Extreme senior photos

For her senior yearbook photo, Carlee Hebert skipped the studio and headed to her backyard pool.

"I mean, that's like, every little girl's childhood dream is to be a real-life mermaid. And I got to do that. And I have that picture," Hebert said.

Carlee Hebert

Hebert, 17, posed for a more conventional senior photo with her dog.

Violin

Many teens opt for creative photos that highlight their hobbies and passions.

Frisbee

"For us, senior photography is more than just taking a really pretty picture," said Digi Smiles photographer Christine Tonkin. "Something that would make them say wow, you really captured my personality in a really unique way."

Cheerleader

Elaborate yearbook photos are a trend in 35 states. Kids bring their personalities; Parents bring their credit cards.

"Call of Duty"

Tonkins' typical family spends $2,000. Some have spent more than twice that.

"You can't have that time again. But we'll always have the pictures," Tonkin said about the price tag.

Newsies

Other students take their senior photos a step further, dressing up in elaborate costumes.

Bear cub

Digi Smiles photographed a girl with a bear in a circus-like set.

Spider-Man

One senior Spider-Man crouches on a rooftop.

Batman

Lots of families feel the price of these sessions is worth it. Digi Smiles has started booking senior portraits for the class of 2019.