Trends have changed drastically since Amy Marlan posed for her high school senior portraits. She remembers wearing the same pearls and drape as the rest of the women in her class. The men put on the top half of a suit.
Then, their family photographer took some shots of Marlan on a film camera, but the photos had to be “safe” because of the nature of film. Little room for error.
“Very ’90s with lots of hair spray,” Marlan told the Sun. “But it was documented. I have the picture.”
Now, as the founder behind Amy Marlan Photography, which turned 20 this year, she snaps portraits a little differently. Today it’s all about the lifestyle shots.
“I call them rapper photos,” she said.
Freeze the moment
To schedule a creative consultation with Amy Marlan Photography, visit amymarlan.com or call (805) 709-7273. Marlan offers portraits, branding sessions, pet photos, family photography, and more. See the possibilities on Instagram @amy_marlan_photography.
Rather than just a photo shoot, it’s a full experience. Think of a high school or college senior sitting inside of a Porsche at the dealership or exploring Boomers’ mini golf or arcade. A student in a red track suit roaming through In-N-Out or one with a snake wrapped around his shoulders. With the help of underwater camera equipment and weighted vests, students have even posed beneath the surface of the pool at Santa Maria’s Paul Nelson Aquatic Center.
Those types of out-of-the-box shots were part of Marlan’s submission to the Senior Muse magazine’s annual 50 to Follow contest. Despite this being her first year entering, the local photographer made it on the list.
“It’s just such an honor,” Marlan said. “Especially for the students, it’s the biggest deal.”
Her work centers on telling the story of each person. Marlan starts with a call to their parent or guardian and learns the senior’s personality and interests. Then she talks with the student to bounce ideas around for different settings and props, building trust and familiarity.
“They get to be part of the creative process,” Marlan explained. “I also am a big believer in dumb jokes. I’m not afraid to make myself look silly to help everyone else feel comfortable. I’m also not an over-the-top gregarious person, so I just meet people where their personality is.”
Her methods work. Past clients, especially young men, claim that these are the only pictures they’re proud to show their friends. Instead of the photo shoot being about what mom wants for the family, for example, it’s a snapshot into the senior’s life during a big milestone.
“To see especially the boys be like, ‘I hate having my picture taken,’ to, ‘This is me. This is so cool,’” she described.
The photographer enjoys taking portraits because it’s a chance to slow down and take her time. Large events like weddings can feel chaotic. With portraits she gets to set up lights and stage props, and help the students find a comfortable posture.
In addition to shoots on location, Marlan also has two staging areas at her business in Grover Beach. It’s a full-service photography studio where the owner creates framed artwork for clients’ homes. She said digital copies of photos may not be around in 20 years if they aren’t saved just right.
“I take pictures of their walls, and I digitally put their portraits on their walls to show them, ‘This is what it’s going to look like,’” Marlan said.
One of the most common shoots she conducts in the studio are seniors with their pets. It’s a less distracting environment for the animals, and Marlan can arrange the lighting perfectly.
She’s booking for the class of 2027 now. Though it might seem early, many local high schools require yearbook photo submissions in the fall. Business gets busy quickly, and since the pandemic she’s noticed fewer senior portrait photographers in the area. With moments captured forever, it’s best not to be in a hurry.
“We want them to be able to have their hair cut and pick out their outfits and not rush,” Marlan said. “The summer is really advantageous for that, and it’s lighter later. We just have a lot more fun that way.”
Highlights
• Support Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People by attending the 2026 Polo Classic at Happy Canyon Vineyard. The fundraiser is scheduled for June 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets include access to the polo matches, a ranch-style barbecue lunch, wine, beer, and soft drinks. To purchase a spot, visit happycanyonvineyard.com.
• The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce is calling for local bands to play at the Old Town Market in July and August. Performing is a way to connect with the community and be part of the summer tradition. Reach out to the chamber for more information by emailing chamber@lompoc.com or by calling (805) 736-4567.
Reach Staff Writer Madison White at mwhite@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in June 11 – June 18, 2026.
