What is a Photo Shoot?

A Photo Shoot is when we take your pictures. A senior Photo Shoot is comprised of any combinations of the six Shoot Styles (background choices). You may also add the special Friend’s Add-on to your Photo Shoot. You will be loaned a beautiful ImageBook to take home. The ImageBook illustrates the poses that were taken during your session. The number and types of Shoot Styles you have chosen determines how long your Photo Shoot will take.

What is a Photo Shoot Fee?

The Photo Shoot fee is the total cost of all the Shoot Styles you choose. The Photo Shoot fee reserves your appointment and insures that you will have the best photography available. The fee is not used towards your portraits and is not a deposit.

Photo Shoot Fees are paid in advance in order to reserve your appointment. When you call the studio to schedule your senior Photo Shoot, please have your MasterCard or Visa credit card ready. You may also pay by check, but we MUST receive your payment within TWO DAYS from scheduling your session.

What is a Shoot Style?

Shoot Styles are backgrounds, and locations. You design your Photo Shoot by choosing the Shoot Styles you like. Each Shoot Style is priced separately. For example, there are indoor, outdoor, and on-location settings.

How Many Shoot Styles Can I Select From?

There are 6 Shoot Styles: Studio, White Room, Outdoors, About You, Downtown, The Extreme.

Can I Duplicate the Same Shoot Style More Than Once?

You may choose all different Shoot Styles or "double up" on a favorite. You can even choose the same Shoot Style for your entire Photo Shoot! For each Shoot Style, we take lots of poses. You may bring 2-4 outfits and you and your photographer will select the outfit(s) to wear for each Shoot Style. Please remember that the longer time you take in the dressing room for each Shoot Style, the less time we have for photography. WE WILL NEED TO KNOW WHAT SHOOT STYLES AND HOW MANY YOU ARE CHOOSING IN ORDER TO SCHEDULE YOUR PHOTO SHOOT APPOINTMENT.

The Friends Add-on Session.

We have a Special Friends Session just for you! You can have one friend, a bunch of your friends, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or your siblings photographed with you during your session. (Please, no family groups. Call the studio for more information about our Family Portrait Special going on now.)

You must schedule one Friend’s Session for each grouping of friends you want. Please tell us how many Friends Sessions you want when you schedule your senior Photo Shoot appointment.

Sessions with your friends can be scheduled on different days with a small day-change charge.

Please see "Pictures Taken With My Friends?"

Hair.

Make sure you check your hair each time you leave the dressing room. (You might want to bring some hair spray to help hold the look for your pictures.) There is also a mirror in the camera room that you can ask to use any time you’d like.

If you’re bringing someone with you to your Photo Shoot you might want to designate them as the official “hair police” if you are at all concerned about how your hair will look.

Remember, the less fussing with your hair during your Photo Shoot means more poses and pictures to choose from later!

Make up for guys and girls.

For guys and girls, we suggest using foundation to cover any face and neck redness and zits. Standard retouching does NOT remove red blotches or uneven skin tone on your face or body.

If you wear makeup, you’ll want to have some in your portraits. Remember that a little goes a long way so don’t overdo it. Pay special attention to your eyes and lips, as they will be the first things people will see in your portraits. If you don’t use colored lipstick, try some clear lip-gloss to give your lips a little shine and to keep them from looking dry and cracked.

Also—avoid glitter makeup, which leaves small white dots on your skin in your photographs. You will not like the way glitter makeup appears in photographs, so please do not use it!

Licensed Beautician On Staff.

We have a licensed beautician on staff: The Professional Makeup Application for $40 includes hair touch-up and makeup for your personality. If you want a hair “up-do or flat iron” add $35. When you schedule your session appointment, let us know you want the Professional Makeup Application so that we can coordinate the licensed beautician’s arrival and your session. We will allow enough time before your session for the makeup application. Please remember to bring your own mascara.

Let us know you want the beautician’s services as soon as possible so that we can coordinate the licensed beautician’s arrival with your session time. We will allow enough time before your session for the makeup application.

Arrival Time/Home Preparation.

