As juniors begin to explore potential colleges and career fields as well as meet the extra demands required by school, Saige Fehresti demonstrates her passion for photography through her own business website, Lahzeh Photography.

Fehresti started taking artsy photoshoots with her friends in sixth grade, which led to many students requesting her photography skills to take their senior pictures. After successfully finishing her first project, Fehresti was encouraged by her friends and family to explore and go further. “Officially, the website was up in May, and I have already had a good five senior pictures, three weddings, a concert in DC, engagement pictures, maternity pictures. I have sold a ton of scenery pictures,” said Fehresti.

The photography website, Lahzeh Photography, is inspired by her Persian family background. “‘Lahzeh’ stands for ‘moment’ in Persian, and my facebook page’s slogan is ‘Every moment is a priceless memory. Saving today’s memories for tomorrow.’ My mom’s an artist and a graphic designer. My cousin is [also] into photography which is how I got started with all of this,” said Fehresti.

Fehresti’s photography projects include engagements, senior pictures, family portraits, maternity, pets, and weddings. “For weddings it’s usually me and one other person so like we get different areas. The other customers usually love that. For instance, at a wedding, some people might be walking, and I might be at the other side getting pictures of the father and the bride before she walks in. [It’s] a huge moment!” said Fehresti.

In addition to its wide variety of photo concepts, Lahzeh Photography also stresses the importance of different seasons and locations, which contributes to the variety of photography themes her customers request. “Summer is all about senior pictures, and it’s also the biggest hit for weddings. Family portraits are starting to become very popular for Christmas cards, [and] engagement photos happen year round. Wayzata Boulevard seems to be a big hit for girl’s senior pictures,” said Fehresti.

Having the advantage of managing a flexible work schedule, Fehresti maintains a healthy balance of school, extracurricular activities, and her photography business. “It’s kind of nice because I can basically come up with my own hours. It’s not like I am being forced to work seven hours a day or anything. I plan the photo shoots ahead of time, so I can balance my schoolwork. I can [also] edit on my own time without a certain schedule,” said Fehresti.

With the majority of high school students regularly involved in social media, Fehresti promotes her business by informing potential customers on Facebook and sharing business cards. As people contact Fehresti and the Lahzeh Photography website, she hopes to continue the success of her business.“When I grow up I’d like to keep this as a hobby alongside a real job. It will look good on college applications. I love doing it. I do it in my free-time. It’s great!” said Fehresti.