What’s the price?
When considering the cost, it's a valid question to ask. With the abundance of photographers available today, you'll find a diverse array of styles and levels of expertise.
Choosing a photographer solely based on price may not yield the best results. It's essential to select someone whose work resonates with you, someone whose images you can envision proudly displayed in your home for family and friends to admire.
The specifics of what you're looking for will influence the overall investment. I offer a variety of starter packages. For instance, my basic starter package, priced at around $350, includes a photography session, an 8x10 print, and some custom announcement cards.
You can then expand your selection by adding more products that align with your needs and fit within your budget. For example,
- Unmounted prints from wallets to 16x20 inches.
- Mounted prints from 8x10 to 20x40 inches
- Gallery wraps from 11x14 to 30x40 inches.
- Hard and soft cover photobooks with custom covers.
- Slideshows for your computer or DVD player.
- Screensavers for your computer.
- Digital files sized to share with family and friends.
How long does a session last?
I typically aim for around 90 minutes for the photography session, but I can easily lose track of time if everyone is enjoying themselves.
While 90 minutes might sound lengthy, I’ve never had anyone say it felt too long. My unique approach compared to many local photographers is one reason the time seems to fly. I don’t just show up with a camera; I also bring additional lighting. I prefer not to depend solely on natural light from the sun and sky.
My love for vibrant colors often faces a challenge on gloomy days or in dimly lit spaces, where those bold reds, oranges, and yellows struggle to shine. To combat this, I rely on auxiliary lighting, even though it demands a bit more time to arrange. However, the effort is truly rewarding, as it allows me to craft an image that captivates and directs your gaze throughout the photograph.
How many outfits should you consider?
While there's no strict limit on the number of outfits, having too many can lead to an overwhelming selection of photos that you’ll adore, complicating your budget. I suggest aiming for about 2 to 3 outfits, plus your cap and gown, as this tends to strike a good balance.
I do have some solid-colored caps and gowns available, but I've noticed that some schools are opting for multicolored gowns, which can make things a bit tricky. So, be sure to remind me about your school colors!
How many locations should we consider?
Typically, three locations strike the right balance. However, this can change based on your unique circumstances. Just remember, choosing too many spots might leave you feeling inundated with beautiful photos to choose from.
Focusing on Senior Portraits, I enjoy incorporating the school into the shoot. We often start at the main entrance, followed by some shots around the football field, featuring the scoreboard or press box.
For the third location, I like to select a place that holds special meaning for your senior—something that reflects their hobbies or passions.
When is the best time to kick things off?
Given that my studio operates outdoors and I typically schedule photography sessions on weekends, I prefer to begin planning these sessions early in the school year. This approach allows us to have ample time to reschedule if the weather doesn’t play along.
To ensure you receive your photographs in time for your graduation announcements, I set a deadline around early March, typically right after spring break. If we go beyond that point, I can’t guarantee that your photos will arrive in time for mailing with your announcements.
