jkcphoto.net Blog

We are launching a new Senior Portrait Model program in select Cuyahoga, Geauga, Portage, Medina, Stark, Summit and Trumbull
County schools, and we need up to two representatives for each school.

It’s time for something different and special, tailored to who YOU are. Not only are we offering you a chance to have a truly personalized, unique senior shoot, but to also get them at little or no cost.

Duties

A Senior Model promotes JKCPhotography services and products via personal testimony, exhibiting Session Album of Senior Portraits, distributing Senior Rep Cards, and referring clients to the company web site for more information.

Attend a meeting with JKCPhotography in which you will be instructed in how to represent our company and the requirements of being a senior model. We will also discuss and plan your senior portrait session. Parents are encouraged to attend and must approve of your participation.

All Senior Portrait Models will receive the following in exchange for helping JKCPhotography find classmates for senior portrait sessions:

• One free on-location portrait session (up to 2 hours – your choice: indoors and/or outdoors)

• One 8×10, two 5×7, and 12 wallet prints

• Ten electronic files for sharing via Facebook, Myspace, etc (with our logo on it).

• 10% off print orders from the Senior Portrait Model’s senior session

• Up to 40 referral cards to share with their friends, each with your portrait, name, and information about
JKCPhotography.

Additional Benefits:

• Either $5.00 cash or $10 print credit for prints from your senior session for every classmate that you refer to us (classmate must book and complete a session with us with all fees paid)

With the fifth referral you get:

• One 10×10 20 page hardcover album(s) with 20 full page photos from the senior session

The classmate(s) must present a referral card in order to be eligible. All referred classmates will receive 12 free wallet prints plus 10% off all print orders from his or her session with a valid referral card.

Terms and conditions are listed below for all Senior Portrait Models.

• All photo sessions must be completed by the end of June of 2010.

• Parents or legal guardians of the Senior Portrait Model must sign a model release, allowing us to use your images for advertising purposes

• A valid Senior Portrait Model Referral Card must be presented by a referred student in order for the senior model to receive any payments or credits

• Credits will only be issued when a referred senior’s session is complete and all fees are paid in a timely manner by the referred senior

• No more than two Senior Portrait Models (one male and one female) will be selected per school.

Models will be selected by May 31st, 2009 from all applications received by May 18th, 2009.

Visit our site to get your application.

It’s been a while. I’m still learning this blogging stuff. I’ll try to be a little more consistent with my posts going forward. Since we are heading into senior season, today I’m going to write about some of the questions I hear from seniors.

How many outfits can I wear?

I do not limit the number of outfits, poses, hairstyles, etc. That is entirely up to you. But, keep in mind that the more outfit changes you make the less time we have for shooting.

What kind of clothes should I wear?

Your images should reflect who you are, so it is best to wear clothing that you like and like how it looks on you. Your clothing should flatter you without drawing attention away from your face.

Given that, it’s best to avoid fabrics such as plaids, prints and stripes. They can be distracting. Generally dark to medium tones work best – red, green, brown, tan, blue, black, etc. White and other light or bright colors can also work well.

This is a good example of what I mean.

I would suggest having a lot of outfits ready and we can decide which ones to use the day of the shoot.

What about my hair, hands, etc.?

Grooming is one of the keys to an outstanding portrait. This includes hands, hair, facial hair, etc.

You want your hair to be well groomed in a style that you like and know. Your portraits are not really the time to try a new hair style. It’s also not a good idea to get your hair cut right before the shoot. Bring a brush or comb to do any last minute grooming.

Guys should shave no more than two hours prior to the appointment.

What about glasses?

If you can get a lenses frame, without lenses that is the best choice. This will avoid reflections in the lenses. Your eye doctor may be willing to loan you a frame like your own for the shoot. Otherwise there are a few things we can do during the shoot to reduce the reflections, though it may not be possible to totally eliminate them.

What about makeup?

Makeup is great for hiding blemishes, soften lines, remove dark bags under eyes, etc. But, keep it light and simple. (Tip – If you are not confident in your makeup skills, take advantage of the free makeovers available at most mall department stores).

How long until I receive my prints?

Typically, if you select an hourly rate shoot the online proofs of your images are available for you to view about one – two weeks after the shoot. Once you have selected and paid for the prints it is about another week for them to arrive.

If you select the flat fee option you will receive your CD with all the best images, cropped and edited, ready for viewing and printing three – four weeks after payment has been received.

I don’t have any ideas for locations, could you suggest some?

Absolutely. I have several locations where I like to shoot. I would be glad to discuss locations with you during a consultation session.

What is a consultation session and do I have to pay for one?

A consultation session is where I meet with the student and one or more parent/guardian to discuss what you are looking for in your images. We will discuss how the process works, what outfits you plan to wear, date, time and location of the shoot and other similar topics.

There is no charge for the consultation.

What retouching/editing is included?

My fees include basic image editing to crop, adjust coloring and brightness, remove blemishes and soften lines. It does not include removing braces, reflections/distortion for glasses, stray hairs, sunburns, objects, etc.

Can I bring props?

Sure, many people like to do shots reflecting their interests (sports, music, etc). Sports or band uniforms, sporting equipment and musical instruments are all great props. I would like for us to discuss what you have in mind before hand.

My school has a contract with another photographer. Do I have to get my senior portraits for them? Can I have them do my shot for the yearbook and have you do my other senior portrait shots?

Many schools have contracts with preferred photographers. Most, if not all of these contracted photographers do excellent work. Unfortunately for the student, the prices charged by the contract photographers can be high and not all of them are flexible when it comes to shooting on location. However, the schools cannot force you to hire the contract photographers to do your portraits or your yearbook photo.

Having the contract photographer shoot your yearbook photo, does have some advantages from the school’s point of view. It helps them get a consistent look for the yearbook. I have no problem with my clients using the contract photographer for their yearbook image and having me shoot their other portraits.

How does the hourly rate work?

If you choose the hourly rate option, the clock starts once we are at the first location and are set up ready to shoot. It stops once we have finished shooting at our last location, prior to me breaking down and storing my equipment. So the initial setup and last breakdown of equipment is not charged to you.

Where is your studio?

I do not work out of a studio. That is the main reason I am able to keep my prices low. I do have portable backgrounds, lights, reflectors, diffusers that I use on location to produce high quality images.