How to Save Money on Senior Pictures

One of the many expenses of the final year in high school is senior pictures. There are some ways that you can cut your costs by half or even more. Don't worry, you'll have enough other ways to spend the money!

Things You'll Need

• phone book (yellow pages)
• phone
• paper and pen for notes

Instructions

1. Have a chat with your teen about what they are hoping for with regard to their senior pics. You may find that they want a very simple experience.

   Some things to consider together include:
   ~ How many wallet size photos do you anticipate needing?
   ~ Do you want a very large photo, or is that not of interest? A framed 16"x20" photo can easily add $100 to your total cost.
   ~ Do they want to have photos in their sports uniform, with an instrument, or in several outfits?
   ~ When do they need to turn in their photo for the yearbook?

   Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to determine what kind of studio you will go to and what kind of session you will be booking.

2. Most high school seniors get loads of solicitations from portrait studios and area photographers. Read through them, and then start calling. Check out your yellow pages for any you might be missing. Don't make any appointments just yet. Get some information based on the needs you have.

3. Don't eliminate some very inexpensive options. Target Portrait Studios, for example, can come through with some very nice photos. You are not locked in to any real expense if it doesn't go well. Target, Sears, JC Penneys and the like frequently have very good deals, take coupons even on senior pictures, and offer many options for reorders at a low cost as well.

4. Set up the appointment. If you going to use a coupon or other promotion double check that it can be applied to senior picture.

5. Try not to buy on the spot. Most studios will show you a digital slide show shortly after the photo shoot. You will save money if you take time to think, rather than make impulsive purchases.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull all your coupons and flyers together before calling. If you have specific needs make sure that each studio you are considering can meet those needs.

• Beware of the fine print. Some studios will not let you use coupons on senior pictures. Other studios encourage it.

• Give yourself time to think on it, and look at the pictures again