F.A.Q’s
Senior Portrait FAQ
Everything you need to know before your senior session
Senior portraits are a BIG deal—and I know you probably have questions!
Whether you’re a senior wondering what to wear, a mom wondering how many images you’ll receive, or you’re both trying to figure out when to schedule, I’ve got you.
My goal is to make the entire experience simple, relaxed, and FUN. You don’t need to know how to pose, you don’t need to be a professional model, and you definitely don’t have to have everything figured out before you arrive. That’s what I’m here for!
Here are some of the questions I hear most often.
FOR SENIORS
I’m awkward in front of the camera. What if I don’t know how to pose?
You are in VERY good company!
Most of my seniors tell me they’re nervous about posing before their session. You don’t need modeling experience or to know what to do with your hands.
I’ll guide you through posing, movement, and expression throughout your entire session. My goal is to make everything feel natural so you can relax and actually enjoy the experience.
By the end, you’ll probably wonder why you were ever nervous!
What should I wear?
Bring outfits that feel like you!
I recommend bringing a variety of looks—something classic, something casual, something that shows your personality, and anything special that you definitely want photographed.
Think about the things you love to wear, not what you think you should wear for senior pictures.
Before your session, I’ll help you plan your outfits so we can make sure we have a great variety of looks.
How many outfits can I bring?
That depends on the collection you choose.
We’ll talk about your outfits during the planning process so we can make the most of your session time and create a gallery with plenty of variety.
Can I bring props?
Absolutely!
If something is important to you or tells part of your story, bring it. Sports equipment, musical instruments, books, cars, pets, hobbies, uniforms, college gear—you name it.
The best props are the ones that actually mean something to you.
Can my friends come?
Absolutely! If having a friend or two along helps you feel more comfortable, let's talk about it.
Just keep in mind that your session is designed around you, so we’ll make sure your portraits stay the focus.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! If your pup is an important part of your life, I’d love to include them.
We’ll plan ahead for the best way to incorporate your dog into your session.
Can my mom come?
Of course!
Parents and guardians are welcome to join or observe your session.
And honestly, moms can be surprisingly helpful—especially when it comes to fixing hair, keeping track of outfits, and making sure we haven't forgotten anything!
FOR SENIOR MOMS
When should we schedule senior pictures?
The best time depends on the look you want and your senior's schedule.
Many families choose to schedule earlier in the senior year so they have their portraits ready for announcements, yearbooks, graduation celebrations, and other milestones.
The important thing is not to wait until the calendar is packed. Senior year gets BUSY!
If you have a particular season, location, or date in mind, reach out early.
What does the session fee include?
Your $275 session fee covers the photography experience and is due when you book.
Your collection includes the images and products outlined in the collection you select.
We'll go over everything before you book so you know exactly what you're choosing and what is included.
How much should we budget for senior portraits?
Every family is different, which is why I offer several collection options.
Families typically invest anywhere from approximately $995-1500+ depending on the collection and products they choose.
My goal is to help you choose the collection that makes sense for your family rather than trying to fit everyone into the same package.
Are digital images included?
Yes, depending on the collection you choose.
Your collection will clearly outline how many final images are included. Additional images are also available if you fall in love with more than you originally planned.
Can we buy additional images?
Absolutely!
If you have a hard time narrowing down your favorites—and trust me, it happens—you can purchase additional images after viewing your proofing gallery.
What happens after the photo session?
Within approximately two weeks, you'll receive a private proofing gallery where you'll choose your favorite images.
Once your selections are made, I begin the retouching process.
Your finished, fully edited images are then delivered through a private online gallery. Current delivery timing is approximately 2–3 weeks for final images.
Are the images in the first gallery fully edited?
No.
Your first gallery is a proofing gallery. The images are there so you can see the photographs and choose your favorites.
Once you've made your selections, I retouch those images and create your final gallery.
What kind of retouching do you do?
My approach is simple, natural, and true to you.
I want your senior to look like themselves—just their very best self.
Typical retouching may include things like small blemishes, minor distractions, windblown hair, teeth whitening, or other small adjustments.
If something specific is bothering you in an image, just ask!
Can we order prints, albums, or wall art?
Absolutely!
Professional prints, albums, and wall art are available through my professional lab. You can also choose to print your digital images independently.
I always encourage families to think beyond the digital files. These photographs deserve to be enjoyed—not just stored on a computer!
PLANNING YOUR SESSION
How do we choose a location?
That's part of the fun!
We'll talk about the look and feel you're going for and choose locations that fit your senior's personality.
Whether you love an urban look, something natural and relaxed, or something completely custom, we'll create a session around your vision.
What if the weather is bad?
Don't worry—we'll have a plan!
If weather creates a problem for your scheduled session, we'll communicate and determine the best option for rescheduling or adjusting the plan.
What should I bring to my session?
Come prepared with:
Your planned outfits
Shoes and accessories for each look
Any meaningful props
Hair and makeup touch-up items
A water bottle
Anything special you want included in your portraits
And don't forget your personality!
Do I need professional hair and makeup?
Not necessarily.
Some seniors love having professional hair and makeup, while others prefer to do their own.
The most important thing is that you feel like yourself.
Can we include multiple locations?
Absolutely, depending on the collection and the amount of time available.
We'll plan your locations ahead of time so we're not wasting valuable session time figuring it out on the day of your shoot.
THE BUSINESS SIDE
How do we book?
Once you've chosen your collection, I'll personally connect with you to confirm your session, collect the $275 session fee, and begin designing your shoot.
You'll also receive a short questionnaire to help me understand your vision.
When is the remaining balance due?
For collection bundles, the session fee is due at booking and the remaining balance is due on or before the day of your session.
What if we aren't sure which collection to choose?
That's completely okay!
You don't have to figure everything out by yourself. I'm happy to talk through the options with you and help you choose based on what you want from your senior portrait experience.
Do you offer a senior rep program?
Yes!
My Senior Rep program is a separate experience designed for seniors who want to be part of the Tracy Dietrich Photography community and represent the brand throughout their senior year.
You can learn more about the current Senior Rep program
https://www.tracydietrich.com/tdp-senior-reps
What makes your senior sessions different?
I believe senior portraits should be about more than simply getting a few nice pictures.
This is a milestone.
It's a chance to celebrate who your senior is right now—before they head into whatever comes next.
My job is to create an experience where your senior feels comfortable, confident, and completely themselves while creating photographs your family will still love years from now.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
I'd love to hear from you!
If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, don't hesitate to reach out. No question is too small, and I'd much rather you ask than wonder.
Let's plan a senior session that's completely YOU.
443-857-3776