See your confirmation letter for exact time for arrival. Please arrive for your Photo Shoot with your hair styled and your makeup on. You may do last minute hair and makeup touch-ups in your dressing room.

Glasses.

If you wear glasses all the time, you’ll definitely want to wear them for your portraits. To eliminate distracting glare and reflections, call your optician and arrange to either borrow a pair of empty frames like yours or have the lenses removed from your own frames. Most opticians will gladly do this for free if you give them a few days’ notice. This is the most important way to improve your portraits if you wear glasses. If you choose to wear your glasses with the lenses in, keep in mind that removing glass glare from your photographs will be done at your expense.

Suntan...To Do Or Not To Do.

It’s very important that you avoid spending too much time in the sun or the tanning booth just before your Photo Shoot. We can easily make you look more tanned in your portraits, but it’s almost impossible to fix a sunburned or peeling face. Tan lines from swimsuits or tank tops can be corrected, but at your expense, not ours.

Suntans are blotchy. Most skin does not tan evenly and this really shows in photographs. Too much sun darkens your skin unnaturally, dries out your hair, makes your skin appear shiny and greasy and shows bags under your eyes.

Dark tans will make your face look flat, dull, and unnatural.

Peeling and dry skin shows! We therefore strongly suggest that you “under-do” your sun exposure prior to your Photo Shoot, rather than overdoing it.

Sunburn.

Sunburn is a real problem. Don’t overdo the sun until after your Photo Shoot. Plan your Shoot around your summer vacation beach days.

Sunburns and red blotchy skin areas are NOT included in regular retouching. Sunburned skin can be corrected, but at your expense, not ours. Please let us know you want the red areas removed at the time of your order, and we will quote correction fees at that time.

Zits.

As part of our service, each one of the poses for our creative Photo Shoots will have basic retouching, and each one of the poses you have made into finished portraits will get blemish retouching at no extra charge.

To make the retouching less obvious, use a little cover-up makeup on any problem areas. Our “zit-zappers” are the best in the industry, and will endeavor to give your portraits a smooth, natural complexion. Be sure to ask in advance if you have any questions about this at all.

Shave?

Guys, remember to shave just before coming to the studio. Check closely in the mirror to make sure you didn’t miss any areas.

Choose Flattering Styles & Colors.

Loud patterns, large checks and stripes tend to be distracting in portraits. Solid colors draw attention to your expression instead of to your outfit.

Avoid strong contrast between pants and shirt. If you have a dark shirt or sweater, wear dark pants or jeans with it. If you have a light top, keep the pants light, too. This serves to keep the attention to your expression, not what you’re wearing.

What colors work best? Be sure to follow the clothing suggestions listed for the particular “Shoot Styles” you have selected.

Wearing clothing that is too tight can add pounds to you. Be sure that your outfits fit well - especially fabrics that don't stretch.

Most importantly, wear what you like. If you like what you have on, you’ll love your portraits!

Variety.

If one of your outfits is light colored, bring another that is dark. If one outfit is dressier, bring another that’s casual. If one is short-sleeved or sleeveless, bring another that’s long-sleeved. If you’re wearing shorts with one outfit, make sure you have long pants for another. Outfit variety helps make your portraits more interesting. Bring lots of choices!

Bring Extra Outfits.

If you want, you may bring additional outfits and together we can choose the best one for each Shoot Style. Be sure to follow the clothing suggestions listed for the particular "Shoot Styles" you have selected.

Jewelry.

Do not wear flat, shiny jewelry such as the herringbone necklaces.

Studio.

For more traditional backgrounds and posing, bring more formal outfits such as sport jackets, sweaters, turtlenecks, dress shirts with ties, dresses or blouses. Keep the clothing medium to dark in color, long sleeves and solid colors (avoid patterns, stripes or whites). For other backgrounds and poses, anything goes. We can choose a background that looks best with your clothing. If you want to show hands in your portrait, long sleeves are best, but do your own thing. If you wear light colors, we will use light color backgrounds. If you wear darker colors, we’ll use darker backgrounds.

The White Room.

