When do I pay my Session Fee?
Session Fee’s are due at time of booking either by credit card over the phone or you can mail a check.
TopWhen do I get to see my proofs?
This normally takes place in my studio 1-2 weeks after your session. You will see your images projected onto a calibrated screen. I will also answer any questions you may have.
TopWhen should I order?
With the in-studio consultation. Plan on placing your order at that time.
TopHow long does it take to get my portraits?
Typically it takes two weeks. During the holidays, it may require more time.
TopDo you sell images on a CD?
No. There are exceptions when it comes to commercial work and/or business head shots.
TopHow long do you keep images if I want to order more later?
I keep the images stored on an external hard drive indefinitely. $100 minimum order applies.
TopWhat should I wear?
Clothing is important! Anything that competes with your face will make a difference on the portraits. The following are tips to get the most from your portrait experience.
TopFlattering portraits are better created with:
Solid color clothing.Wear the same color, or colors that coordinate.Long sleeves.
Slimming tips:
Short sleeves will add weight.
Low necks on shirts will add weight.
Light colors will add weight.
Dark clothing is slimming.
Couple, group, or family portraits look much better when you coordinate your clothing. Dark earth tones work best. You don’t have to wear the same color shirts, but wearing similar clothing will draw attention to your faces and not your clothing.
What to avoid:
Shirts with logos.Plaid shirts.Striped shirts.Wrist watches.Be conservative with your jewelry.Glasses will cause glare, they reflect. You can see if your optometrist will remove the lenses or let you borrow a pair of the frames without lenses for the day. Glare can be digitally removed, but it’s time consuming and may incur extra charges.
High School Seniors
With all that said above, I’m more lenient when it comes to seniors! You may have a favorite band t-shirt, or shirts with logo’s that you love…bring them!! You may have a letterman’s jacket this is multi-colored, that’s OK! Ladies, I know you love your jewelry, and have certain ones that match your outfits. Bring those! Just be mindful that certain poses will cause the jewelry to lay funny on a shoulder, or hang differently. Please help to check your jewelry during the session and with all of us watching, we should be just fine!
TopWhen should I get my Senior Portraits taken?
Once your Senior school year starts, you will be busy with school activities and work. Senior Yearbook deadlines are at the beginning of February. Summer and Fall are the best seasons for outdoor portraits. If you wait until late Winter or Spring, the grass is brown, there are no leaves on the tree’s, and possible snow on the ground. Springtime is also unpredictable in regards to the weather. I’m booked out several weeks in advance, and if it rains when you have your appointment, it may be several weeks before I can reschedule.
If you wait until the last minute and are rushed to get your portraits, that means I’m rushed too and the overall experience may suffer.
Book early!!
How much should I plan on spending for my Senior Portraits?
We have Collections starting at $250.
TopHow long will my senior session take?
Please plan on spending at least three hours. It’s easier on everyone if you don’t make plans for that day. This is a once in a lifetime event! I take my senior sessions very seriously! Hopefully my work shows this! Come refreshed and please arrive on time!
TopShould I bring a parent?
Yes! Bring an adult and advise them that it might take a while. I do ask that parents please allow me to stay in control of the session. You or your senior child has chosen me for the work I produce. So, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience and trust my judgement. That is what you are paying me for!
TopWhat should I bring?
Ever heard the expression “Everything but the kitchen sink!”? Go ahead and bring that too! Seriously though…bring it all! Extra clothes, coat or jacket, letterman’s jacket, sportsgear, rings, favorite hat, sunglasses, any prop that you have the defines who you are! Bring your car, truck, motorcycle, pets…the sky is the limit! Girls, bring your make-up and lip gloss for touch ups. Take the time to think about the things you want to have with you. I do not put a limit on clothing changes. Bring at least one long sleeved solid colored shirt. Bring nice shoes and heels!! If you are wearing a $50 shirt, $90 jeans, you’d be better off slipping on some nice heels then putting on some old flats. I know I know…I have some comfy shoes too, and that’s OK if you love them, but think about how you want to look in your portraits.
TopI broke out in Zits right before my session…now what?
Isn’t that part of being a senior? Don’t worry, I retouch every image I proof, which includes zit removal at no extra charge. The only time there may be an additional fee is if you want work beyond basic retouching (erasing braces, etc.).
TopDo you do Senior Announcements?
Yes! Allow me to custom design your invitation with your name and images!
TopOTHER IMPORTANT TIPS:
Girls: Make sure your fingernails have a fresh coat on or remove leftover polish. Several of the images will have your hands or feet showing.
Do NOT dye or cut your hair less then a week before your senior appointment. You need some time to get used to it.
Do NOT decide a week before your appointment that you want a tan. Burned skin looks bad under studio lights, and tan lines (or burned lines!) are nearly impossible to remove.
Avoid spray-on tans for your session. Most have an orange look to them and look bad under studio lights.
Lastly, come prepared. Sit down and think about what you want to bring and wear. Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have regarding your session. I’m here to help you prepare for a great time and a fantastic senior session! When you look good…I look good!!
TopDo I get images for Facebook-Twitter?
You will receive 5-7 images web ready to share on your site but first must friend me on Facebook. The Ultimate Collection provides you with all finished images web ready and each image will have my logo on it.
TopDo you offer Donations?
Yes I do! I believe that local support is imperative and I’m happy to help where I can. Please ask for details.
