By ALEX CROS & ALANA BAROFSKY
Staff Writer
When students lined up to showcase their dazzling smile on Picture Day this year, returning
sophomores, juniors and seniors found a big change in the system.
Digital imaging teacher and longtime school picture photographer Maryanne Rodriguez was no longer
behind the camera; instead, it was a company hired by the school.
Rodriguez’ personal touch was greatly missed, students said.
“This year I felt like I was on a conveyer belt in a factory, just being sent through the line as quickly as
possible,” said junior Sarah Soltes.
Lifetouch photography was selected this year to capture the students’ school portraits.
The photographers planned to start at 7 a.m. but were late, which set the schedule behind, to the
complaints of waiting students.
Some students questioned the speed of the process in Room 107 as a photographer led them to a seat
and snapped their picture.
Senior Gabby Maurer said the process this year was rushed when compared to prior years.
“I understand that they were late, but that was their fault,” she said. “It wasn’t a huge deal because I had
already taken my senior pictures, but I as soon as I sat down they were already done with me.”
Sophomore Kristin Dolan agreed.
“The pictures this year were way too fast. All they said was ‘sit up straight’ and then took it,” Dolan
said.
Some students said they preferred Rodriguez’ service to that of Lifetouch.
“I liked Mrs. Rodriguez better because she let us retake our pictures if we didn’t like it on the first take,”
said sophomore Julianne Feaver.
Maurer said she appreciated the benefit of seeing her picture before it was printed, and the possibility of
retaking it several times without charge.
“Last year was much more relaxed, which makes sense because it was in-house,” she said.
Rodriguez said the change will save her a lot of time. “It’s a lot less work for me. It’s not a big deal for
me either way,” she said.
But the school used its in-house service as a fundraiser, something the school will probably miss, she
said.
“When I took the pictures, CHS raised about $3,000, which bought equipment, supplies and the buses
for field trips,” she said.
“This year, it became much pricier, and you had to order a package. This isn’t convenient or cost
effective,” said Maurer.
Principal James Gleason said students were able to get their ID cards earlier in the year and they
included better features, including the bar code and a thicker paper.
“One of the big things was the student IDs. The organization did it for free and can handle it better,”
Gleason said.
Students received their latest school portraits from Lifetouch in mid-October, with retakes taken shortly
after. They still miss the old way, some students said.
“When Mrs. Rodriguez took our pictures, I always got to have a nice little conversation with her and she’d
compliment my smile so that was lovely,” said Soltes.