Senior Portraits

Frequently Asked Questions

What are "senior" portraits?

By “senior” we mean high school senior, or college senior.  These are often portraits done for the parents and senior to mark this time of their life and can include their interests, hobbies, pets, etc.   College seniors often choose to include their cap and gown and make these their graduation portraits as well!

When should I schedule my senior portraits?

Many seniors schedule their sessions for the Spring of their Junior year or the Fall of their Senior year. Some seniors do choose to wait until just before graduation to do their session so they can include their cap and gown, while others want really recent images to go in their graduation announcements. Basically, whenever you want!

Where will the senior portrait session take place?

Senior portraits can be anywhere in Tallahassee! Downtown, Railroad Square, your school campus, our studio, FSU, Dorothy Oven Park, Maclay Gardens, etc. We do travel to the beach for senior portraits– there is a modest travel fee, but the fee is waived if there is a group of at least four seniors doing their sessions together.

What time of day should we schedule for the session?

Timing of your portrait session is critical to getting the best images possible. Location sessions in Tallahassee are best early and later in the day, while studio sessions can be scheduled any time. The exact location can also play a part in this decision, so consult the studio about the best possible time for any location you have in mind.

How far in advance should we schedule our session?

If you are looking for portraits on a specific date or time, it is best to contact the studio as soon as possible to ensure you can reserve that time before anyone else does. If you have a more flexible schedule, we can generally get you on the calendar within two weeks of contacting the studio. In busier times of year such as Spring or Christmas, it is best to plan your session 4-5 weeks in advance.

Can I use one of my images in the yearbook?

If your school allows you to submit your own image for the yearbook, we are happy to help! We simply need to know the size and format your school needs and we will take care of it– at no additional charge!

Can I bring my mom, sister, friend, etc to the session?

Sure! Your portrait session needs to be relaxed and fun! If you feel comfortable posing in front of your family or friends, you are welcome to bring them!

How should I dress for the portrait session?

Clothing choice is a very personal decision, but we do have some general guidelines that can help.

Solid colors photograph much better than patterns, but if you are looking to have a pattern, try to find a very simple design, or keep the busier pattern away from the face, or in small quantity.

Choose clothes that are well fitting, shirts with sleeves and nothing that needs a lot of attention or fussing to lay properly, so we can focus on having fun and getting great portraits, rather than fighting with an outfit. Definitely try all clothing on before the session to ensure a good fit!

Consider clothing that is important to this time in your life- team uniforms, caps and gowns, hobbies, prom dress, etc.

What should I bring to the portrait session?

Most seniors want to include a few different looks in their sessions, so you will need wardrobe changes (including shoes), any cosmetic necessities to touch up your appearance, and anything you would like included in your images– a dog, favorite hat, guitar, football helmet, etc.

What if I have a blemish?

Small blemishes, bruises and scratches should not be cause for worry. We retouch all of your images before you ever see them and these minor imperfections are not a problem. With more significant issues such as large scratches, black eyes, etc. you should contact the studio immediately to consult about rescheduling the portrait session.

What if I get sick?

Sick subjects are not fun, they are not happy and they do not make for good photographs. They also expose us and our other clients to illness, so we ask that you reschedule your session if you are not well. Please be courteous to both us and our other clients and notify us as soon as you start feeling ill, so that we may reschedule your session and offer the original time to another client.

How much is a senior portrait session?

Standard Portrait Session- $500
45 minute portrait session for up to eight people in studio or on location. Includes five retouched digital images (printable up to 8×10).
Saturday availability: $50 in addition to session fee.

​Upgraded Portrait Session- $1000
One hour portrait session for up to 12 people in studio or on location. Includes ten retouched digital images (printable up to 8×10).
Saturday availability: $50 in addition to session fee.

​Premium Portrait Session- $1500

Two hour portrait session for up to 15 people in studio or on location. Includes 30 retouched digital images (printable up to 8×10).
Saturday availability: $50 in addition to session fee.

We have you come back to the studio (or meet on Zoom) the week following your portrait session to review the images and help make your selections.  If you like, additional digital images are available for $50 each, or you can choose to invest in wall portraits, albums, etc.

 

When do we see the images and order?

About a week after your portrait session, we have you come into the studio for your order session. At this session we show you all the final images and show you a variety of products including designed pieces, wall portraits, frames, canvases, storyboards, etc. It is best that anyone involved in making the purchase is present at this session, as many of the products are only available at this time and this session gives you the best pricing for all of our products. Orders are sent for retouching immediately after the order session and most orders are ready for pickup in three to four weeks.

Want More?

The gallery above shows some favorite images from countless portrait sessions over the years!  The blog posts below show our recent work with kids in our Tallahassee studio or on location! You can also use the search bar below to find specific things on the blog!

 

Brittany & Kendra

Brittany & Kendra

It sounds so silly, but I have never done a portrait session at FAMU.  I don't know why that is, but it made for a great adventure Friday afternoon with Brittany & Kendra!  I love that they incorporated the major landmarks of the university into their graduation...

Avery & Tallahassee senior portraits

Avery & Tallahassee senior portraits

I have never ever heard any high school senior say they weren't ready for high school to be over with... until now.  Avery is a Wakulla High Senior and also the winner of our Awesome Teen Contest and she is actually enjoying high school.  I know, totally strange,...

Kelly and Sarah & Tallahassee photographers

Kelly and Sarah & Tallahassee photographers

Kelly is something so rare, I never thought I would meet one in person.  She is a teenager who gets good grades, helps around the house, is sweet and kind, and even gets along with her parents!  I am serious!  She was so fun for her shoot this week and I am so glad...

Caroline & Tallahassee senior portraits

Caroline & Tallahassee senior portraits

A 5'11" stunning girl with 9 mile long legs in the studio to let me play?  Why yes, please! 🙂  Caroline was awesome, rearranging her schedule to come in and let me goof off in the studio with some new backdrops!

Hannah & Tallahassee senior portraits

Hannah & Tallahassee senior portraits

Occasionally, Olyn and I invite clients into the studio to model for us and let us play around.  This time, we were looking for high school girls and instantly Hannah came to mind.  Although Hannah is only going to be a Freshman this fall, her beautiful skin and...

Location

702 W Tharpe St

Tallahassee, FL 32303

E-mail

Linda@LongsPhotography.com

Phone

(call or text)

850.339.5799

All images and content copyright Long's Photography