Have questions before you book a Senior Photo Session for your child? 

I’m here to help navigate the process.

See below for answers to some commonly asked questions about Senior Photo Sessions with Stephanie Friedman Photography.

1. Timing and Scheduling:
   • When is the best time of year to schedule a Senior Photo Session in Austin, Texas? I have a whole BLOG POST about this topic – but it boils down to – do you have a photo deadline to meet? When is your school schedule less busy? Do you have a preference for one season over the other?
   • How far in advance should parents book a session? I recommend booking 1-2 months in advance of your preferred date.
   • What factors should be considered when choosing the time of day for the photo shoot? Some locations work best in the morning and some have the best light in the late afternoon. We’ll take those factors into consideration during our pre-planning conversations.
2. Location and Setting:
   • What types of locations work well for senior photo sessions? I have a TOP 15 BLOG POST that lists my favorite locations for Senior Photos in Austin. If you’d like even more options, I also have a TOP 80+ BLOG POST that lists even more settings in Austin for photo shoots.
   • Are indoor or outdoor sessions better? I prefer outdoor sessions for the natural light and sense of place (unless bad weather and deadlines mean we can only meet indoors).
   • Can parents choose a location, or is it typically determined by the photographer? We’ll work together to decide the best location that works for the time of year the session is booked. 
3. Style and Wardrobe:
   • What should the senior wear for the photo session? Keep the weather in mind and wear outfits you can comfortably sit and move around in. Pinterest also has lots of inspiration.
   • Are there specific colors or patterns that photograph well? Pick the colors and patterns that you prefer. I recommend avoiding neon colors (they cast light on your skintones), large logos (emphasis should be on you, not a brand), and remember you’ll have multiple outfits you can wear at the session.
   • How many outfits should the senior bring? You can bring up to three outfits unless you pay for extra time at your session.
4. Props and Personalization:
   • Can parents bring props or personal items to the photo shoot? Yes! I love incorporating props into a Senior session – we can discuss ideas during our pre-planning communication.
   • How can the session be personalized to reflect the senior’s personality and interests? We can choose a location that has special meaning to you and your family. You can wear something that is special and memorable to your history. There are lots of ways we can tailor the session to showcase you.
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5. Photographer Selection:
   • How do parents choose the right photographer for their child’s senior photos? Ask your friends for word-of-mouth referrals. Check the Photographer’s portfolio and read their reviews – and see which style appeals to you the most.
   • What questions should they ask when interviewing potential photographers? Some questions include – What is included in your photo packages? What is your turnaround time? What is your reschedule and cancellation policy?  
6. Editing and Retouching:
   • What level of editing and retouching is typically done? My motto is “if it’s not a permanent feature, I will retouch it” Example – I usually photoshop out acne and do light retouching on skin.
7. Cost and Packages:
   • What is the typical cost of a senior photo session? You can see my current rates HERE.
   • Are there any additional costs that parents should be aware of? If you’d like to purchase prints or print products through your gallery – those are extra. You only receive the digital files through my Senior package plan. Some locations also require a booking fee (cost varies). Plus, if you’d like to add on a 20 minute mini-family photo session at the end of the Senior shoot, that is an additional cost.
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8. Delivery and Usage Rights:
   • How and when will the final photos be delivered? You receive a gallery of digital hi-res files (minimum 50 edited images) two to three weeks after your session date. You can also pay a Rush Fee to receive your photos in 4 days after your session.
   • What rights do parents have regarding the use of the photos? Client Rights are spelled out in my Client Agreement, which you’ll sign as part of our pre-planning process. Parents are granted a non-exclusive license for personal use such as posting to social media, creating personal prints or in personal communications such as a graduation announcement or holiday card.  
9. Weather Contingency Plans:
   • What happens if the weather is unfavorable on the scheduled day? I’ll send you frequent weather check-ins the week of your session if it looks like your photo shoot will need to be rescheduled. We’ll work together to pick another date and time with better weather. You have up to three months to use your initial retainer fee.
   • Are there alternative arrangements in case of bad weather? If you must have your session on that day with bad weather, we’ll work together to find an alternate indoor location (which may have an additional location fee) to use if you don’t want to reschedule.
10. Booking Process and Contracts:
    • What is the typical booking process for a senior photo session? The booking process includes picking a date and time on my calendar, signing a Client Agreement and Paying a retainer fee.
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