For a soft, subtle look in the white room, the clothing should be in very light colors, such as whites, off whites, light grays and pastels. You can even wear a prom dress or tuxedo. Your slacks or skirts should also be light. If bringing jeans, make sure they are very light or faded. Long sleeves are best. To make a bold statement in the White Room, you can wear bright colors or black.

The Extreme.

New for this year, The Extreme is you doing what you do best, in the location you do it—on the track, in the pool, in the air, at the rink, on the diamond, at the 18th green, in the stable or anything else you do. You can’t get this anywhere else!

Outdoors.

Bring dark colors for the bottoms. Bring medium to dark colors for the top. When light colored bottoms are worn, the eye goes right to the hips and tummy in the finished portrait! Clothing that has deep, rich colors are beautiful outdoors. Great colors for outdoors are medium to dark greens, browns, navy, black, rich jewel colors, royal blue, bright pinks, purples, burgundy, rust. Solid colors are best, but subdued plaids and prints are fine as long as the patterns are very muted.

Please do not wear whites, pastels, or light colors on neither tops nor bottoms. Wear long or 3/4 length sleeves. Avoid bare arms and shoulders. Wearing light colors outdoors adds pounds to your body, making you look larger than you really are, and can look blotchy white with no detail.

About You.

You name it! This is the Shoot Style to bring your pets, car, truck, bike, or motorcycle! Musical instruments, sports memorabilia, uniforms, collections, hobbies, horses (need advance notice for these large pets), are just a few ideas! Wear what you like!

Downtown.

Anything goes! Bring props such as hats, sunglasses, iPod, motorcycle, etc.

Friends Add-on Session.

Since the Friends Add-on is photographed in one of the Shoot Styles you have chosen for your Photo Shoot, you can wear the outfit you wore for that Shoot Style. Remember, every time you change your outfits within the Shoot Style means less photography time. Your friends should coordinate with your outfit. For each friends group, select one Shoot Style from your Photo Shoot. You may change Shoot Styles for your friends - there is a small fee. Call the studio for complete details.

What to Expect.

First, expect to have a great time, because you will! It’s OK to be a little nervous at first, but you’ll soon relax with our easy going manner and super creative photography.

Arrival Time.

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled Photo Shoot time to look at sample backgrounds and poses, fill out paperwork, check your outfits and freshen up. We will spend a few minutes with you to find out which photographic styles and backgrounds you like best. Remember, we want you to have fun - and being late will only result in your feeling rushed and less time spent on your photography.

I’m running late, what do I do?

Please leave yourself extra time to get to the studio. There is a lot of construction in the summer, detours, flat tires, car issues, and just plain getting lost! Your Photo Shoot was scheduled with a specific amount of time allotted. If you are late, we may not be able to do all the Shoot Styles you wanted. Photo Shoot fees are not refunded or credited if you are late. Call the studio as soon as possible if you are going to be late.

Friends.

Friends being photographed with you should plan on arriving at the same time you do. Don’t forget, you needed to have pre-scheduled for friend sessions.

Music.

Don’t forget your music. We have iPod docks in the camera rooms. All music styles welcome here!

Bring Your Clothing.

You will have a private dressing room and you will be able to leave your stuff in there during your Photo Shoot. Be prepared to be a ‘quick change artist’ in the dressing room between outfits—the faster you change, the more time there will be for you to get creative portraits.

Bring more outfits than you need to. If you can’t decide what to wear, bring a bunch of stuff and we’ll help you pick the outfits that will flatter you the most.

What to Wear First.

If you have chosen Studio as one of your Shoot Styles, come dressed in one of those outfits, as we’ll start with that Shoot Style first. If your outfit will be wrinkled from either sitting or the car’s seatbelts, change into your first outfit at the studio.

Makeup.

The studio can have our licensed beautician apply your makeup or you can apply your own. Please call the studio for complete information about our professionally applied makeup.

Guys.

Shave just before leaving for your Photo Shoot! Watch out for the easily missed areas: jaw line, under the upper lip and below the bottom lip, and cheeks. Retouching those missed areas will be done at your expense.

