pose!

We will NOT be taking on-campus portraits this year. Click here for directions on how to make an appointment.

Having difficulty securing an appointment slot? 

Keep checking as new days and times become available every day.

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 your yearbook photo and cap and gown photo! See the info above on how to make an appointment.

Will Leander High School be sending out a sign-up genius for senior yearbook photo time slots, as they have done in previous years?

No, you will need to make an appointment at the CADY studio, as we will NOT be taking on-campus senior yearbook photos. If you experience any issues while using or navigating CADY's website, it's best to contact them directly for assistance. Sending me an email to complain about it won't help since I don't have the ability to fix the problem. It's important to note that we don't have access to their scheduling system, just like we didn't in previous years.  

Do I have to get my senior photo taken by CADY?

For the 2024 LHS yearbook, you must use CADY for your senior yearbook portrait. However, you can choose any other company for additional senior photos, including Photo Texas.

Do I have to purchase photos from CADY? 

No! The CADY yearbook session is free, and purchase is not required. 

Why didn't the yearbook staff and I distribute a survey to parents about internal program modifications, such as changes to the senior yearbook pose?

Much like other groups on campus, my yearbook staff and I feel confident making certain decisions, such as choosing casual senior poses, without sending out a survey. There's no added cost, and parents are welcome but not required to attend the photo session. Most seniors can handle their own scheduling and transportation. They just need to schedule an appointment, show up on time, have their senior yearbook portrait taken, and that's it. No purchase is required.

How about embracing a positive vibe to uplift your senior during this exciting time? Life is a roller coaster of changes, and showing them how to relish these moments can be a game-changer. The students who chat with me about their senior portraits are often thrilled, either looking for tips or buzzing with excitement about their pictures. So, why not ditch the negativity and jump into the fun? It's a time to celebrate!

Why did the yearbook staff choose the casual pose for the senior yearbook portrait instead of the tux/drape pose?

My staff and I decided on the casual pose for a couple of reasons, the most important being inclusivity. A fellow adviser from another district shared a story about a salutatorian who didn't get her picture taken because the traditional drape wasn't considered modest enough for her religious beliefs. Here at Leander, we don't want any senior to feel excluded or uncomfortable, which is why we've chosen to go with the yearbook casual pose for the senior section of the yearbook. We are not saying you can’t get the tux/drape photo taken. We are just not using the traditional waist-up tux/drape photo in the yearbook.

What is a casual pose? 

This photo is not your typical "wear whatever you want" or underclassmen photo. It's taken in a personalized way, with the photographer aiming to capture each student's best angles.

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. Your student can even wear a traditional tux if they choose to do so, but ultimately, it's up to each student and their family 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 Dec. 15, 2023?

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!

I hope this provides some clarity. 

Yearbook ONLY Session Includes: