Click, click, click! The sounds of cameras flashing are heard through school halls as upcoming seniors smile big for their portraits.
On May 5, Dallastown’s Class of 2026 attended a school assembly to learn about the new picture protocol for senior portraits.
Dallastown had been thinking about changing photographers ever since the retirement of the school’s previous photographer Scott Failor. While another business bought Failor’s old studio, it was time to try something new and take senior portraits in a new direction.
That’s when Dallastown discovered CADY. The company first began in Florida and now they own 22 locations, one in Horsham, PA.
With the photography company now being implemented in the state, Dallastown met with CADY representatives and were impressed with what they were able to offer the school.
“A nationwide company who has experience with [photography] was what we were looking for – and as they are new to the Pennsylvania area, we felt that this was a good fit for Dallastown,” Molly Dallmeyer, Dallastown teacher and yearbook advisor, said.
Something new for seniors is that they will have the option to take their portraits at the school. The journey to the CADY studio won’t work for everyone, so Dallastown made sure there was an opportunity for everyone to get their picture taken.
“There is adequate parking, you know where the high school auditorium is, you can bring your family, and it is all inclusive,” Dalmeyer said.
Seniors can choose to book one of the four dates that Dallastown is offering to get their portrait taken, or book a full appointment at the CADY studio. The studio in Horsham offers many different scenes, sets, and session types, while the selection at Dallastown is a little lighter.
There are two sessions available for purchase: simple sessions and standard sessions.
Simple sessions include a formal image, cap and gown photo, and one one casual scene. Standard sessions are similar, as they include one more casual scene than simple sessions.
Dallastown is also offering a free session that includes a formal image and a cap and gown photo. Even for the free sessions, students must book a date and time to get their portraits taken if they would like to be included in the yearbook.
With few dates available, Dallastown believed that students and families will be less likely to cancel their appointments. Given this information ahead of time, families will be better prepared for appointments.
“We are looking at this as a positive since we can streamline the process for people and the $0 sitting fee will really help our families in the long run,” Dallmeyer said.
This year Dallastown will only be accepting portraits taken with CADY, as publishing policies and size requirements make it difficult to gather every senior’s individual portrait.
“We have over 500 seniors this coming year, so I would have to quit my teaching job just to track everything that is necessary for senior photos. And, I love my teaching job!” Dallmeyer said.
These sessions are extremely different from anything Dallastown has offered before. Seniors have the opportunity to have portraits taken that show their personalities, and capture their vision for their senior year.
There will be a few 3D scenes at the school for photos, but the majority of sets will be at the CADY studio.
At the studio, seniors will have the opportunity to have their hair and makeup done, as well as bring in pets for photos. While the school’s mini-studios don’t offer those luxuries, students can still bring in their families for pictures.
The new photographer has provided Dallastown seniors with the opportunity to have their picture taken with more style than ever before. Senior year will be forever encapsulated in the picture you take with CADY.
