Got questions about your senior portrait photo shoot? Here are answers to the questions asked most frequently by seniors and parents.

What should I wear for my senior portrait?
This is probably the most frequently asked question about senior photos. There’s a simple answer. Wear what makes you feel good and most like yourself.

We usually tell people to avoid certain colors or patterns. Busy patterns and clothes with writing (especially big logos across the chest) can distract viewers. Bright white and strong red don’t photograph well. But sometimes it’s fun to break all the rules and wear that wild shirt or your favorite white sweater. That’s OK. Just let us know and we’ll choose different backgrounds or locations that work for those clothes.

When it’s time for the shoot, bring a variety of clothes to choose from. Get creative! Bring hats, cool shoes, boots, jackets, jewelry, scarves— you name it! Got an awesome prom dress? Feel free to bring that, too. If you’re unsure about something, bring it anyway.

What about my hair? Should I get it cut before my senior portrait session?
Don’t cut your hair! Well, we don’t mean never cut your hair. Just don’t cut it right before pictures. Plan your session at least 2-3 weeks after a haircut. That will give your hair a chance to grow into its new style.

Can I include anything about my extra-curricular activities like sports or music?
Bring props to the shoot that are meaningful to you. We can work with your uniforms, musical instruments, sports equipment or well-loved dance shoes. We want to make your pictures an expression of who you are right now, and these activities are part of your identity.

How will we plan my senior portrait photo shoot?
When you call to book your senior portrait session, we’ll ask you a few questions. Where do you go to school? Where do you like to hang out? What do you do for fun? Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities? The answers to these questions will help me guide you in planning your portrait session.

Where should I have my senior photo shoot done?
This is another common question. Most of our seniors like to add at least one location to the session. We pick a location and then walk from place to place taking portraits as we go. We find lots of cool spots to take pictures that way. It really is up to you. You can even choose more than one location. There is a $25 location fee for each additional location you choose (a location is as a place you must drive to). If we are just walking around a single location, there is no additional charge.

Who can come with me to my senior portrait session?
Feel free to bring a friend or a sibling. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone come along to make you laugh and schlep your gear.

What types of payment do you accept?
Cash, checks and credit are accepted.

When will I see/select my images?
We generally have your images ready for viewing within two business days. We will upload them to a gallery for you to view and order. We always suggest making a favorites file on line and then make an appointment to place your order in person. This allows us to discuss cropping and retouching options with you.

Do you have a minimum order?
Glad you asked–NO!  We feel that it is unfair to ask you to commit to spending your hard earned dollars before you have seen any of your images.  And if we truly do our job well, you will want to purchase them, so we don’t feel the need to require a minimum order fee to be paid up before we even begin shooting your Senior Portraits.

What if I have a zit?
We can retouch everything we send to the school or print.  Those temporary blemishes will disappear.

Do I get digital files?
You receive social media sized digital images of every image you order a print from.  These are not printable.  Digital images sized for printing are available for purchase.  One high res, retouched image is included with each location that we use.

When do I pay my session fee?
Your session fee is due at the time of your appointment.  

Can we take Behind the Scenes photos of our session to share on Social Media?
Absolutely! We encourage you to do this.

Didn’t see your question? Give us a call at 630.587.3866 or email info@alexclaneyphoto.com with your question. We’d love to help.