Honored to be a part of Coyote Pride memories!
It was another white hot Arizona morning when I arrived at Campo Verde High School for the Coyote Marching Band senior banner portrait and photo media day for the Class of 2025. These seniors weren’t just getting through another day; they were gearing up for something that marks a huge milestone in their high school careers. And the best part? I got to capture that moment. I also got a lesson is smoke machines staying outside haha!
The marching band seniors were all set for their banner portraits, and you could tell that the excitement was real. These kids have been practicing together for years, perfecting their routines, and now they’re on the brink of their final year. You could see it in their faces — a mix of pride, nervousness, and a hint of nostalgia. They were about to kick off their last season, and this was the moment to capture that transition.
The Campo Verde Coyote Marching Band has built quite the reputation in the Arizona marching band scene. Their dedication and precision during performances are impressive, and they’ve consistently ranked high in competitions. I remember hearing stories about how they work long hours perfecting their show, making sure every note and every movement is sharp. The pride they take in their craft is evident from the first click of the camera. Every student stood tall, holding their instruments like they were born with them in hand, ready to be immortalized on their senior banners.
Working with these seniors, I could see the strong camaraderie they had developed over the years. There’s something unique about band kids — they spend so much time together, sweating under the Arizona sun, working toward a shared goal. You can feel the bond that forms in those long rehearsals, where patience runs thin but the music keeps them going. It’s these friendships and shared experiences that I love capturing. I didn’t have to pose them too much; the genuine connection they have with each other just naturally shows through the lens.
We kicked off the session with individual portraits for the senior banners. These aren’t just any photos — they’ll be on display at Friday Night Lights and banquets, reminding everyone in the school of the legacy these students are leaving behind. Some seniors went for classic poses with their instruments front and center, while others brought a bit more personality to the shoot. A saxophonist cracking a joke right before I clicked the shutter or a percussionist giving a sly smile, knowing it’s their last first day of marching band season. These small moments made each portrait unique.
Because the oppressive August heat, Matt Kozacek Director of Bands knew that keeping the kids safe meant uniform photos would need to be indoors and cool. I suggested the all band composite- I love making these! They are the best way to feature every face with perfect visibility. And I think they look cool too! Check it out below.
As I captured these moments, I couldn’t help but think about how much dedication it takes to be part of a marching band. The early morning practices, the long bus rides to competitions, the sore muscles after a full day of performing. It’s a grind, but these students wouldn’t trade it for anything. They’ve poured their hearts into this, and you can see it in their performances and their photos. They’re proud of what they’ve accomplished, and they should be.
The session wasn’t just about serious poses and perfect lighting, though. One of my favorite parts of the day was when the students let their guard down. During breaks, they’d start chatting with each other, laughing about something funny that happened during practice, or teasing each other about a missed step in rehearsal. I passed my phone to the seniors to type exactly how they wanted their names on their banners, and was lol'ing for real when I noticed a few of them snapped selfies! Band kids are the best kids. Those candid moments, when they forget the camera’s there, are always my favorite. It’s in those split seconds that you catch the true essence of who they are — not just as marching band members, but as friends and teammates.
I’ve got to hand it to them. Organizing a marching band media day is no small feat, especially when you’re dealing with dozens of teenagers, all with their own personalities and quirks. But the directors at Campo Verde have a way of balancing fun with discipline, and that’s a big part of what makes this band so successful.
As the session wrapped up, I took a moment to reflect on what these photos represent. For the seniors, this marks the beginning of the end of their high school journey. They’re standing on the edge of something new, preparing to step out into the world beyond Campo Verde, but still holding tight to the memories and friendships they’ve built here. These portraits will hang on the stadium fence for the rest of the season, but for the seniors, they’ll hold on to these memories long after they’ve graduated.
If you’re a marching band senior, band director, or parent, or booster organization, don’t let this moment pass you by. Book your senior banner portraits and team photo sessions now. These are the memories you’ll want to look back on, whether it’s your child’s last marching band season or their big moment in the spotlight.
Anjeanette Photography is here to capture those moments that matter, making sure that you’ve got something to remember long after the last note has played. So, whether you’re part of the Arizona marching band scene or just a proud parent wanting to commemorate your senior’s final year, let’s make it happen. Don’t wait too long — time flies faster than you think!
Team & Band photographer Anjeanette Photography specializes in dynamic & epic portraits that make individuals & teams look & feel great. FOR Parents & coaches looking for affordable, professional IMAGES to boost the self-esteem of their players while providing a fun experience, all while making lasting memories and keepsakes.
hire Anjeanette to create visually compelling portraits & banners that stand out.
