Hints For a Good Senior Session

When selecting a photographer to photograph your senior photos, it is essential to find one that understands you and is willing to spend the time it takes capture your personality. At Party Crashers Photography, I set aside plenty of time to insure that I will be able to make your experience one that is memorable and fun for you.

Peruse through our Sessions page, Portfolio galleries and our Senior Brochure to get a good idea of the types of sessions that you like. You may mix and match any of the sessions. Pick a studio session that appeals to your needs and match it up with one or all of the location sessions that works for you. You may even decide to do a session in the fall with the autumn colors, this winter in the snow, or even in the spring closer to graduation - it's all up to you. Call the studio, we are always happy to help.

Keep in mind that your school may have specific requirements for your yearbook photo. To help assist you, we have posted many of the high school requirements on our Yearbook Info page.

Scheduling a session is easy. Simply call me (952-368-1941) and I will answer all your questions and set up the perfect session for you. My goal is to make your experience as fun and effortless as possible.

To book your session, you will be required to pay for the session fees. Please have your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express number ready. Sorry, I cannot hold sessions without payment.

I am avalable to photograph sessions Monday through Sunday.
Evening appointments are available.

If you would like to include a friend or family member included in a few of your portraits, I would be happy to include them.  Best of all, I don't charge extra for this option.

I love animals! If you would like to include your pet in some of your photos, I ask that you notify me before your session date. When the session is done in the studio, we never have a problem with your furry (or slimy) little friends, however some of the locations I go to do not allow pets (Arboretum/Murphy’s Landing/etc.). I do require that you bring your pets on a leash or in a kennel. If your pet is on a leash you must bring a helper who can attend to your pet while he is not being photographed.

If you are under 18 years of age you must bring along a parent, guardian or a friend, who is 17 years or older to accompany you during your session.

O.K. you've booked your session time and date. You have decided who is going to be there. Now what? Obviously, you want everyone to look his or her best. The following hints will be helpful to consider.

Clothing can make or break your session. Select clothing that you like and bring a variety of clothing. Make sure you have a selection of clothing that looks different, not just different colors. This will allow you the best selection of photos. Choose colors that look good on you. Solid colors or clothing with simple patterns usually work best. Avoid clothing that has large logos or do not fit properly. Shoes should fit with your outfit and should be new or un-scuffed and freshly polished. Press your clothing (including ties) and bring them on hangers - not in a bag! Feel free to discuss your ideas with us. If you are having your portrait done with another person, colors and patterns should coordinate. And remember, if it looks like it is old and ratty or was stuffed in the corner of your closet, it will look like that in your final photos. Irons are a wonderful invention.

Studio

All of my studio sessions allow for clothing changes. Our sessions do not have clothing limits. You may change your outfits as many times as you like in the allotted time for your session. Although I can work quickly - just remember - the more clothing changes you do, the more time you will spend in the changing room and not in the studio.

Location

On location sessions, I recommend three to four changes of clothing to give you a good selection to choose from. Please note that when on location, we may have only limited places to change your clothing. The Arboretum and Wayzata Beach sessions have the best facilities for changing. The Warehouse District, Mississippi Trail, Murphy’s Landing and Historic Carver have no place to change (besides the back of your car). However you can get several different looks by bringing along articles of clothing that you can put on and take off (i.e. jackets, sweaters or shirts you can layer over other clothing).

I can help you with any suggestions before you session begins. Or call me and I will be glad to help with any questions.

If your hair needs trimming, it is best to have it done one week before the session. Experimenting with new hairstyles just before your session is not recommended. Arrive to your session with your hair done, you will have the opportunity to do last minute touch-ups. Don't forget to bring any hair care products you will need - that includes combs and brushes. Sorry, but we can not supply any hair care products.

Make sure you have a good smooth base, just use your regular make-up. If you normally do not use make-up, do not worry, the natural look is great. We would however, recommend that you apply a foundation then powder. You will still have the natural look, this will just smooth out your skin and remove shine from your face. Don't forget to bring your make-up with you to your session. Your make-up should be applied before you arrive to your session. You will have time for touch-ups before your session begins.

Don't forget to shave! Your photos will look much better if you are
clean-shaven. Mustaches and beards need to be trimmed for a neat look.

Do you play a sport? Instrument? Hobby? Think of things that are important in your life and feel free to bring it to your session. Just remember, it has to fit through our front door. Do you want a session with your car or bike? We can do that; just let us know when you book your session so that we can pick a good location at the best time of the day. Please organize your items, clean them the day before, you can’t imagine how many props are “forgotten.”

Everyone is usually filled with anticipation the day prior to being photographed. Get plenty of sleep. It does wonders.

I know that things come up and you need to change your schedule. Maybe you are just having a very bad day. Please contact me as soon as possible and I will be happy to reschedule your session time.

Please be aware, you will be charged a rescheduling fee of $25.

If I could control the weather, I would be rich. Unfortunately I can’t and neither can you. Even though it may be raining where you are, it may not be raining at your portrait location. Please come prepared to photograph your entire session. If necessary I will reschedule the outdoor portion of your session. I will try to contact you whenever a session needs to be rescheduled due to weather. If in doubt, call me two hours before your session to check. Weather related rescheduling will not be charged a fee.

Cloudy and overcast days are good days for photography. So don't worry if it is not a bright sunny day.

