Best Senior Photographer – Amy Dye
Local photographer captures seniors’ personalities
More from the Student Choice Awards
Local photographer Amy Dye photographs Free State senior Meghan Perry during a photo session across the street from Dye’s house. “Honestly, I don’t know why [my photography is popular],” Dye said. “I’m just glad that it is.” Seniors can set up their sessions by visiting her website, www.amydyephotography.com. Photo by Mary Brady, The Free Press
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (785) 748-1180
Total votes: 70
Best known for: Taking senior pictures with personality
Year established in Lawrence: 2009
Free State senior Allyson Hertig starts her senior picture session in a makeup chair, getting a finishing touch that will be the final piece to her senior photography puzzle.
After making sure the last few details are in place, Hertig and senior photographer Amy Dye drive to the Rim Rock cross country course to begin the photo shoot.
Brainstorming ideas before the student arrives, Dye hopes that her photography has gained popularity because of her focus on personality.
“I try to make it a personal experience from the beginning to the end, so it truly is an experience and the senior feels special during that time,” Dye said.
Whether it is her pre-questionnaire or the time they spend driving around, Dye tries to get to know the student so the pictures have their own identity to them.
“I like to connect with the seniors and make them feel comfortable their pictures are a reflection of them, and not just some stiff pose,” Dye said.
Lawrence High senior Ellie Dunlap agrees.
“She’s really personable and flexible in her approach,” Dunlap said. “I loved her creativity with things like taking my [string] bass in a field or drawing chalk on a silo.”
Hertig also believes Dye’s focus on comfort allows the students to make their photos unique.
“She would often give me a little pose to do, and we’d try that for a while,” Hertig said. “During transitions, I’d either be messing with something, or playing with a branch on a tree or with my hands, and she’d just tell me to do it again. She was able to catch me in my ‘natural state.’”
As well as getting to know the students, Dye uses the environment she shoots in to inspire her shots.
![A common study spot for Free State students, Dillons caters to both sides of 15th Street, offering many students their first job. “It’s pretty easy to get hired there, so I guess that would be a pretty good reason to give them the [award],” senior Stewart Merz said. Photo by Sam Goodwin, The Free Press](https://lhsbudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20141203-SamG_Dillons-20-2-475x317.jpg)
