By Casey O’Connor
Staff Writer 

For most people, it is difficult to find a true passion in high school. Lena Mirisola, a senior at WA has known hers since the early age of 12 – photography.

“Photography really resonated with me. I love what I do,” said Mirisola.

Taking senior pictures, family portraits, and creating wedding albums are among some of the many things Mirisola photographs.

Mirisola has been running her own business for four years. Throughout those four years, Mirisola has moved away from artistic photography and has recently done more commercial photography.

Mirisola started doing senior pictures three years ago. Over the course of those three years, Mirisola has done approximately 75 senior shoots. In this year alone, she has completed 34 senior sittings and has 18 more booked.  Mirisola usually takes three or four days to give the pictures back.  The pictures are edited, put on a disc, put online, and then mailed to the client.

Hayley Veillette, a senior at WA, had her senior pictures taken by Mirisola.

“Lena made me laugh and was really funny and friendly but was still very professional and knowledgeable,” said Veillette.

Weddings are Mirisola’s favorite thing to photograph.

“I love capturing moments and capturing peoples emotions,” she said.

She started doing weddings in 2011, and since then she has done 11 weddings. Mirisola loves weddings because everyone is happy.

“A week or two ago one of my brides called me crying because she loved the pictures so much,” said Mirisola.

Mirisola has also been nationally published over 40 times. Mirisola attends concerts to take pictures and write reviews. After Mirisola attends a concert she sends her pictures and review to magazines who publish her work.

“It’s a fun thing I like to do on the side,” said Mirisola.

Running a business in high school is difficult for Mirisola. She is constantly at shoots or editing pictures.

“I couldn’t live without my calendar or my spreadsheet,” said Mirisola.”I’m constantly stressed about getting people their pictures, but I also want to put my best effort into them.”

At first, the business was casual but Mirisola’s business started picking up and then became more difficult to manage. Mirisola has had to hire an accountant and file taxes on her own.

“It’s important to follow good business practice,” said Mirisola.

As difficult as a self-run business is to manage in high school, Mirisola has no regrets.

“I get to get a head start on something I love doing,” said Mirisola.

Mirisola plans to go to either Mass Art or New England Institute of Art. Mirisola is expecting it to be easier to run her business in college.

“I’ve already had five years of experience. It can only get easier,” said Mirisola.

Mirisola is hoping her client list will increase when she goes to college.

“This is my thing and I’m going with it,” said Mirisola.