When you hire a professional photographer for your Senior Class Pictures, you are not simply hiring someone to stand behind the camera and push the button for you. You are hiring someone who knows about lighting and proper exposure, someone who can explain to you what an f-stop is, and how depth of field can impact your image. Not only are you hiring someone to take your pictures, but you are hiring their talent and experience to ensure that you will have well composed and well exposed images. Anyone can "take a picture" but it is not as easy to consistently produce quality images over and over again.

One of the most important things is the photographer's personality. Choose someone that you feel comfortable with on a personal level. Also, do you like the samples that the photographer presents to you? Make sure the lighting in the images is correct - are there hard shadows or is the lighting smooth and natural? Does the photographer allow you an adequate amount of pose options or do they require you choose from 10 or 15 standard poses. I allow you to choose from hundreds of different poses including indoor and outdoor poses.

I am a Full Time, professional photographer and have been providing photography service throughout Western Pennsylvania since 1980. In that time I have  provided exceptional service to thousands of customers both in my studio and on location. I have been the exclusive photographer for many of the local school districts over the past several years.

You can immediately view several recent samples of my work on this web site. To do this, visit the Photo Gallery by clicking HERE. Also, I would be happy to schedule an appointment for you to come to the studio so that we can discuss your senior portraits and I can show additional samples of my work.

At Jeff Hartzell Photography there is never a "Sitting Fee".

You can choose up to 15 different poses for your senior portraits. We have assembled the most extensive collection of high school senior poses in the area. There are literally hundreds of poses available and we are adding more all of the time. You can instantly view and choose your poses on our web site by clicking HERE.

A $40.00 retainer is due at the time of the appointment. This is NOT a sitting fee. This retainer is applied to the balance of your order. The balance is due with the placement of your final order.

All previews prints remain the property of Jeff Hartzell Photography unless purchased. Printed previews must be returned to the studio within 30 days after they are picked up, or you will be billed for them.

All High School Senior Portrait prices include negative retouching. Retouching will remove blemishes and will soften facial lines. Most other photographers charge more for this service.

Digital retouching is available at an additional charge, to fix hair or clothing that is out of place, remove glare on glasses, strap marks, freckles or braces. Please inquire as to pricing as it will vary depending on what needs done. Previews are not retouched.

Absolutely, props can help to show your personality and record the types of activities you are involved in. I encourage you to bring some of your own props to your portrait session. Here are some ideas: Musical Instrument, Pet, Sports Equipment, Uniform, Bike, Automobile, Sunglasses, Stuffed Animal.

I will store your images on CD for you for 5 years. You are able to reorder prints at any time during this period.  

After your sitting, I immediately order your previews. I will mail the previews to you and you should receive them approximately 1 1/2 weeks after your sitting. Your final order will be ready approximately 2 weeks after your order is returned to the studio.

If you return your order within 7 days of receiving your previews, you will receive a 5% discount on your entire order. Your order must be paid in full at this time and re-orders are not eligible.

It is never too early to have your high school senior portraits taken. I recommend that you have them taken during the summer months, prior to your senior year, since most seniors are busy during the school year with after school activities and sports. You will also want to check with your school to see when their deadline is for yearbook photographs to be submitted. You will need to allow at least 6 weeks before this deadline. When calling to schedule an appointment you will typically need to plan about 2 weeks in advance. However, we will attempt to accommodate rush appointments when possible.

If you live a long distance from the studio, you may mail your order back and include a $5.00 shipping charge. I will then ship your order to you so that you only need to make one trip to the studio for your sitting.