F.A.Q.
Frequently asked questions reside here! If you cannot find the answer, please Contact Us
When should I get my Senior Portraits taken?
Ideally, you should begin planning for your Senior Portraits just before you complete your junior year and schedule your session before your senior year begins.
Why? Several reasons!
- Because Time Flies!!
- Once your senior school year starts, you will be busy with school, activities, sports and work.
- After school appointments are extremely limited. There are only a few business hours left once school gets out.
- All of our Senior Specials happen for Early Birds! We seldom run specials after school has started.
- We have more time to be creative with your portraits!
- The weather is more predictable, the light is ideal during the summer months and you'll have a fabulous natural tan.
- Yearbook deadlines are usually within the first few weeks of school and sneak up fast!
This depends on the type of session you select. Sessions last from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Please see our Session Guide
Do you have weekend appointments?No, we do not photograph seniors on Saturdays, and our office is closed on Sunday and Monday. If missing school is not possible, look for days that you have off during the week or come during the summer!
What days and times do you have available for seniors?Our office hours are by appointment Tuesday - Friday, 10am to 5pm
When do I pay my creation fee? All creation fees are to be paid in full when making your appointment to retain your date and time. We will email you a secure paypal invoice. If we do not received payment for your session within a 24 hour period, your appointment will be cancelled. Why do we do this? Simply, our time and yours is valuable. When you prepay your session, we are reserving the studio and artist exclusively for you. What happens if I need to cancel or re-schedule?Due to the scheduling of our staff, a $20 rescheduling fee will be required for cancellations with less than 5 days notice. You have 30 days to transfer your creation retainer to a new date before it is forfeited. Complete cancellations will also be assessed a $20 fee.
What happens if it rains and I schedule an outdoor session?We all know the weather in New England is unpredictable, but we are prepared for most conditions. We have several outdoor locations that are under cover, so even if it is raining, we are able to photograph outside on most days. In the event that it is not possible we will re-schedule another date.
What should I wear?Clothing is important! It can make or break an image. Anything that competes with your face is going to make a difference in your final portrait. We won't send you home if you show up in stripes, but we highly suggest you follow the tips sent with your reservation to get the most from your portrait experience. If you are torn on what you want to wear, bring it along and we can help decide. Bring a good variety of your favorite clothes so we have a choice. We do ask that you bring at least one dark, solid, long sleeved shirt for us to photograph you in.
Flattering portraits are better created with:
- Solids Solids Solids!
- Solid color clothing.
- Long sleeves.
Slimming secrets:
- Short sleeves will add weight, so wear long sleeves!
- Low necks on shirts will add weight.
- Light colors can add weight.
- Darker clothing is slimming.
BRING IT ALL - extra clothing, your favorite coat or jacket, letterman's jackets, sports gear, class rings, your favorite hat, sunglasses, any prop you have in your collection that defines your personality. Bring along your car or your motorcycle! You can also arrange portraits with your pet or your horse. The sky is the limit here! Take time to think about all the things you want to have with you, we are constantly hearing "ohhh! I should have brought this or that with me!" So bring it!
Great, I broke out in zits two days before my session, now what!!??Bring 'em with you! Zits happen! We retouch and enhance each and every image you order at no extra charge. Who wants to remember their Senior Session as the "Attack of the Zits Day?" No way! The only time there may be additional fee is if you request artwork beyond basic retouching (e.g. removing braces, etc.)
My school has all kinds of rules for the yearbook photo. Is that okay?We'll work with you to meet all the technical and posing requirements for your school's yearbook, while creating a unique and personalized portrait for you.
Do I need to I bring a parent to the portrait creation?Parents are always welcome to attend however we do not allow anyone but the senior and our photographer into the camera room while we are working. This greatly effects the final outcome of the portraits.
How long before I can see my previews?It typically takes 10 days to two weeks to process and finalize your images for previewing.
How do I see my previews?To aid you in your selections, the original photographs you will first see are presented with our projection system at the studio. We will reserve an appointment for you approximately 2 weeks after the portrait creation. Please allow at least 1 hour for this appointment and plan to bring all decision makers. This system will enable you to view the portraiture at an adequate size for facial expressions and detail. Our clients have told us how much they appreciate our help in selecting the images they will cherish for a lifetime.
What happens if I don't like any of my portraits?If you follow our clothing guidelines and planning tips, we are pretty confident that you'll love your portraits! In the event that we are unable to thrill you when you first see the images, we will either create new images for you or refund your creation fee.
When do I place my order? When is payment due?Orders are placed at your projection appointment. Due the custom nature of our product, orders are paid in full. We accept Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard or Discover.
How do I qualify for your 20% discount?Just place your order within 5 weeks of your portrait creation
How much should I plan on spending?We have something for everyone. Pricing begins at just $79. A comprehensive menu with pricing details will be sent with your portrait reservation.
I'd really like some great images for Myspace and/or Facebook, what can I do?We have image CD's available with websized images for Myspace or Facebook
Do you do Senior Announcements?Sure do! These have to be one of our favorite items! We can custom design your invitation with your name and images. We have lots of samples in our studio. Come in and get inspired!
How long does it take to get my portraits?Normal delivery for our hand-finished portraits is 5-7 weeks. Please allow additional time for extensive artwork, holiday periods or our custom Italian framing.
MORE IMPORTANT TIPS:- Do NOT color your hair OR cut your hair less than a week before your senior appointment. You need a week to get use to it.
- Girls: Check your fingernails! Either put a fresh coat on or remove leftover polish! No…we can't hide it… It will show.
- Do NOT decide a week before your appt that you need to start tanning. Burned skin looks really bad under studio lights. If you plan on being tan for your senior session, get a good base tan! Start 3 months before your session. Not 3 weeks or 3 days.
- Avoid spray-on tans for your session. We have yet to see a spray-on tan that looked good under studio lights. They look orange.
- Come prepared! Sit down and really think out what you want to bring and wear. Don't be afraid to call and ask questions before your session. We are here to help you make this a great time and a terrific session! When you look good, *we* look good.