Don’t forget to dab a little cover up makeup on those noticeable blemishes - it will make each photo in the ImageBook look a lot nicer!

Can I change a Shoot Style?

If you change your mind about a Shoot Style, please call us as soon as possible. We have scheduled the camera rooms needed for your Photo Shoot – and a camera room may not be available. It is much harder to add a Shoot Style to your appointment. We will try to accommodate you, but it may be necessary to move your appointment or Shoot Style to another day. (There may be a fee for last minute rescheduling).

Bring Someone with You.

Have someone come to help and watch. Feel free to bring a parent, friend or sibling along so they can help you with your clothing and hair, and to make you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Since there is only seating for two others in the camera room, any more than two guests will be asked to sit in the waiting room. Everyone from your party can come to the Downtown and Outdoor Shoot Styles.

Do I Need to Bring Money?

Your Photo Shoot fee was prepaid to reserve your appointment time. If you scheduled your appointment during one of our sales, bring your coupons. Friend’s Session deposits are to be paid at the time of your Photo Shoot.

What if it Rains.

If you plan to have some of your poses taken Outdoors or Downtown but it looks like rain, come for your appointment. Summer and autumn showers come and go quickly - it might still be raining where you are, but sunny here. We will still photograph the indoor part of your Photo Shoot even though we may have to reschedule the outside part (or you can change to an indoor Shoot Style - if a camera room is available. Be sure to bring an appropriate outfit for an indoor Shoot Style.) If you have any questions about weather and your Photo Shoot, give us a call – you may just hear from us first!

Special Friend's Package.

This add-on session has a session fee and a minimum order of 1 5x7 and 1 wallet for each person in the group, in addition to your regular senior portrait order. There are other details concerning the Friends Add-on Session. Please call the studio for complete info.

Let Us Know in Advance.

Let us know you would like the Friend’s Session when you schedule your Creative Photo Shoot so that we may allow enough time in the appointment book for these extra poses. Please tell us how many different friends’ groupings you want.

What Background?

Friends are photographed in one of the Shoot Styles you have already selected for your Photo Shoot. Your friends will be photographed at the same time we photograph you in that Shoot Style.

What to Wear.

You can wear the same outfit you wore for that Shoot Style. Please remember that the more time you spend in the dressing room, the fewer images we can take. Your friends should follow the clothing suggestions for that Shoot Style also.

If you wish to change your Photo Shoot Style outfit for your Friend’s Session there is a change of outfit fee of $10. Since this change of outfit involves more time, please tell us about the outfit change when you schedule your Photo Shoot so we may add enough time to your appointment. If you forget to tell us of this outfit change, you may not be able to change to a different outfit for your Friend’s Session.

When Should Your Friends Arrive?

You should plan on having your friends arrive at the studio at the same time you do. Friends will be photographed with you at the same time you are doing your Shoot Style. If friends are late, and we have already photographed you in that Shoot Style, we will not be able to photograph the friends. The Friend’s Session fee will not be refunded.

Cancellations.

If your friend has to cancel and can’t come to the Photo Shoot, PLEASE KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENT! Please ask your friends to commit to this session date and time. Remind them to schedule their work schedule around this appointment and that you will lose the Friend’s Session fee should you cancel last minute.

What is a Yearbook Photo?

A yearbook photo is the picture you submit to your school’s yearbook staff for the senior section. Most schools now require submissions to be an image file on a CD.

What are the Yearbook Requirements?

Each school has different requirements for submission, background, pose, deadlines, size, color or black and white, photo or image file on CD, plus other publishing details. In most cases your yearbook advisor has notified us of your school’s requirements. Please remember that it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure your yearbook picture meets all school requirements and your picture has arrived at the school prior to the deadline.

Can I submit a Duval Photo to my Yearbook?

Yes, most schools will accept a Duval image for their yearbook. We will provide your school with an image file on CD or a photo for the yearbook that follows all the requirements, plus we provide all the portraits you need for yourself, family, and friends. However, there are a small number of schools that require the seniors to have their pictures taken for the senior section of their yearbook by the studio that the school has chosen. This is called exclusivity. Even though you may be required to have your picture taken for the yearbook by the contracted photographer, you can still go to any photographer you want for your senior portraits for family and friends.

