Frequently Asked Questions
SENIORS-PRE SESSION
What should I expect from my portrait session?
Our sitting options allow you to customize your senior portraits (almost!) however you’d like. We offer outfit changes, fashion backgrounds, your traditional yearbook images, and pictures with the cap and gown.
You should come prepared to be photographed for the yearbook and cap and gown with a simple plain t-shirt for the drape, or a spaghetti strap/tube top for the drape.
Our sessions can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your outfit changes.
Any tips for great portraits?
Yes, LOTS!
Get PLENTY of sleep before your appointment. Beauty sleep is a real thing! No one wants to look exhausted and stressed out in their pictures. This will help you feel and look your best.
A healthy glow looks great, but don’t overdo it. Sunburns don’t photograph well. Be careful of tan lines. They can be a distraction on the drape pose and take away from your photos. We do offer retouching for an additional charge to remove them.
Keep your nails clean! If you paint your nails, make sure they’re done well for your session. Several of the poses will show your hands. Avoid colors that will be distracting or may not work with all your outfits.
Hair style is your responsibility. Although we try to help with hair, it is hard for us to know what your hair is supposed to look like. It is a bad idea to make drastic changes to your hairstyle right before your photo session. We recommend getting your hair cut a week before your appointment. Bring hair spray and a brush to your session for any hair touch-ups that might be needed. We provide mirrors at every portrait station for last minute checks.
Bring chapstick! If you are prone to chapped lips, we recommend using a small amount of chapstick before having your photos taken.
Personality Photos are the photos that really bring out your personality. Make sure you’re comfortable in your clothing and that it flatters you. Most people will want to avoid stripes and plaid. Solid colors photograph much better than busy patterns. Sleeveless outfits aren’t always flattering, and can sometimes give the appearance of nudity in close up shots (oh no!!). That said, please use your own judgement. Group your outfits together on hangers. Make sure items are clean, ironed and ready to wear.
Bring PROPS! If you have a letter jacket and/or senior ring, bring them! They are the trademarks of your senior year! Make a checklist of things to bring with you for your photo session! Some popular choices are sports equipment (uniforms, soccer ball, basketball, softball bat, etc.), favorite team jersey, musical instruments, and any activity related items (dance, art, school clubs, etc.).
Keep jewelry simple. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the photo. It can also run the risk of dating the photos. Classic pieces work best. If you are changing your jewelry with each outfit, place it in bags with the hangers of each outfit so you won’t risk all the planning you did on the front end. We offer a set of pearls to give your photos a timeless look. They look great with the drape photos.
Can I bring *THIS* prop with me to my session?
You can bring just about ANYTHING to your session to be photographed with. There’s only two things that we require your school’s permission for before we’ll photograph you with it:
Pets
Weapons, such as for Archery or Rifle Teams, in addition to any knives/swords/etc.
Remember that we’re on school property, so if you can’t bring it with you on a normal school day, you definitely need to confirm with the school before bringing it to your session.
What is the difference between the Tux, Drape, and Cap and Gown?
The yearbook pose at most of our schools is taken in a Tux or a Drape. The drape is not the same thing as the cap and gown. If you would like cap and gown photos taken, make sure you sign up for a session that has it included!
TUXEDO
DRAPE
Cap and Gown
A behind-the-scenes video showcasing the senior photography session held at the school.
SENIORS-POST SESSION
How soon will my images be ready to view after my session?
Images can take up to 7 business days to be uploaded to the gallery. You might be able to see some of your images before the whole gallery is uploaded. You will receive an email when the whole gallery is ready to view and purchase!
Which image do I use for the yearbook?
You may select any of the Tuxedo or Velvet Drape photos with the BLUE background and no flowers or other props for the yearbook image. The Drape is NOT the same thing as the cap and gown.
If you do not select an image before your school’s posted deadline or select an image on the wrong background, we will choose an image for you. We use our professional expertise to choose the best one, but we can’t guarantee that it will be the one YOU want!
How do I get my photos retouched?
Our standard facial retouching is included free of charge on all purchased prints! Standard retouching covers acne and minor scaring. If you would like any additional retouching, you can purchase advanced retouching. If you would just like to have your yearbook image retouched, you can purchase that here.
If you purchase a print or download of the image you want to go into the yearbook BEFORE the yearbook deadline, the retouched image will be used as the yearbook image.
I misplaced my online code, help!
No problem! You received a card at the end of your session that has your code and you will also receive an email with the link to your gallery when the photos are ready. Search your email for an email from us about 7 business days after your session. You can also send us an email at seniors@vosphoto.com and we are happy to provide your code! When emailing us, please include the student’s name, school, and graduation year.
Can I retake my portraits?
For sure! We want you to be completely satisfied with your senior portraits. Send us an email and we can let you know when our next session at your school will be. Look over your photos and decide what exactly it was you didn’t like about them (for example, if you didn’t like your hairstyle, makeup or clothes). Be sure to let our photographers know what you didn’t like the first time so we know what to change.
A $10 retake charge may be required at the time of booking.
I lost my ID card, can I get a new one?
Sure! The ID you received at your session was free, provided complimentary to you on behalf of the school (does not apply to all schools). New ID cards are $25 and can be purchased here.
PRESCHOOL - 11TH GRADE
Is this picture for the yearbook?
Yes! We photograph every student for yearbook and administrative purposes on Fall picture day. We will also issue your student their complimentary ID card for the year on this day.
Can I get a retake?
If the parent/guardian is unhappy with the Picture Day package that was purchased, please return the package with the student to the make up session for a reshoot. If you have not purchased photos but your student is unhappy with the ID Card image, please reach out to underclass@vosphoto.com to arrange for special permission for a retake of that ID image. Retake days/make up days are normally reserved for students who missed the original session or for parents/guardians who are unhappy with their purchased photos. Victor O'Neill Studios provides one complimentary ID card to each student who is photographed for Picture Day. If this card is lost, there is a fee for replacement. Due to time limitations, we cannot offer retakes for all students who simply prefer a different Student ID image for their ID cards.
I lost my ID card, can I get a new one?
Sure! The first one is free, and provided complimentary to you on behalf of the school (does not apply to all schools). New ID cards are $25 and can be purchased here.
SPORTS
I bought a memory mate but it’s not in the package I ordered?
Memory mates are shipped separately so you should receive it soon!
Can I retake my sports portrait?
Unfortunately, we’re only able to photograph our sports teams once per season, therefore we’re unable to accommodate retake requests.
GRADUATION
Will you be at my school's graduation ceremony? How do I get those photos?
YES! We photograph almost all of our schools’ graduation ceremonies. We’ll be photographing candid images, handshake portraits of you walking across the stage, and our “Grad Portrait” of you with your diploma.
We try to photograph everyone for each category, but this is a fast-paced event with a lot of room for error. Therefore we cannot guarantee that we will have a photo of each student in every category.
Once the event is over, we’ll upload all the photos online for you to view and order.