Maine Senior Portrait Photography

 

senior portraits


It can be hard finding the right senior portrait photographer! Not only do you have to find someone whose style you like, but you also have to find someone who can make it fun and comfortable all at the same time. Our first and only priority is to make sure you have a great experience, because when you’re feeling great, your pictures will come out great.

Each session typically lasts for one-to-two hours. That’s enough time to visit one or two locations and try on several outfits. Our goal is to capture a variety of looks, some more traditional (for your parents) and some more creative and fun. For those seniors who want something a bit different from the typical portrait, we really enjoy using dramatic, off-camera lighting and unique locations.

Lexi typically photographs the ladies, while Matt typically photographs the guys. When possible, we’ll both attend the session, regardless of who’s taking the pictures. That way there’s two of us to help carry gear, hold lights, and suggest ideas.

We’ll talk with you beforehand to determine where your session will take place. We have a ton of cool places to suggest. During the talk, we’ll answer any questions you might have about clothing, makeup, hair, lighting, etc. and provide useful tips to help you prepare. During the session, we promise to take our time and never make you feel rushed. You can expect plenty of direction and encouragement, and we’ll do whatever we can to show off your personality and help you rock the shoot!

tips and faqs

How much does a session typically cost?

Most families want a variety of prints and/or digital files, and they spend between $400 and $700. We offer a variety of packages at a number of price points, and we’re happy to share our packages with you via phone or email.

How do I book a session?

In order to book a session date and time, we require a payment equal to one half of your total session price along with a signed contract and model release. The remainder of your payment will be due on or before your session date.

What happens after my session?

After your session, it will take us a week or two to go through your pictures and select and edit pictures for proofing. Once ready, we’ll provide you with an online gallery from which you can select any pictures you’d like to receive as prints or digital files, depending on the package you’ve selected. After you place your gallery order, we’ll perform final edits on the pictures you selected and submit your pictures to our print vendor (if applicable) for processing. We will email digital files to you directly once they’re ready.

How long will my gallery be available?

Your ordering gallery will remain online for 2 weeks. If your gallery expires and you need additional time, it can be made available again. However, you may be subject to an additional fee. The reason for this is that we pay for server storage, and there are costs associated with hosting images.

How can family and friends order prints?

Once your photos have been edited and your online gallery has been established, you will be given a password. You may provide this password to anyone with whom you would like to share your photos. Via the gallery, family and friends will be able to order prints, photo books, and other items.

What rights will I have to the photographs?

Depending on the package you select, you may or may not receive printing rights to the pictures. If your package or purchase includes digital files that you yourself get to keep, then you will receive a print release granting limited rights to print or reproduce the photos for personal, non-commercial use. In other words, you will have permission to print the photographs anywhere you like and at any time. All copyrights, commercial printing rights, distribution rights, and other rights will be retained solely by Lexi & Matt Photography, LLC. We understand this can be confusing, so we’d be happy to explain in simpler language over the phone or in person.

Can I order additional photos beyond my package?

Yes! Just let us know which additional photos you want edited, and we’ll quote you a price.

Why should I order prints through you?

We’ve tested and compared several of the nation’s top professional printing labs. The labs that we’ve chosen to work with offer only the highest quality prints. All printers are not created equal, unfortunately. It can be difficult for lower-quality printers to accurately replicate the colors you see on a computer screen. We’ve calibrated our equipment to match the labs we work with. This means the color, exposure, and sharpness of the prints you order through us will closely match the digital pictures you see during your proofing session.

What should I wear to my session?

You should stay away from clothing with patterns, stripes, or large polka dots. You can’t go wrong with solid colors! When you stick to solid colors, the picture will be all about you! Crazy patterns or stripes, while fun, are distracting in a photograph.

It’s always great to bring a few accessories with you. A cute hat or a stylish jacket can transform you from one look into another without the need for a complete wardrobe change.

Ladies: When making your clothing selection(s) please consider the cut of your top. Also, if you are thinking of wearing a dress or skirt, please keep in mind that we will be moving around a lot. Make sure to choose attire in which you will be comfortable and able to move. That said, dresses can make for some really fun and dramatic pictures!

What about my hair and makeup?

It’s always nice if you can get a haircut about two weeks before your session. That way it’s fresh, but it doesn’t have that “just cut” look. Wear your hair in a style that fits both your personality and the wardrobe you’ve selected. Try to stay away from hair styles that are too faddish, as they might look outdated down the road.

As for makeup, it all depends on the look you’re going for. It never hurts to go with something that’s understated, timeless, and accentuates your natural beauty. However, there are instances where a more dramatic look can work well too. In general, stay away from lipstick that’s too bold for your complexion, as it will distract from your eyes, which are the real focal point.

Where will my session take place?

All of our sessions happen on location. If you’d like some help choosing a spot we have a long list of awesome locations that we’re happy to recommend.

Do you travel to Acadia National Park?

Yes, we photograph many sessions in Acadia National Park and on Mount Desert Island. We’d be happy to give you recommendations about specific locations and times of day.

Do you charge for travel?

With any senior portrait session, the first 20 miles round trip are included. This equates to the greater Bangor area. Additional travel will be quoted based on the location chosen by the client.

What if I need to reschedule?

So long as you provide sufficient advance warning and you are not rescheduling due to weather (see below), then we will make every effort to accommodate your change. However, please understand that once you’ve been penciled in, that’s a designated time where we haven’t scheduled other clients. It may be difficult for us to re-book that slot without sufficient notice. We therefore ask that you make every effort to stick to your original session date and time.

The weather isn't nice - Can I reschedule?

Believe it or not, a bright sunny day is often not optimal shooting weather. You’ll be squinting, and you’ll get completely washed out by the sun. Cloudy or overcast (or even slightly rainy) days make for some of the most beautiful photographs. Because of this, we’ll be the ones to decide whether we should reschedule due to weather. We of course want you to enjoy your session, and we’ll always take things like temperature into account when making this decision. We’ll also speak with you as we’re working toward a decision, to get your input and to keep you up to date.

Can I bring family or friends to watch?

Certainly! If you’re comfortable with it, then we’re comfortable with it. Just be sure that your guests realize they’re there to support you and not distract you.