WW: FAQs for Senior Portraits

Answering your important questions about senior portraits

Here are just a few questions I get asked about senior portrait sessions.

HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION? 

Reach out via my website contact page or email.  I will send you my senior portrait guide brochure.  The brochure has all the packages I offer. By selecting a package in the brochure, starts the process.  I’m also available if you have further questions and would like to discuss those questions, you can call or email me.  Once I receive your selection, I will send you a questionnaire to fill out. This will give me some additional information about date, location, and expectations for the session. Once I receive the questionnaire back, I will send you a booking contract. A non-refundable $40 retainer booking fee is due at the time of signing your contract. Once your contract and fee has been processed your session is locked in. 

CAN YOUR PACKAGES BE CUSTOMIZED? 

I offer 3 different senior packages. All include digital downloads and 2 offer prints with different sizes. You have the flexibility of choosing different images for each size print. You will be able to purchase additional prints, digitals and products through the online gallery.

DO YOU TAKE PAYMENTS IN INSTALLMENTS? 

The booking fee is due at the time of booking, and the session fee is due the day before the session.  The easiest way to pay is right through the client portal.  This is set up for credit card payments. You will receive a payment email reminder.  All product purchases are done through the gallery website and are immediate. 

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY SESSION?

I’m normally booked out a month-two months in advance. This of course is subject to change depending on the time of year.  Spring tends to be my busiest time for photographing seniors.

WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD ON THE DATE OF MY SESSION?

If the session needs to be rescheduled due to inclement weather, we will try for the first available session date. I will send you a notification within 12-24 hours of the session date if I see a reason to reschedule. Please note I do automatically reschedule sessions if there is a more than an 80% chance of rain.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET SICK?

No worries. I've got your back! We can always reschedule your senior session if you’re feeling under the weather. Please reference our section in our contract where I go over the proper notifications for rescheduling a session due to illnesses.

HOW MANY OUTFIT CHANGES AND PROPS CAN I HAVE?

All my senior sessions allow for 3 outfit changes.  However, a great way to add outfits is simply wearing layers.  When you can add a sweater or jacket or vest to an outfit, you can get a whole new set of images in a different “outfit”.  I place no restrictions on your number of props you can bring and have at your session. Just keep in mind that the time you spend changing or setting up is part of your 1½ hour session.

DO YOU OFFER PROFESSIONAL RETOUCHING?

All my sessions come with basic editing of the images I take and upload to your gallery. They will have basic level editing done to them. These include light adjustment, color correction, sharpening, red-eye removal, and minor blemish fixes. Additional pro edits can be requested for additional fees depending on what edits you would like. See my editing and retouching fees in the senior portrait guide or my products pricing guide.

WHAT IF I WEAR GLASSES?

This part I will leave up to you. If you always wear glasses, I recommend keeping them on. On the other hand, if you feel like you want to wear contacts, try it out! I am experienced with editing, so in most cases lens glare won’t be an issue.

 I HAVE BAD ACNE.  WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Never fear. This is where editing comes in handy. Remember I do minor blemish fixes to all your images.  If you need additional edits we can talk about this one-on-one.  Keep in mind that only the close-up photos is where your acne may be an issue.  We can tackle this on an image by images basis.

CAN OTHER PEOPLE BE INCLUDED IN MY PHOTOS?

Yes, you can definitely add in your BFF or your boyfriend/girlfriend for 1 or 2 photo poses. However, for more setups there’s an additional $50 add in fee for each additional person added in with your photographs.

HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL? 

Locations over 30 miles will incur an additional $25 for every 15 miles over added onto the session fee. 

DO YOU HELP WITH LOCATION CHOICES? 

Some seniors have specific locations in mind for their session, but I do recommend several location suggestions based on the style of session a senior is looking for.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE MY PICTURES AND GET MY PRINT PRODUCTS? 

I strive to have your gallery ready within 7 days of your session. If I anticipate it to be longer than that I will notify you. I will also work hard to get some sneak peaks to you ASAP. Print products arrive approximately 4-5 days after your order is placed with my lab.

HOW DOES THE ONLINE GALLERY WORK? 

The online gallery is a convenient way to see all your photos whenever you like. You will receive a link and a password. You may forward this on to others to show them your photos. You can select favorites which creates a list for me to see and is an easy way to select ones you might like to order. You will order right from the gallery. Your online gallery is active for 2 months. Please make your purchase before this time to avoid a $25 re-posting fee. 

WHAT IS INCLUDED ON THE BACKUP DISK OR USB THUMD DRIVE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE?

All the images purchased through the gallery will be on the disk or USB thumb drive. These will be high resolution images and are ready for printing at all sizes. You will also receive a folder that contains web ready images. These are for use on social media sites and websites. Please see the copyright and print release statements for your usage rights. There will be a folder that has print instructions, copyright, and print release information.

HOW MANY PHOTOS WILL BE IN MY GALLERY?

Each session is unique, and the number of images delivered in the gallery will vary from client to client. Expect between 60-80 images in your gallery. 

WHAT KINDS OF PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER?

I provide different products available for purchase through your online gallery. You can see all the offerings in my Product Pricing Guide on my website.  One of the products that I offer are senior announcements.  I have several different styles to choose from and offer a custom option.  I also offer coffee table books, which make great gifts for grandparents.

CAN I ORDER EXTRA PRINTS AND DIGITALS?

You can order as many prints and digitals as your heart desires.

Have additional questions? Feel free to contact me at ssphotography@frontier.com or call (916)743-4393