A Port Coquitlam photography company is offering outdoor photoshoots to graduates so they can capture that special milestone at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has scuttled much of the annual ritual.
The company, known as Photo Expressions, launched the photo event with the knowledge that so many graduates are leaving school disappointed they are missing their dinner and dance.
“Even though these photographs aren’t what they wanted, they’ll look back on this time and remember this historical moment,” said Michele Correa, who runs the store with her family.
“I’m hoping some of the kids will wear a mask to document the moment.”
Correa, who has three daughters, said she came up with the idea thinking of one of her own daughters graduating last year.
“It was such a special celebration for them — 13 years of school,” she said.
The shoot, which is scheduled for June 19 (4-8 p.m.) and June 20 (2-6 p.m.) costs $10 with all of the proceeds going to the Breakfast Club of Canada, an organization Correa said she used to volunteer at in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and in New York.
So far, half the spots have already filled up, though Correa said they are open to adding another weekend of shoots if there is enough demand.
Anyone taking part in the shoot is free to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, from pricey gowns and rented tuxedos to their favourite T-shirt and a pair of jeans.
“Something to remember this time by,” said Correa. “Some kids can’t afford gowns. Not everyone can spend $800 on a dress.”
The shoots will take place outside along the dyke bordering the Pitt River — a scenic location that allows for ample social distancing. Should it rain, the event might move to their spacious studio or get pushed to the next weekend.
In the meantime, Correa said her nearly 40-year-old family business, like most in the Tri-Cities, has been hit hard by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Much of their work comes from school dance photos and spring sports, business that’s been wiped out by the restrictions on large gatherings.
Still, said Correa, they managed to cobble together photo finishing work and are still producing some school yearbooks.
“It’s been a hit to the business,” she said. “But we survived going from film to digital, so we’ll survive anything.”
