Senior Portrait F.A.Q's
SENIOR PORTRAIT FAQ
As senior year approaches you will be getting a form from your school about getting your senior yearbook shot... what we like to call your “mug shot.” :-) Each school (primarily public schools) has a contracted photographer whom they’ve hired to do the senior portraits specifically for the yearbook. Many times the information you receive in the mail can be a little misleading. So, here are a few frequently asked questions and answers you should know before you book any senior portrait sessions.
Do I have to use the school’s contracted photographer to have my YEARBOOK PHOTO taken?
Yes. The school has a specific look they’ve chosen for the yearbook so the photos all look uniform. They have hired a contracted photography company to do this. They typically shoot your tux and drape shots, cap and gown and/or casual poses and environmental shots around the school. However, everyone is photographed exactly the same. It is not a photo shoot that caters to the individual. The photos typically look exactly like the shots your older siblings, parents, and even grandparents had. Ugh... I know.
Do I have to use the school’s contracted photographer to have my SENIOR PORTRAITS taken?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! You can choose whomever you’d like to take your senior pictures for you! Don’t be tricked by wording that might make you think that you don’t have a choice. The school may choose your shot for the yearbook, but you have full freedom to work with a photographer that can help you create your dream portraits! Your photos should be as unique as you are!!! It is important to find a photographer that you mesh with and who can help you achieve the look(s) that you want!
Where should I have my photoshoot?
It will depend on your photographer, but the sky really is the limit! SENIORS{in}STYLE Photography offers you the option of shooting on location and/or at our studio in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Most of our seniors like to have their sessions outside on location. A few popular locations include the downtown San Juan Capistrano area, local parks, and the beach. However, we can photograph anywhere you wish! Some other great ideas and locations we’ve shot at include the Balboa Fun Zone, The LAB and The CAMP in Costa Mesa, horse stables, on the farm, open fields, rocks on Laguna Beach, downtown San Clemente, under the pier at Newport, Balboa, or San Clemente. We are also available to photograph you at the Mission, right across the street from our studio!
What is the best time of day to have my senior portrait session?
We typically prefer to photograph on location either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Why would we make you get up so early or wait so late?? Lighting. If you ask any professional photographer they will tell you these are the best times to shoot. When you photograph mid-day you get the sun bearing down from overhead which can cause dark shadows under your eyes, as well as harsh under exposed shadows and bright overexposed scenes.
What kind of equipment do you use?
We shoot with Nikon high resolution digital cameras, pro lenses and professional lighting. You get the full model experience!
How long before I can see my pictures?
After your portrait session we will set up a proofing/ordering appointment, which is usually about 10-14 days after your session. At this time, we invite you back to our studio where we present you with a custom slideshow of all your images set to music. We will then go over your images with you, helping you narrow down your choices and pick your favorites, and place your order. We ask that anyone making the financial decisions on your order be present at this session.
What should I say if the school’s contracted photographer pressures me to order photos through them?
You can say something like “Thank you so much, but I’ll just be needing your services for my yearbook photo.”
What about Graduation Announcements?
The contracted photographer will offer their services for your graduation announcements. You do NOT have to go through them for this service. Many other photographers offer custom graduation announcements or photos that can be inserted into cards. SENIORS{in}STYLE offers custom made graduation cards using multiple images from your session, or you may also purchase individual prints to insert into pre-made cards.
What other products do you offer?
SENIORS{in]STYLE offers everything from prints, canvas gallery wraps, metallic float wraps, graduation annoucements, albums, and much more!
HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS? Please contact us directly at 949.481.4114
We’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the senior portrait experience.
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