Senior Portrait Info

I love senior portraits.  They are my favorite thing in the world to shoot.  You're only a high school senior once - make the most of it with your senior portraits!  Here's all the basic information about the senior portrait package that Jodie Coston Photography offers.

  • Session Length

It's all about you.  When you book your session with me and send in your deposit, I mark off the entire day on my calendar for your photo shoot.  Some students are up for shooting from dawn until dusk and I love that kind of enthusiasm.  Others are content to take photos for a couple of hours and then finish up with a family photo shoot or a fun shoot with friends.  You just tell me what you want and I'll schedule the day around making the most of your time.

  • Locations

I have a wonderful selection of locations all over the Flathead Valley to get all kinds of different images, plus LOVE any opportunity to go to a spot of your choice.  Seniors tend to love the "urban" look right now - graffiti, railroad tracks, brick walls and staircases in alleys - and I have a huge selection of fantastic places with an urban feel.  I also have beautiful locations in wooded areas, on docks, by rivers, in Glacier Park, sandy beaches, fields, old barns - you name it, I can make it happen.  I have a portable studio that I bring with me so we can also make pictures on a plain white or black background or throw in some funky color studio shots.

  • Clothing Changes

When it comes to senior portraits, it's always better to pack too many clothing options than too few.  I bring a portable private changing room along on all shoots so you have a comfortable place to swap outfits througout the day.  A great basic pair of jeans will go well with different tops and shoes to create many different looks.  Don't forget plenty of fun accessories - scarves, hats, bangles, a jacket or a blazer and all of your favorite shoes.  Bring that old prom dress you think you won't wear again and we'll make some spectacular images with it.  And guys, of course you'll probably bring those shirts your mom picks out, but also bring that sick shirt you got at your first rock concert or a sweatshirt or jersey - these pictures are about you!

  • Extra Photos, People and Pets

You are welcome, even encouraged to bring along a parent or a friend for the day.  Having an extra set of eyes and someone to banter with helps keep your photos natural and spontaneous.  I love changing up the day by adding in any extra kind of photos you like, whether that means photos with your best friends, your dog (or cat, iguana, parrot, guinea pig...) some family photos with Mom and Dad and your siblings.  We can arrange to meet anyone you like at the location of your choice and have a great time making great group shots at any point in your day.  This is all part of your session and there is no extra charge.

  • Props

Bring along anything you love that represents your personality.  When you look back at your senior photos many years from now, you'll want them to remind you of your special final year in high school.  Bring sports equipment, your high school letter jacket, musical instruments, artwork, anything you collect - whatever you're passionate about.  After booking your session, I'll send you a questionaire as well as talk to you to help me fill in what I need to know about your personality and I'll bring some fun props along as well.

  • Package Pricing

This comprehensive digital senior portrait session is $350.  Within two to eight weeks you will receive a CD with 40 - 70+ completely edited and retouched images along with a letter granting you the rights to reprint or copy them for your own personal purposes.  A non-refundable deposit of 50% is due at the time of booking with the balance due on the day of the session.  Another payment option is the senior portrait layaway plan, which is custom tailored so you can make monthly payments leading up to the portrait session.  Payment forms that are accepted are cash, check or credit card via PayPal.  

  • Tips for looking your best

Best tip ever:  Get your hair cut two to three weeks before your session.  That gives you just enough time that your hair doesn't look too short but it's not going to be too heavy to keep your style fresh through the shoot.

Vary necklines and sleeve lengths for different looks.

Avoid being sunburned or having drastic tan lines.

Get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water the day before your shoot.

Wear your makeup just as usual, don't go overboard.  If you want to add a touch of something to make your photos pop, throw on an extra coat of mascara - you'll still look like yourself and your eyes just have just a tad more definition.

 

  • What if you need your images quickly?

If for any reason you need your finished photos by a specific date sooner than my standard timeframe, I will work overtime and finish your images on your deadline for an extra $100.

  • What if the weather is bad?

In case of inclement weather, rescheduling your session at the first time that is conveneint to both of our schedules is my first priority.