Hints For a Good Senior Session

Choosing a studio
When selecting a studio 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, we set aside plenty of time to insure that our staff will be able to make your experience one that is memorable and fun for you. 


Selecting a Session
Peruse through our Studio Sessions and Location Sessions galleries to get a good idea of the types of sessions that appeal to you. You may mix and match any of the sessions. Pick the studio session that appeals to your needs and match it up with one or all of the location sessions that work 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, our staff is always happy to help.  

Back

Scheduling a session
Scheduling a session is easy. Simply call us (952-368-1941) and our experienced staff will answer all your questions and set up the perfect session for you. Our 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 or American Express number ready. Sorry, we cannot hold sessions without payment.

Studio hours
Tuesday through Friday 8:00am -2:00pm                                                                 Saturday 9:00am - Noon                                                                               Sunday and Monday the studio is closed.

We always recommend that you call before stopping by the studio, we may be out of the studio on location.                                                     

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

Pets
We love animals! If you would like to include your pet in some of your photos, we ask that you notify the studio 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 we go to do not allow pets (Arboretum/Noerenberg Gardens/ext.). We 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.

Back

Seniors under 18 years old
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.

Getting ready for 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.

Selecting clothing
Select clothing that you like. 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 unscuffed and freshly polished. Press you 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.

Back

Clothing changes
All of our 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 our photographer 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.

On location sessions, we recommend one change of clothing do to the lack of changing facilities at some of the locations. However you can get several different looks by bring along articles of clothing that you can put on and take off (i.e. jackets, sweaters or shirts you can layer over other clothing). The Arboretum session does have the best facilities for changing. The Warehouse District and Mississippi Trail has no place to change (besides the back of your car). Your photographer can help you with any suggestions before you session begins. Or call the studio, we would be glad to help with any questions.


Hair
If 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-up
Make sure you have a good smooth base, then 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.

Back

Props from home
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.

The day before your session
Everyone is usually filled with anticipation the day prior to being photographed. Get plenty of sleep

Rain days
If the weather is bad the day of your location session, your session will be rescheduled for a new day and time.  If you have a studio session booked for the same day,  we will still do that part of your session.  Only the location part of your session will be rescheduled. The studio will try to contact you whenever a session needs to be rescheduled due to weather. If in doubt, call the studio two hours before your session to check.

Back

Illness
If you become sick and you need to reschedule your session, please call the studio as soon as possible. Rescheduling your session is not a problem. You will be charge a rescheduling fee of $25.00.

When should we arrive?
The recommended time of arrival is at the time your session was scheduled. It is not usually necessary to arrive early because we 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. Our primary concern is that the experience be as relaxed, comfortable and fun for everyone as possible. However, if you know that there is a problem of some type that will cause you to be late, a phone call to the studio to indicate your approximate time of arrival is requested.

How much time should I plan for?
We will spend as much time that is needed to create a variety of images that you can  select from. We allow time for everyone to come into the studio and relax, talk to the photographer, and change clothing before beginning your session. Once you are comfortable and ready to be photographed, our staff works very quickly moving from one shot to the next. Plan on spending one hour from the time you arrive until the time you leave.

Back

Meeting with your photographer
As everyone is preparing for the session, your photographer 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

Proofs ready
Your proofs will be posted to our secure website usually within two hours of your session (on busy days or days we our on location, your proofs may not be posted until the following morning - we will do our best!).

Proofs books
A complementary proof book will be sent to your home (normally within one day of your session).  This book is yours to keep!  This is a good way to share your proofs when a computer is not available or convenient. Please note: Our proofs are printed with a color laser printer on standard paper.  They do not represent the quality of the final product.  Paper proofs are intended for reference purposes only.  We highly encourage you to make an appointment to see your proofs on our computer screens at the studio

Back

Minimum Print Orders
All of our sessions require that you spend a minimum amount on prints.  Minimum amounts are posted in our Senior Brochure.  When your session is complete and posted to our website, 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.

Ordering prints on-line
An easy and fast way to order is on our secure website. You will be able to view, sort and order your prints in the comfort of your own home.  We will supply you with a password to your session. This is a great way to share your photos with family and friends.

Selecting prints from proof book
When you are ready to place your order, simply call the studio to make an appointment with one of our helpful staff. They can aid you in your decisions regarding size of prints, explain the different black and white printing processes or help you order prints to be framed, among other things. It is also helpful to see framed examples that we display on the walls in our studio, to give you ideas of which size to order for wall portraits and what your finished product might look like. If you do not require any help or do not have any questions regarding how your proofs will be cropped, you may mail in or fax your order along with your credit card number or check so that a deposit or payment may be made to start the print process.

Retouching of finished prints
Basic retouching is included on all prints.  we 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.

Yearbook photos
It is very important that you are aware of your deadline for your yearbook photos.   Talk to your yearbook adviser if you have any questions. You must order your yearbook photos no later than three weeks before your due date. This means that your session must be completed at least five 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. If your school doesn't accept digital files,  the student is required to deliver the print to the school. When your prints are complete, you will be notified by phone.

Back