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Answered | Common Senior Portrait Questions

Can I just have the digitals? Absolutely! The prices for my digital files are included in both the Create-A-Collection and the al-a-carte lists. I really want you to enjoy your images and see them displayed throughout your home, office and future dorm room! Oftentimes, I see clients purchase the digitals, and then never print them! Which is why I offer heirloom prints as my specialty! You won’t enjoy your images as much set aside in a drawer.

I don’t want to spend very much on senior pictures. I totally understand! Budgeting is so hard! I understand just what you want can be a strain on your finances. We will work together to see if we are a good fit.  What kind of budget are you working within? Would your budget allow for a payment plan if one was offered?

Can I see all the pictures you took? I’m so glad you’re excited to see your pictures. One thing that I’m really great at is that curating a gallery of images that from a session to just the very best. It takes a lot of stress and overwhelm out of the selection process to have so, so pictures taken out ahead of time. Don’t worry… I love outtakes too! I’ll leave a few of the best ones in as part of your memory of the day. Was there a particular image that you were thinking of?

Why are the digitals so expensive? I realize that custom portraits are an investment. I love being a boutique photographer who offers a custom curated experience for my clients. The digital negatives are an heirloom to cherish for generations to come. I take time to tailor each session to you, and you’re paying for the best!

Can I order online?   I want my clients to get the ultimate in customer service, so I work with you at the outset to make sure your choices are perfect for your needs. After your viewing and initial order, you are more than welcome to place additional reorders online. I will upload your gallery and you’ll have one week to place your order. If you need more time, there is a fee associated for accessing that gallery past the one-week period. In addition, the online gallery will be set to retail pricing, which is higher than the premier pricing that is available at your initial order session.

Can I order at a later date? I understand this is a very big, important (and often overwhelming) decision. I am here every step of the way to help guide your decision, and find what is best for you and your family. However, I only offer the initial, premiere pricing for one night. If finances are a large concern for you, we can discuss the payment plan options that may be available for you. If you require a second in-studio appointment there is a fee associated with the second appointment, as well as, a minimum order.

I can’t afford your packages. Custom portraiture can be a large investment. Please make sure we are a good fit before booking with me, by asking about our payment plans and our pricing. You are getting what you pay for, with quality service and custom boutique portraiture.

I’m paying for my own session (not parents) and I can’t afford it –  Wow! What a responsible action you are taking. Good for you! Have you asked friends and family to consider photography gift cards for gifts this year? Sometimes grandparents like to help in this way. Let’s chat to see if we are a good fit for each other. What is your budget?

I didn’t realize how expensive you were. Custom portraits are a true investment. I really want my clients to feel that they are receiving the very best from me. Each session is unique, and thus requires my time my vision and my creativity to make it a one-of-a-kind experience. A lot goes into creating a portrait experience, and I know I’m not for everyone. If our services are too high for you, I hope you can find a great photographer to meet your needs!

Uncle Bob (or my friend) has the nicest camera! That’s great! It takes a lot of training to be able to make that camera work to its fullest. When you purchase a boutique photography, you are getting much more than a few snapshots from a nice camera. You are getting the time, experience, and years of education from a skilled photographic artist! Do you want to leave your once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot in the hands of an amateur who is just beginning their study?

Can’t you just tell me the locations you use? I have spent several years honing my craft, and I have several unique locations that bring out your personality! Water ways to wooded paths and urban environs, I have something for everyone. These locations are exclusively known to my clients who have already booked with me. I am more than happy to discuss these with you after your booking!

Am I going to have to wait a long time to get these back?  My current turnaround rate is 2-3 weeks, but I’m so glad you’re excited to see your images! A lot goes into preparing the gallery for you to see. I take my time and hand-edit each image at the pixel level to make sure it’s the very best and shows your personality and beauty.

Can you do a “mini” session? I don’t need a full session, just a few snapshots. I currently don’t offer a mini session. I realize you only need a few snapshots, but my clients are here for the full experience. It often takes clients 10-15 minutes to relax in to the process, so the best images don’t happen quick. I think you’ll love having a variety of images instead of just a few! A full session is the best way for me to ensure a quality shoot that captures all the facets of your personality.

Wait, your retainer doesn’t include any prints or digitals?! The session fee is used to reserve your date, your consultation, and viewing and sales appointment. I understand it might be easier for you to see a flat fee, but that wouldn’t help me customize each offering to your individual needs. We utilize the Create-A-Collection program so that you can customize the products to meet your needs.

I just don’t know what I’d do with all those pictures.  It may seem like a lot of images, but please know there are lots of options for your gorgeous photos. Plus, your gallery tells a story, your story. You can turn your gallery into an album to showcase them all at once, you can display a collage of them on your walls, and you can create custom photo prints and products for your loved ones.

Why do I have to pay you for my daughter to model for you?  My senior rep program is not just a modeling program. It is a unique way for young women to meet each other, come together in our community, and form lasting, authentic friendships and gain work experience. It is not just about modeling, it is about providing the exclusive senior experience and developing note worthy line items for her resume.

It’s hard to justify your prices when I know 2 photographers that only charge $250 for a digital session. Customized portraiture is a large investment, but you’re also receiving my time, expertise, and educational background. This is my livelihood. I’m full-time and fully committed to my craft. Remember, if someone is charging much less, there is always a reason why. Each year people around the country give cameras for Christmas. That doesn’t mean the person receiving the camera is ready for business, but it happens all the time. If someone is charging less, the likelihood is they aren’t fully committed to photography or don’t have a lot of experience, the quality is likely not as good as well. Every photographer is different, but when you book with me, you’re truly paying for the best!

I want a huge picture for over the couch! How much for an 8×10?  I’m so excited that you want to hang a huge portrait over your couch, I bet it will look awesome. An 8×10 is what we call a gift print, which would be appropriate for friends and family, but would be quite small over a couch, more like a postage stamp. If you want your portrait to make a statement, I can show you more options when we meet! I have several sizes I can recommend for that kind of space, as well as, groupings that work well too!

Can you hold a date for me, I can pay the retainer next week? Yay! I’m so excited to work with you. However, the session fee is an important piece used to reserve the date when processed. I have many people asking for dates around that time, and it would be unfair to hold a time without guaranteeing the spot. Can I process your session fee on a credit card instead?

What is required to book a session?  A retainer is required to book your session with me. The retainer is$125 amount. I can accept cash, check, and credit cards at this time.

Are you willing to travel and if so, how far?  Yes, I love to travel. What did you have in mind? I typically charge a travel fee to offset the expense of travel and extra time.

Do you offer payment plans? Yes, I do offer payment plans. Each payment plan is different. I require a deposit and the remaining balance is spread over the remaining weeks or months. I do have a $50 handling fee to set up a payment plan. Print items are sent to print, and digitals are released after the final payment.

Can I have a refund? I currently do not offer refunds because of the unique nature and custom artwork of my services.

I am scared my photos will look the same as So and So’s senior photos! This is a common concern, but I plan every senior shoot individually to ensure that each one is unique. Because every client is different, I try to incorporate their personality and desires, which means none of them look identical!

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@maryo.photography

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