Is Yearbook Exclusivity Legal?

The law states that you CANNOT be charged any fees for the session or glossy when a school requires seniors to go to a school-chosen photographer for their picture to be in the yearbook. You are also NOT REQUIRED to purchase any photos from the school photographer. In other words, you may be forced to go to the school photographer, but you must not be charged anything. Some studios use extreme high-pressure tactics to lead you to believe that you have to go to them for the yearbook pictures and your purchases. Most schools do not have an exclusivity contract! Be an informed consumer! Please ask us about your school’s policy and we will help you in any way we can.

Photo Shoot Fees.

Photo Shoot fees and Friend’s Session fees are paid in advance to reserve your appointment. Friend’s deposits are paid at the time of your Photo Shoot. Photo Shoot and Friend’s fees are not refundable and are not used towards your order. See our guarantee for more information.

Minimum Orders.

There is a minimum portrait purchase requirement. The number of Shoot Styles chosen determines the minimum:

1 Shoot Style          $150 min. order
2 Shoot Styles         $175 min. order
3+ Shoot Styles       $225 min. order

Cancellations.

Please avoid canceling your Photo Shoot if at all possible. Arrange your work or school schedule so you may keep your appointment. If you must cancel, chances are we may not be able to reschedule your appointment before your yearbook deadline date. Please give us at least 10 days notice if you need to cancel. If you fail to give us at least 7 days notice, Photo Shoot and Friend’s fees will be forfeited. Please understand that we may not be able to fill your appointment slot if you should cancel last minute. In the summer months, we have a waiting list for appointments. If you are doing the Outdoors and it’s raining, come to the studio for the rest of your Photo Shoot anyway. We do not reschedule the entire Photo Shoot.

Deposits.

When you pick up your ImageBook, a $250 deposit is required for Creative Photo Shoots. The deposits paid go toward your minimum portrait order and is subtracted from your balance when you place your order.

The ImageBook.

The ImageBook is a beautiful book containing the photographs we took during your Photo Shoot. The ImageBook is loaned to you to help in your package ordering. This ImageBook may be purchased after you have placed your portrait order. The ImageBook is priced according to a sliding scale. Please call the studio for more information.

Picking Up the ImageBook.

The ImageBook from your Photo Shoot cannot leave the studio without your DEPOSIT and APPOINTMENT to return them - no exceptions please! All pickups are by appointment. The ImageBook is the property of the studio and must be returned to the studio within three days and in excellent condition. If you are not satisfied with the images from your Photo Shoot, you must contact the studio within 24 hours in order to quality for the studio’s exclusive guarantee.

Placing Your Order.

All orders require a 75% deposit to be made to begin processing your order. Deposits (not Photo Shoot fees) are used towards the 75%. If you don’t keep the appointment to return the ImageBook and it is out over three business days from pickup date, all coupons and specials will be voided. If the ImageBook is not returned within one week, you must buy the ImageBook at the full price. If a deposit to start the order is not received within 30 days, the studio has the right to void prices and specials and to adjust to current A la Carte pricing as the studio can no longer honor any specials or discounts. We also have layaway programs.

If you are not satisfied with your portraits, you must contact the studio within 24 hours in order to qualify for the studio’s exclusive guarantee. The image files and the ImageBooks are the property of the studio.

Copyright.

Duval photos are copyrighted. According to copyright laws, Photography by Duval images and portraits must not be copied. For your convenience, Duval offers photographic novelties such as mugs and mouse pads, FaceBook and MySpace images, and images for your digital frame. Graduation invitations and announcements are also available at the studio.

Yearbook Glossies.

It is the customer’s responsibility to see that the school has received your yearbook photo (or image file) and that the submission follows school policies. Photography by Duval will not be responsible for any yearbook photo (or image file) that is not accepted by the school, that is an incorrect size, pose, background, format, deadline, is omitted from the yearbook for any reason, non-submission, or for any other reason not stated.