A Parent's Guide to Senior Portraits
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers.
There’s a lot to know about senior year. It can be both confusing and exciting for you and your seniors. As a father myself, I remember having a lot of questions about my son senior year at Glen Ridge high school … college hunting 6 colleges in days, SAT’s, FAFSA forms, senior trip, graduation etc.
This time next year, you will likely be getting prepared for graduation, and soon, dropping your daughter or son off at college! Your house is likely to be just a bit emptier, sooner than you think. I remember how tough that can be.
Before
Q: Do I have to use the school contractor for yearbook for inclusion in the yearbook?
No you don’t. It’s against the law in New Jersey for the school to force student to use the school contractor.
Q: When should these portraits be taken?
Senior portraits are typically taken during the spring and summer BEFORE the start of your child’s senior year. This is because yearbooks are printed in sections, and the deadline for your school to submit the senior portrait section of the yearbook to the printing company is typically in the Fall, usually before Thanksgiving. That is why it is important to have your child’s portraits completely done WELL BEFORE school starts up again after Labor Day so they aren’t left out.
Q: How does this work?
There are two charges for photography services. The first is the session fee which is for the time to have the photos taken. This is paid in advance to secure your time slot. Usually, you book your session online ” Book Now ” if you need to reschedule, no problem just call the studio 24 hours before the appointment to reschedule. 973-746-8685.
The second charge will be for prints. There are no minimum purchase requirements, clients are free to purchase as little or as much as they choose. You can purchase à la carte or from five print packages.
Q: What is the session fee?
The session fee covers the length of time you select for your photo session. It includes professional assistance in selecting your yearbook photo immediately after your session. This generally takes about an additional 10 – 15 minutes. It also includes us retouching and submitting your selected photo to the yearbook staff. It does not include print purchases.
Q: What is the pricing structure like?
There are no minimum purchase requirements, clients are free to purchase as little or as much as they choose. You can purchase à la carte or from five print packages.
Q: Can you provide more specific examples of the different packages offered?
For Class of 2025 seniors I have the CAP (create a package) pricing structure; you choose the items/Prints you want to include in a package price range. It is a flexible system that lets you get what you want, not a prefix item within a package. If you would like to stop by the studio, I’ll be happy to explain and answer all questions. Also you can get a printed copy of the price list.
Q: What happens for yearbook submission?
Sami is responsible for submitting your yearbook photo on the yearbook deadline. You do not need to do anything
We will retouch your photo, crop it, meet all of the national yearbook standards, and submit it Your yearbook picture to Montclair high school, Glen Ridge high school, Verona and the surrounding area on your behalf. Happy to discuss different schools than the ones listed.
Q: What is included in retouching?
Basic retouching we do on the senior photo covers smoothing out the skin, shadows under the eyes, whitening teeth, and flyaway hair. We straighten the tie for guys and the drape for girls. If you are purchasing a prints collection, full retouching of prints is included. There is an additional fee for braces removal.
Q: Do you use AI retouching?
NO, all retouching is done by humans (me), rest assured I will never submit your image to an AI engine which can be used and abused throughout the web. You don’t want that!!
Q: What happens for yearbook submission?
Sami is responsible for submitting your yearbook photo on the yearbook deadline. You do not need to do anything.
We will retouch your photo, crop it, meet all of the national yearbook standards, and submit it Your yearbook picture to Montclair high school, Glen Ridge high school, Verona and the surrounding area on your behalf.
Q: How long does it take to see my proof?
Approximately one week after your session you come back to view all of the images from your photo shoot, to narrow down the images then upload to a password protected gallery for you to view at home with friends and family. You can place your print order during the viewing session or place your print order by email.
Q: How long does it take to get my prints?
Once you place your order, retouching takes 10 – 15 days, prints take 2 to 3 weeks after.
Q: Where are you located?
Studio Sami located in Montclair, NJ 07042 (entrance at Valley Road) 973-746-8685
During
Q: How long will it take?
You can plan on up to 3 hours for the premium session (can be split into two days) and about 1 1/2 hour for the yearbook plus session.
Q: Can I bring someone along?
Sure! Sometimes it helps to have someone there to help your relax or laugh. I will be concentrating on your Senior Session, but your sister, mom, or friend are more than welcome. It’s always nice to have someone standing behind me, but just warn him/her that I’ll probably put them to work!
Q: Should I bring an outfit change?
Feel free to bring 1 – 2 different clothing changes for the yearbook plus session, 4 – 5 different outfits for the premium session.
Q: What is included in retouching?
Basic retouching we do on the senior photo covers smoothing out the skin, shadows under the eyes, whitening teeth, and flyaway hair. We straighten the tie for guys and the drape for girls. If you are purchasing a prints collection, full retouching of prints is included.
Q: What if I have a zit?
We can retouch everything we send to the school or print. Those temporary blemishes will disappear.
Q: Do you use AI retouching?
Ho NOOO, all retouching is done by humans (me), rest assured will never get your image near AI engine which can be used and abused. You don’t want that!!
Q: Do I get digital files?
You receive social media sized digital images of every image you order a print from. These are not printable.
Q: Can we take Behind the Scenes photos of our session to share on Social Media?
Absolutely! We encourage you to do this.
AFTER
Q: How long does the process take?
Photo shoots are often booked ahead. Depending on time of year, it can take anywhere from 2 to 3+ weeks to get a photo shoot. You portraits are typically ready to be viewed and ordered from in 3-6 business days. Finished print orders normally take 3-4 weeks to complete.
Q: When can I see the yearbook images?
Your yearbook images will be ready to view in password-protected online gallery within 24 hour of your Senior Session. I’ll send you an email with the link to the gallery where all of the images will be posted. You need to choose and tag the yearbook picture first.
Q: How long does it take to see the rest of my images?
Approximately one week after your session you come back to view all of the images from your photo shoot, to narrow down the then I will upload to your password protected gallery for you to view at home with friends and family. You can place your print order during the viewing session or place your print order by email.
Q: Can I purchase prints from the proofs gallery?
Yes, you can purchase prints from the studio online store, it’s different than placing your print order at the studio which is more flexible, custom made to your needs.
Q: How long does it take to get my prints?
Once you place your order, retouching takes 10 – 15 days, prints take 3 to 4 weeks.
Q: When will my prints and products be ready?
If you choose to place an online order in online the gallery, your products will be delivered directly to your front door directly from the lab for a small shipping fee, you place your print order at the studio will let you know when ready for pick up.
Q: Do you offer a print release?
For over 20 years, Sami has been based on quality. If it has our name on it, it must be perfect and made to last. The only way to maintain and control that quality is limit who and how our work is printed. So we do all of our own printing from A to Z.