Senior Portrait Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH ARE YOUR SESSIONS AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?
I offer several different packages. Studio, outdoors and a combination of both.
I’ve tried to keep it simple so the price that you see listed on each package, is all that you will have to pay! No hidden fees or minimum purchase amounts.
All of my sessions come with your own password protected gallery of digital images. From this gallery, you may order as much or a little as you’d like. There is a shopping cart there and it’s super easy to place an order!
You also receive a print release form which means if you’d rather print your photos elsewhere, feel free! You may print them wherever you want, as many times as you want!
Family or friends may also order through your gallery. Their order will be shipped right to their door!
If you’re not sure what you want to print, I encourage meeting up for an ordering session. I can show you the different products I offer (metals, thin wraps, canvases) and we can talk about what best fits your needs. For some of products like collages or albums, we’ll discuss the specific layout and photos that you want to use.
HOW DO YOUR PAYMENT PLANS WORK?
I get it, senior year can be expensive! Payment plans are a great way to spread out paying for your session. After you pick your session date and pay your $100 deposit, I’ll send you a Paypal invoice for the full amount of your package. You have the option of paying weekly, twice a month or monthly! I’ll send an updated invoice every time you make a payment so you’ll know the balance. The entire amount needs to be paid on the day of your session but other than that, I’m willing to work with you! If you’ve booked a package with multiple sessions, this can be adjusted a bit.
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY SENIOR PORTRAITS?
It depends! Yearbook photos are typically taken the summer/early fall before your senior year. If your school requires the formal drape/tux photo, I schedule the majority of them them in June, July & August. This can be extended, especially if you have braces or have been away all summer.
Outdoor photos are taken anytime throughout your senior year. Some seniors like the fall foliage while others want to wait until the spring flowers begin blooming. You may want to split it up and take photos both seasons! If you play a spring sport, or want two different looks to your gallery, this is a great idea!
Since it’s usually crazy hot and humid in July/August, I prefer not to take outdoor photos then. Your session isn’t just about getting photos you love (hard to do if you’re sweating like crazy and your hair is frizzing up!) but it’s also about having fun! Temperatures in the mid 90s with 80% humidity don’t really go along with that!
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?
Fall is my busiest time (late October/early November fill up first first!) so most seniors contact me late May/early June. I do occasionally have last minute openings based on client’s sports schedules, college tours or illness so be sure to let me know if you’d like to be added to my waiting list for a prime opening!
WHERE SHOULD I TAKE MY PORTRAITS?
Again, it depends! During your consultation, we’ll go over possible locations. If you have a place that has meaning to you, (your grandparent’s farm or the place where you ride horses) let’s use it! If you don’t have a location in mind, no worries. I have tons of suggestions!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
This is the question I get most often! During your consultation, we’ll go over the do’s and dont’s but here are a few guidelines.
- Bring way more outfits than you think we’ll use. I’m all about options and you never know when we’ll find a cool location that compliments a certain look!
- Variety is the spice of life! Bring a mix of casual (but still nice looking) clothes and then some that are a little fancier. Not like prom (unless you want to!) but more like an outfit you’d wear going out to eat at a nice restaurant.
- Try your outfits on ahead of time and look in the mirror. If you can see your bra through your shirt, the camera will see it too!! Same thing applies for bra straps that fall down or dresses that show the outlines (or color) of your underwear.
- Be sure to think about your shoes and accessories like earrings, a necklace and bracelets or rings for each outfit. They really help to make your photos look polished.
- I have tons of hats and jewelry that you are welcome to use!
- Bright underclothing may show through so neutral colors are best.
- Wrinkles will show up so please make sure items are ironed and ready to go.
DO YOU OFFER MAKEUP?
Indeed I do! As a matter of a fact, I highly recommend it!
It can be tailored to fit your style, from fake eyelashes and contouring to just a light application to even out our skin tone. Contact me for more information.
MAY I TAKE PHOTOS WITH MY DOG?
Absolutely! Senior portraits are supposed to represent who you are right now! If your dog is a part of the family (like Leigha, the beautiful German Shepard above) then we definitely should include them.
We’ll need to figure out the logistics of everything though so let me know in advance!
SHOULD I INCLUDE MY HOBBY INTO MY SESSION?
If it’s a big part of your life, then let’s do it! You definitely want your session to reflect who you are at this time in your life. Sports, music, art, comics, what ever you’re into, let me capture it as part of your story!
WHAT IF I NEED TO RESCHEDULED OR IT RAINS?
If it is cloudy or a little overcast, we’ll still have your session. The dramatic sky can provide an amazing backdrop! In the event of major rain, we will reschedule to another day. If it’s a totally white sky and we’re including sports or your car, we will also want to reschedule.
I get that unexpected things happen so if you need to reschedule your fall session, let me know ASAP! I’ll try to find a solution like trading dates with another client, scheduling the session on a weekday after school or moving the session to later in the year. Worst case scenario, we’ll move it to the spring!
WHEN DO I MAKE MY PAYMENT?
Your deposit of $100 is due at the time of booking to reserve your session date. The remaining balance is due on or before the day of your session. I accept cash, checks and credit/debit cards. Payment plans are available!
ARE SENIOR PORTRAITS DIFFERENT FROM YOUR CREATIVE TEAM ?
A little! You can find more details here but this is the basic info. You schedule your senior portraits with me (you must choose the Platinum or Diamond package). Through out the school year, in addition to your regular senior portraits, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the interesting themed shoots that I love so much!
You will also be the people I turn to when I update my marketing materials, teach lighting classes or when I just want to get creative and try something new.
I am only taking five senior per school year. If you’re interested, message me ASAP and we can talk about it!
DO YOU INCLUDE RETOUCHING?
Basic cosmetic retouching is included in your session fee and I cater it to your specifications. No worries if something pops up on your face before your session, no one will know but you and me!
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHICH PHOTOS I’LL RECEIVE FROM MY SESSION?
This is an excellent question! You have two options. I can sent you an online proof gallery of the best unedited photos from your session. I’ll weed out the blinks, duplicate photos or mishaps. For example, the wind blew the balloons directly in front of her face directly after the photo below! Then you pick your favorite photos. The amount of photos is based on the session you’ve chosen.
Some people feel overwhelmed by this. If that’s the case, I’ll choose the photos myself. I’ll vary the photos between outfits, locations, expressions, etc. Trust me, you’ll have a gallery full of different images that you’ll love!
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?
Most sessions are completed within 7-10 days. This may increase or decrease depending on my schedule. If you have a yearbook deadline, please let me know in advance.
DO I NEED TO SEND MY YEARBOOK PHOTO TO THE SCHOOL?
Rest easy! I size it to their specific dimensions and will e-mail it to the school myself!
I WANT TO HAVE AMAZING SENIOR PORTRAITS! HOW TO I SCHEDULE MY SESSION?
Excellent! Have your parents message me or give me a call at 434-906-0418. We’ll talk about the different packages I offer, choose the one that’s best for you and then pick your session date!