<p>Hmmm. I wonder if this variation could be regional. I went to high school in WA state. EVERYONE had their senior pictures done by a professional, outside photographer, and then submitted their picture to the yearbook. At my S’s high school (Idaho) the yearbook picture is required to be a head shot: tuxedos for guys and “black drape” (looks like an evening gown) for girls. They have an outside photographer come to the school, provide the clothing for the pics, and have all seniors have their pictures taken on a certain day. This is so every student will have a similar picture in the yearbook, and I think so the yearbook staff does not have to worry about private pictures getting there on time, kids not dressing to standard, etc. There is no charge, but they will give families the opportunity to purchase pkgs of this pose. We had already scheduled S’s private session before I learned of this, but it didn’t matter; I had this done when I was a kid and enjoyed it!
BTW, most kids here do get their pictures done privately for family, grad announcements, trading with friends.</p>