Students were in for a surprise last Friday when they walked into Benjamin Hall dressed their best: a new photography company.
Previously, individual photos have been taken by MOYA Studio photographers and were shoulder-up against a navy blue background. Focused on Forever Studio, the new company, took a different approach. Students posed for a variety of photos against different backdrops: two in front of a baby blue background with their hands on their hips and folded in front of them and another two against a beige background with their legs on a step stool and hands either on the back of the neck or hugging one knee.
The previous picture day experience with MOYA Studio felt much more personal to some. Despite the simplicity of the pose, photographers made each student feel special by making modifications that catered to their individual angles and creating a comfortable atmosphere.
In comparison, some students felt the Focused on Forever Studio experience was more impersonal and rushed.
“I really don’t know how [my photos] are going to turn out with those poses,” freshman Shemayah Jean-Louis commented. “Plus, I just felt really rushed because I had a test to get back to.”
When interviewed, many students also talked about the awkward nature of the poses or their embarrassment at doing them in front of their classmates.
Freshman James Wright said: “The poses kinda weird, so I definitely prefer the old company.”
Conversely, some students appreciated the change brought along by Focused on Forever Studio.
“I thought the backgrounds really went well because when they were navy no one could wear dark colors, but now you could if you wanted to,” said freshman Caroline Connor.
Back when pictures were taken by MOYA Studio, whites, pastels, and other popping colors were popular among students because they didn’t blend into the dark background. These lighter backgrounds will allow for greater self-expression and more variety in student wear during future picture days. The versatile poses also allowed students to show off their outfits more.
“[The poses] were definitely different–not in a bad way–but I’m curious to see my pictures,” junior Payton Connors shared.
While opinions on the new photography company varied, the change undoubtedly marks a departure from tradition. With Focused on Forever Studio operating as the new photographers, students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the company and experiment with their picture day outfits.