If you become sick and you need to reschedule your session, please call me as soon as possible. Rescheduling your session is not a problem. You will be charge a rescheduling fee.

The recommended time of arrival is at the time your session was scheduled. It is not usually necessary to arrive early because I allow enough time between sessions, not only to take the photographs, but also to get "settled in" before the session starts and gather up everything after your session is completed. My primary concern is that the experience be as relaxed, comfortable and fun for everyone. However, if you know that there is a problem of some type that will cause you to be late, a phone call to indicate your approximate time of arrival is requested.

I will spend as much time that is needed to create a variety of images that you can select from. I allow time for everyone to come arrive and relax, talk to the photographer, and change clothing before beginning your session. Once you are comfortable and ready to be photographed, I will work very quickly moving from one shot to the next. The time allowed for your senior session will depend on the type of session you choose to have. The Sprint session takes only about 15 minutes. The outdoor sessions takes about 45 minutes and the indoor/outdoor combination sitting could last up to 90 minutes.  Do remember though, travel time may vary depending on the time of day.  We try to allow you the personal time you deserve.

As everyone is preparing for the session, I will sit down with you and discuss what you are looking for, look at the type of clothing you brought and make a recommendation if necessary, confirm the type of session, get to know you and other family or friends who will be participating and answer any questions you may have regarding your session.

Your proofs will be posted to my web site by 9:00 am the following business day. They DO NOT represent the quality of the final product. Images are not retouched prior to posting on-line and are intended for reference purposes only.

All sessions require that you spend a minimum amount on prints. Minimum amounts are posted in the Senior Brochure and on this site on the sessions page. When your session is complete and posted to my web site, your credit card will be charge for the minimum print order. When you place your print order, you will be reimbursed for the minimum order charge.

An easy and fast way to order is on our secure web site. You will be able to view, sort and order your prints in the comfort of your own home. This is a great way to share your photos with family and friends. We will supply you with a password for your session. Use the “Client Log-in” button that is located at the top right corner of each page.

Please note: If you would like to invite family and friends to view your session, please use the “Create Guest Accounts” button after you log into your session.

When you are ready to place your order, simply call me to make an appointment. We can aid you in your decisions regarding size of prints, explain the different print options or help you order prints to be framed, among other things.

If you do not require any help or do not have any questions regarding how your proofs will be cropped, you may mail or e-mail your order.

Mailing address PO Box 71| Carver | MN | 55315
E-mail tom@partycrashers.com

Please provide your credit card information or a check.

I am happy to accept payments with:
Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Basic retouching is included on all prints. I will soften smile lines, blend skin tones and remove blemishes.  There will be additional charges for removing scars, moles, excessive acne, softening glass shadows and removing braces. Direct any concerns about blemishes, scratches, scars or other types of retouching when you place your order. We will be happy to give you a price for any additional retouching services.

Cropping is the process of removing unwanted portions of a photograph. Cropping is done to create the best possible composition of the final print. A wallet print will need to be cropped differently than an 16"x20" print. When we photograph your session we will leave room around your body to allow for as much flexibility for the final prints. When you order your prints, we will crop your photos to produce the best possible composition. If you have any special request, please let us know.

It is the Client's responibility to order the yearbook photo in a timely manner. It is very important that you are aware of your deadline for your yearbook photos. Talk to your yearbook advisor if you have any questions. You must order your yearbook photos no later than two (2) weeks before your due date. This means that your session must be completed at least three weeks before your due date. Party Crashers Photography will supply your school with the correct digital files or prints your school requires. YOU must supply us with the requirements in writing.

Check out our Yearbook Info page for more information regarding your school requirements.

Please Order Early

Ordering your yearbook (and prints) early helps us provide better service to all our clients. If all our clients wait until the last minute to order yearbook photos and prints, the studio is overwelmed with orders. Please help us by ordering early. If you need help in selecting your yearbook photo, just call the studio. We are here to help.

To Receive a FREE Yearbook Photo

Yearbook photo must be ordered within 30 days of your session and not less than 30 day of your schools' due date.

Yearbook Photos $25.00

Yearbook photo ordered after 30 days of session and not less than two weeks of your schools' due date will be charged $25.00.

Yearbook Photos $50.00

Any yearbook photo that is ordered within two weeks of your schools' due date will be charged $50.00. We will do our best to submit late orders to your school, but are not guaranteed for the school deadline.

The easiest way to order your yearbook photo is on-line. Once you have decided on your yearbook selection, simply check the the icon under the image. You will see "Yearbook Pose" when your hover your cursor over the icon.

Once you select your yearbook photo the icon will change color. That is all you need to do. The studio will automatically receive your yearbook selection.

Please note: You will only be able to do this once. If you change your mind, please contact the studio as soon as possible to make your change.

All of our sessions require that you spend a minimum amount on prints. Minimum amounts are posted in our Senior Brochure and on our this site on the sessions page. When your session is complete and posted to our web site, your credit card will be charge for the minimum print order. When you place your print order, you will be reimbursed for the minimum order charge.

Party Crashers Photography, Inc. retains the reproduction rights to all photographs produced. Client may not reproduce or allow others to reproduce photographs in any medium, including, and not limited to scanning into electronic medium or photocopying without the express written consent of Party Crashers Photography. Copyright violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

View our portrait session contract (pdf)