frequently asked questions
When do you usually schedule senior sessions?
Sessions usually take place on a week day morning or evening, within two hours of sunrise or two hours of sunset. These exact times vary throughout the year based on the season! During the summer, when the days are longer, morning sessions start earlier (as early as 6:30PM) and begin later (beginning as late as 7:00PM). During the fall timeframe, sessions start a little later in the morning (closer to 7:30/8:00AM) and earlier in the evening (closer to 4:00/4:30PM).
How far in advance do you suggest I schedule?
I suggest scheduling anywhere from 1 to 3 months in advance. If you would like your photos taken August through October, I recommend contacting me as early as possible (at least in the spring timeframe for the best selection of dates)! Session time slots for those months tend to book the fastest! I also have an email list that you are welcome to sign up for, where I release my calendar dates as soon as they go live. Click here to sign up!
How long will it take to get my full senior gallery?
You will receive your full portrait gallery within four to six weeks after your session. You will receive a few previews within just a few days!
What happens if it rains the day of my session?
The week before your session, I’ll be watching the weather to make sure everything looks peachy. But if it looks like there’s going to be inclement weather the day of your session, I’ll reach out a few days in advance to start formulating a game plan. We’ll figure out the best time to make the “final call” of whether we need to postpone your session or not (usually the day of or day before the session, with the very BEST time being a few hours before our start time, or as close to start time as you’re willing to go!) and then reschedule from there. I keep a certain number of days open per month as “rain dates” in case sessions need to be rescheduled!
Will you send my yearbook photo to the yearbook staff for me?
Of course! Let me know in advance if you will need me to send out your portrait for you, and when it needs to be sent by! I will have a questionnaire for seniors to fill out when they book, where they can put all of that information for me to check out!
Do you retouch my photos?
Yes! All of the photos in your final gallery will be color corrected, with small blemishes removed. Additional editing (teeth whitening and intensive skin retouching) can be added onto the purchase of your package at the time of booking (or after, if you want to add it on later!)
Will my photos be watermarked when I receive them?
Nope! All of the photos delivered in your final gallery that you download (however many are included in your package) will be unwatermarked!
Do I have to print my photos through you?
Absolutely not! When your finally gallery is delivered, you will also receive a digital PDF “print release,” which means you can print your photos wherever and whenever you would like! Some print labs will ask to see this print release when you order, so be sure to keep it somewhere safe!
However, I do recommend printing with me if you want the most accurate versions of your photographs printed. I can ensure the quality of my print labs, but cannot ensure others. (You are welcome to order printed products straight through your online gallery!)
Do you book sessions on weekends?
The majority of my sessions are scheduled on weekdays in the evenings. Because I’m also a wedding photographer, my weekends during the spring, summer, and fall are typically busy with weddings!
When is the best time to have my senior photos taken?
Most seniors opt to have their senior photos taken the summer before their senior year. Sometimes it can be tough to book a session with a senior’s busy schedule during the school year! But really, there’s no ‘wrong’ time to book your session. Choose your favorite season, and go from there!
Do you have any recommendations for hair or makeup artists?
Yes - please email me directly (jhidingerphotography@gmail.com) for a list of recommendations for trusted professionals in the area!
Do you have any location recommendations?
Below are my all time favorite locations for senior portraits! these locations all have great light and offer a variety of different backdrops within a short walking distance.
HARTWOOD ACRES MANSION
This is my favorite location, and is by far the most popular choice among my seniors! There are TONS of backdrops to work with within a short distance, including gardens (in the late, summer, and early fall), historic architecture, and wooded areas. It’s really a great “catch all” as far as a photo location goes!
MORAINE STATE PARK
Moraine State Park has lots of gorgeous, natural features - including fields, forests, and a scenic lake! This is one of my favorite parks to take senior photos at.
HISTORIC HARMONY
This is another favorite spot of mine because of the variety! This location has lots of bright pops of color and many historic buildings to work with. Historic Harmony is located about 25 minutes North of Pittsburgh. This location requires a permit to shoot at, which I am able to acquire for our time together.
NORTH PARK
MELLON PARK
Mellon Park is a great location for those who want mostly nature photos, but with some architectural elements thrown in. This location is located near Shady Side in Pittsburgh. It is very popular for photos, so there will probably be lots of other photo sessions taking place there!
MCCONNELL’S MILL
McConnell’s Mill State Park is located North of Pittsburgh, and is a great option for a senior who wants mainly nature-focused photos! It’s very woodsy and has lots of thick vegetation, as well as a covered bridge, wooden mill, and stream.
SUCCOP NATURE PARK
Succop Nature Park is a beautiful choice for a senior photo location! The park has fields, fences, a willow tree, a restored barn, and a small pond on the property, as well as house. It’s a good mix of nature and architecture, and always has beautiful light during sunset!
MELLON INSTITUTE & PITT’S CAMPUS
Oakland has lots of beautiful architecture for a more “upscale” senior photo look! Mellon Institute, Heinz Chapel, and the Cathedral of Learning are a few of my favorite spots in Oakland. All are pictured below!
NORTH SHORE RIVERWALK
The North Shore Riverwalk is a great spot for a senior who wants to showcase the city in their photos! The yellow bridges and city skyline make for some iconic Pittsburgh images! (Just be careful not to schedule a session during a Pirates or Steelers game!).
THE STRIP DISTRICT
The Strip District is a great location for that classic Pittsburgh feel! There are some nice views of the city, but also some colorful and unique backdrops.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
One of my favorite ways to answer questions is through my blog! Check out the popular blogs below to see if any of your senior Q’s can be answered, or reach out using the contact tab in the navigation above to start a conversation! ☺️
