It’s May again. This year’s Senior Class is just about ready for caps and gowns and next year’s soon-to-be seniors are trying to (not to anxiously) hurry them out the door. Which means it’s time to start thinking about senior photos. The Willamette Valley, while known for its comfortable summer clime, it not known for the duration of its sunny months. Thus if you are hoping for outdoor senior portraits, it’s time to start the search for a photographer who will fit your needs.
The easiest way to weed through photographers is to base everything on location and price. However, even with the price of gas as outrageous as it is, your senior portraits are a lifetime memento of where you were in this instant, and traveling 5 miles or 50 miles really shouldn’t be a consideration. Also, if you wish portraits in a special spot, Silvercreek Falls, Yakina Head, Green Peter Dam, you’re going to have to travel anyway, as will the photographer. So location doesn’t have to be as big of a consideration as it first may seem.
Which leaves price as the other main consideration. When comparing photographer prices you need to make sure that you are truly comparing apples to apples. In most photography businesses there are two pricing models. There are those who charge a sitting fee, in which case you should expect a higher initial cost, with a lower per-print fee. There are photographers that don’t charge a sitting (also called an appointment) fee, but hope to make up the difference in the prints.
So first find out what the appointment fee is. Ask for a print price list. Some photographers will be hesitant to give you a copy of this, but they should be comfortable enough to talk to you about package options at the very least. Ask if a cd of the images is available for an additional cost. If so, are the images provided high or low resolution? If they are low res images, they will only be good for email, websites etc, not for printing. If they won’t discuss prices with you at all, you should probably move on to the next studio on your list.
You’ll want to know how much, or if the photographer is going to charge you to travel to your desired location. Usually they won’t charge within a 15-20 mile radius. How many clothing changes will you allowed? A note of caution: Be careful not to waste too much of your allotted time in the dressing room. Come prepared in your first outfit and have your additional outfits arraigned prior to arrival.
Can you include a friend or a pet in the photos? If you bring a friend, can you split the sitting fee? Is there a “finders fee” if you send more work the photographers direction? Is there a monthly special you should be aware of? Is there a day of the week that they offer discounts? All good questions to ask. You’ll find that every photographer is different, and while everyone offers some of these options, no one offers them all.
Your next questions about pricing should revolve around the end processing. How much does a studio charge for airbrushing? Is some airbrushing included in the package pricing? How much more do reprints cost? Some studios charge up to 200% for reprints, so it can be cheaper in the long run to purchase a few extra images.
When you find a photographer you like, book your appointment fairly soon. Occasionally emergencies or weather delays will cause you to reschedule. Booking early gives you more flexibility in your schedule in case of a setback. Most high schools will need your images by late September or early October, and you’ll need time for decision making and photo editing. When you book your appointment you can usually expect to pay a small down payment to hold your date, usually in the range of $50 to $100. You can also expect to sign a contract at that time. A good contract protects both parties and their interests.
Above all else, remember that this is supposed to be fun. You’ve done the work, now relax, and enjoy yourself. Be natural, be real, and it will come through in the pictures!
Clare
Troutman Photography
