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I’m Dakota, a Wilmington, NC-based photographer helping engaged couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and creative businesses grow with purposeful brand imagery.

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The #DakotaHerseySenior Spokesmodel Experience | Guest Post By Lauren Wessell

May 29, 2018

As I prepare to welcome in a new team of #DakotaHerseySenior spokesmodels, I am so sad to say goodbye to my 2018 team! They have been absolutely amazing going through this adventure with me as my first ever team and I love hearing their thoughts on their experience. What better way to learn about what to expect during your senior experience than straight from the girls who’ve lived it?!

As I mentioned in 2018 senior spokesmodel Georgia Parnell’s guest post, I reached out to a few of my 2018 senior spokesmodels to have them answer a few questions about their senior experience, how they prepped for their session, and any advice they have for upcoming seniors.

Next up is Lauren Wessell (you can see her senior session here!!!), a sweet, ambitious, smart, class of 2018 senior at Charles B. Aycock High School in Goldsboro, NC.


If someone was trying to decide if they should get senior photos or not, what would you tell them?

I think everyone should get senior photos! It is such a fun experience and it’s something you can look back at years down the road to remember your time as a senior.

What should you look for in your senior photographer?

Your photographer should be someone you connect with, that way the session will be fun and enjoyable. You should also look into their work so you know what to expect.

What hesitations or concerns did you have before booking your senior session?

Unless you are extremely photogenic, I feel like everyone is afraid they won’t love pictures of themselves. But, if you trust your photographer and the vision your session will be fine!

What was your experience during your #DakotaHerseySenior session like?

I met Dakota in my future home, Wilmington and had such a fun time walking around downtown, while talking about UNCW. She made it super easy to relax, which I appreciated since being in front of the camera can be intimidating. Dakota is great at connecting with people and I loved hearing about her college experience.

Later, we went to the Arboretum and, thankfully, the flowers were in full bloom. After some time there, I was surprised with a promposal that Dakota helped plan with my good friend. It was overall such a good day and I was not disappointed!

What was your most memorable moment from being a Dakota Hersey senior spokesmodel?

Throughout the group sessions, I created many memories with Dakota and the team. My favorite moment would have to be chasing the “chickens” (they weren’t really chickens) at the fall session! That being our first session, it was really fun joking around and getting to know the girls better.

What did you do to prep for your session?

Since my session was rescheduled a few times, I had the opportunity to shop A LOT. I bought many new outfits and plenty of time to pick my favorites. My friends Anna and Kirsten (who already had their session with Dakota) came over the morning of my session to help with hair and makeup.  

See more of Kirsten’s Raleigh senior session here.

See more of Anna’s Wrightsville Beach senior session here.

What’s your favorite memory from senior year?

I’ve had many ups and downs my senior year, but, one of my overall favorite memories was creating our school yearbook. I was fortunate enough to be named an editor and worked hard all year with my fellow editors to create an amazing book. I vividly remember, sitting at lunch with Kirsten, getting the confirmation that the book was submitted. It was an amazing class that i’ll remember forever.

What are you looking forward to next year?

I am very excited to be living at the beach and experiencing new things with my best friend. I love home, but i’m definitely looking forward to leaving and becoming more independent.

What advice do you have to give to the rising seniors?

The best advice I can give is DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. Get your school work done so you have time to cherish your last year of high school. You don’t want to look back and only remember the work, stress, and hardships.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING PART OF THE 2019 DAKOTA HERSEY SPOKESMODEL TEAM, CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

hello!

I’m Dakota, a Wilmington, NC-based photographer Helping engaged couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and creative businesses grow with purposeful brand imagery.

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